Call for Volunteer Board Members - Elephant Artist Relief Society

Call for Volunteer Board Members – Join Elephant Artist Relief Society (EAR)

Deadline to submit expression of interest: May 20, 2025
New board term begins at AGM: May 28, 2025

Are you passionate about the arts and committed to supporting the wellbeing of artists of all disciplines in Calgary? Do you want to help shape a more sustainable and inclusive future for our creative community? Elephant Artist Relief Society (EAR) is currently seeking new volunteer board members to help guide the organization through its next chapter.

Elephant Artist Relief Society (EAR) is a registered charity based in Calgary, Alberta, dedicated to supporting artists across all disciplines (visual arts, music, literary, theatre, dance, poetry, film and more). Our mission is to provide practical resources that sustain the well-being and livelihoods of artists, thereby enriching the cultural fabric of our community.

To achieve these goals EAR offers emergency financial relief, referrals and resources on topics such as health and wellness, social service supports, and fiscal management; hosts workshops and seminars on professional development, entrepreneurial activities, and wellness issues specific to artists’ needs and hosts Studio E, our bi-monthly online peer meet-up that foster belonging, informal mentorship, and professional exchange among artists.

We are committed to equity, compassion, and advocacy, ensuring that artists can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.

We are looking for thoughtful, community-minded individuals—especially those with lived experience in the arts, non-profit governance, community programming, marketing, or fundraising.

EAR is an inclusive organization and welcomes people of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities.

This is an exciting time to join EAR as we:

• Expand programming focused on artist health, wellness, and professional development;
• Undertake a strategic planning process to define our next five years;
• Develop new programs and partnerships to better serve Calgary’s diverse artistic community.

If you're interested in helping steer a unique, artist-led organization and make a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply, please send a brief expression of interest (max 500 words) outlining your background, your interest in EAR, and what you hope to contribute as a board member to:
president@elephantartistrelief.com
Subject line: EAR Board Application

-OR-

You can also fill the following form: EAR Prospective Board of Directors Questionnaire

Board Member Role Description

As a volunteer board member of EAR, you will:

• Serve a renewable one-year term, beginning June 2025
• Attend monthly board meetings (approx. 2 hours) via Zoom or in person
• Participate in board discussions, policy planning, and program oversight
• Contribute to at least one subcommittee (e.g. finance, programming, fundraising, marketing)
• Support the development of programs and partnerships that meet the evolving needs of Calgary’s artists
• Act as a community ambassador for EAR and help broaden our reach

We welcome individuals with experience or interest in:

• The arts or non-profit governance
• Community engagement and equity-based programs
• Fund development, partnerships, or marketing

If you care deeply about Calgary’s artists and want to help build a stronger and more equitable arts community, we hope you’ll consider joining us.

Questions? Contact: admin@elephantartistrelief.com
 www.elephantartistrelief.com