Call for Submissions

March 20, 2025 - the official first day of Spring. Yet I just drove to work with snow on the ground. This dichotomy used to cause me grief until I started to take note of the small local changes in season and appreciate natures more subtle brushstrokes.

This practice was one of the inspirations of “Nom Chomp”, our upcoming video game where the Nom makes their way through painted landscapes representing Alberta’s seasons.Following the inspiration of seasons has led to us to the art of Haiku. This form of poetry historically includes allusions to the seasons and we would like to incorporate a poem at the end of each round of gameplay.

The challenge for this competition is to write a traditional or modern haiku (not requiring the 5-7-5 structure) reflecting on your personal experience of ‘Spring in Alberta’. As the Nom moves through the world by eating, additional consideration will be given to poems that reference related terms (such as savouring, tasting, eating, etc.).

The submission period opens May 1, 2025, and will close May 28, 2025, at 11:59 pm. MST. Each participant may enter only once, submitting a maximum of two original, self-authored haiku via email to hoby@copperkettlegameoworks.ca . Please submit unpublished work.

There will be one official winner and four honourable mentions chosen by the crew at Copper Kettle with the guidance of Haiku author Tim Sampson. Winners will be notified by e-mail in early June and then publicly announced June 5th, 2025.

The official winner will receive: Their poetry featured in the game. Their poetry featured on a printed art poster. A cash prize of $120 CAD. A copy of the game upon release. A copy of the printed art poster Various features across social media.

The four honourable mentions will receive: Their poetry included in the game. A cash prize of $20 CAD Various features across social media.

The third annual Sheep River Artist in Residence program (the residency) has been developed to encourage the artistry of established or emerging Alberta artists. 

Artists of any field — writers, historians, painters, sculptors, musicians, sound artists, performers, videographers, etc. — are invited to apply for this this unique opportunity in the stunning community of Okotoks, Alberta. 

The Selection Committee encourages creative proposals that connect with, contribute to and/or align with the community of Okotoks. The residence program will last for four weeks during the month of September, which falls during Alberta Culture Days and Month of the Artist in Okotoks. 

This is a funded residency, see link for more details. During this month, the selected resident will be required to: 

• Create a proposed body of work
• Introduce themselves to the community and present the goals for the residence at an opening reception/welcoming event early September 2025 at the Okotoks Art Gallery. 
• Hold office hours weekly at the Okotoks Art Gallery from September 1 to 13 and a second Town Facility (TBD) from September 14 to 27 to consult with and mentor local artists. 
• Be onsite during scheduled hours at the Okotoks Art Gallery and the Okotoks Public Library to interact with the public. The artist is required to be in residence for at least six hours per day five days a week, during the month of September.
• Visit at least one class or school event to talk about their art and their work. 
• Present the art they created during the residency at a closing presentation to Town Council. 
• Submit a final report, based on a series of provided questions, to the organizers. The residency is funded by the Okotoks Arts Council and is produced in partnership with the Town of Okotoks. 

For more information and to apply visit www.okotoks.ca/your-community/culture-heritage/culture-programs/artist-residence-program 

Deadline for Entry: May 19, 2025

Application Deadline July 9, 2025

Program Dates Jan 5, 2026 - Jan 30, 2026

Overview

The Audio Recording Engineer professional training program is a continuing education opportunity designed for emerging recording engineers with mature artistic insight, advanced practical skills, and either significant professional experience or a high level of professional training. Learning objectives have been integrated into artistic residency programs, inviting exciting opportunities for collaboration and connection in this redeveloped applied-learning program.

Participants will receive mentorship from experienced professionals, enhancing their technical abilities and learning about new equipment, software, and recording techniques while supporting selected musicians in the Banff Musicians in Residence (BMiR) 2026 program and the diverse recording needs of Banff Centre.

Description

Emerging Audio Engineers from around the world are invited to participate in our program to expand their technical proficiency, nurture creativity, and elevate their recording abilities in diverse genres of music. Successful applicants will benefit from: 

• Mentorship by international faculty, staff producers, engineers, and technologists.
• Experience recording live concerts in classical, jazz, world music, and contemporary genres, dependent on the repertoire of accepted musicians.
• Developing communication skills and interactive strategies to engage with musicians for an optimal recording experience.
• Gaining experience in studio recording sessions with diverse repertoire.
• A deepened knowledge of industry trends and best practices.
• Networking opportunities with other audio engineers, professional musicians, artists in other disciplines, and invited guests.
• Access to professionally equipped studio spaces.
• Materials/assets for professional portfolio.

Requirements 

Applicants should have a combination of formal training and/or professional experience or aptitude in audio engineering. Required skills include:

• A working knowledge of Pyramix, and ProTools is desirable.
• A practical understanding of file creation and management.
• Ability to participate collaboratively and thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Applicants should be able to manage resources, produce to schedule, and multitask effectively with strong time management, diplomacy, and communication skills. 

Please note, Banff Centre Professional training programs are instructed in English. 

• 100% scholarship covers tuition fees. Additionally, a 50% scholarship offsets meals and accommodation costs

Apply Now

The Allied Arts Council of Pincher Creek is a non-profit community arts organization that makes our home in the beautiful historic Lebel Mansion in Southern Alberta. 

We are currently accepting submissions for our 2026 season. We invite solo and group artists to apply for the 2026 exhibition season.

​Please visit our website for all the details, including an updated gallery submission information packet which will guide you through the process. 

We strive to host thought-provoking exhibitions that appeal to a diverse audience in order to expand understanding of the visual arts in the community. Our art gallery exhibits working artists at all levels of their artistic careers and curates dynamic exhibitions that showcase strong, current Canadian art. We provide a yearly exhibition schedule balancing local artists and artists from throughout Canada working in all mediums.

The Allied Arts Council of Pincher Creek’s preference is for exhibitions that are for sale, however we will consider submissions that do not include works for sale. The AAC has a commission rate of 30% on all sales in addition to paying artist fees. All exhibitions will be curated and installed by the AAC's Executive Director, Kassandra Chancey and/or experienced volunteers in coordination with the artist or group. 

If you are applying as a solo artist and we see potential for a group show collaboration amongst submissions will be in contact with you. 

​The 2026 exhibitions run for 6-8 consecutive weeks and artists are paid $1000 for showcasing their work. 

Deadline for submissions: 11:59 pm, Friday August 1, 2025