The Alberta Society of Artists Presents: 'Pointed Figures' by Alana Halliday
The Alberta Society of Artists is pleased to present “Pointed Figures”, a solo exhibition by Alana Halliday. About herself and the exhibition, Alana writes:
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Visual arts & new media
AFA Artist Spotlight - Jessica Plattner
Medicine Hat based artist, Jessica Plattner, was a successful applicant to the AFA’s Art Acquisition by Application (AAA) program in 2022. The program is designed to acquire contemporary works of art by any eligible Alberta artist.
Plattner’s piece, Exquisite Corpse, on display in the AFA art house exhibition, New Views, is a self-portrait based on a surrealist game in which each participant takes turns drawing a different body part (i.e. head, body, legs) on a piece of paper and then folds it to conceal their contribution. When everyone has taken a turn, the piece of paper is unfolded to reveal a unique figure.
Plattner’s work adapts this concept using a photograph of herself as well as contributions from her daughter to form a unique creation. The portrait captures her disjointed feelings during the time of production.
Watch as Plattner tells the story behind her work and what inspires her artistic practice.
View Jessica's Artist Spotlight
About the artist
Jessica Plattner is an American/Canadian artist living in Alberta. She earned a BFA from Washington University School of Fine Art in St. Louis, and an MFA in painting from Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia and Temple Rome, Italy. She has exhibited her work in the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Italy. Artist residencies include Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, The Vermont Studio Center, SACI (Studio Art Centers International) and a Fulbright Scholarship in Mexico. Recent exhibition venues include Gallery@501 in Edmonton, Art Center East Main Gallery in Oregon, the ASA Gallery in Calgary, Art Gallery of St. Albert, the Okotoks Art Gallery, the Esplanade Art Gallery in Medicine Hat, as well as biennial faculty exhibitions at Gallery One on One at Medicine Hat College. Her work is held in the public collections of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA), The City of Medicine Hat, the City of St. Albert, and several colleges and universities. She currently teaches in the Art & Design Program at Medicine Hat College and lives with her partner, artist/musician Dean Smale, their daughter Sofie, and their dog Caniche.
About the AFA art house
The AFA art house, located in the heart of downtown Calgary, is a space to for Albertans to see, discover, and experience the unique stories the artists of Alberta have to share. The Gallery will showcase works from the AFA Art Collection as well as other works from Alberta artists. The AFA art house is free to access.
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Jessica Plattner shares her experience applying and provides insight into the story behind her work and what inspires her artistic practice.
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AFA Artist Spotlight - Jessica Plattner
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Jessica Plattner shares her experience applying and provides insight into the story behind her work and what inspires her artistic practice.
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Jessica Plattner shares her experience applying and provides insight into the story behind her work and what inspires her artistic practice.
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All are invited to Art Buffet!
Every Wednesday
September 24 to December 3
12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Allard Hall Atrium- 11110 104 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB
Voluntary Based Arts Organizations Operating Funding
Grant subtitle
Annual funding for arts-based organizations that foster community connections and primarily rely on volunteers to operate.
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Apply Now: Link to GATE
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Voluntary Based Arts Organizations Operating Funding
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Annual funding for arts-based organizations that foster community connections and primarily rely on volunteers to operate.
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Voluntary Based Arts Organizations Operating Funding
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Annual funding for arts-based organizations that foster community connections and primarily rely on volunteers to operate.
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Overview
This grant provides annual funding to arts-based organizations that foster community connections and primarily rely on volunteers to carry out their mission and mandates.
Who can apply
Eligible Applicants
To be eligible for Volunteer Based Arts Organizations operating funding, organizations must:
- have public programming and participation in the film and video, literary, visual arts, and/or performing arts (dance, music, theatre) as their primary purpose and principal mandate, as stated in their incorporation documents.
- be legally registered and operating in Alberta for a minimum of one full fiscal year, and in good standing, under one of the following Acts:
Provincial Legislation:
- Societies Act of Alberta
- Companies Act of Alberta, Part 9 (Nonprofit companies)
Federal Legislation:
- Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act and registered in Alberta under Part 21 of the Business Corporations Act
- Special Act of the Parliament of Canada
- Income Tax Act of Canada, operating in the Province of Alberta as a charity
Eligible organizations must also:
- have an Alberta-based address
- have 50% or more of their board members living in Alberta
- demonstrate good governance principles, effective administration practices, and a commitment to fiscal responsibility
- operate as a stand-alone arts organization, at arms-length from municipalities, commercial enterprises, or organizations and institutions receiving annual operating funding from other Government of Alberta sources or their affiliates
First-time applicants:
If this is your organization’s first application for AFA operating funding, you must contact the AFA at least three months before the deadline for a preliminary eligibility assessment and program fit.
As a first-time applicant, your organization must provide board-approved financial statements that demonstrate the organization has positive net assets immediately prior to application.
Ineligible Organizations:
The following applicants are not eligible for AFA operating funding:
- municipalities
- for-profit organizations
- funding agencies or other funders
- organizations not registered under one of the above-mentioned Acts
- organizations that primarily benefit those outside of Alberta
- organizations engaged primarily in competition-based activities or events
- organizations focused on the applied arts including, but not limited to, gaming, architecture, interior design, commercial photography, graphic arts, and fashion design
- organizations that are eligible for operating funding under another AFA funding opportunity
- organizations with overdue or incomplete accounting/reporting related to any grant previously awarded by the AFA or Alberta Arts, Culture and Status of Women
- individual and collectives
What does this funding support?
This program supports arts organizations that foster a strong sense of community in the arts through the engagement of the voluntary sector. Funding supports a broad range of artistic activities, including the production, presentation, and dissemination of artistic works and/or providing artists with support in alignment with an organization’s mission and mandate.
This funding supports organizations that rely primarily on volunteers to foster a strong sense of community participation and shared purpose with minimal or no paid staff.
Acceptable use of funds:
AFA operating funding supports expenses including, but not limited to:
- fees for artists, curators, and technicians
- cultural protocol, including honoraria, tobacco offering and fees for Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Cultural Advisors
- production and programming
- marketing, communications, and promotion
- salaries and professional fees
- rent, utilities, and insurance
- maintenance of equipment, fixed assets, and costs for facility operations
- other expenses as required to fulfill your organization's mandate
Unacceptable use of funds:
AFA operating funding cannot be used for expenses including, but not limited to:
- scholarships, prizes, gratuities, and awards and payments for individual benefit
- endowment funds
- third-party funding to another organization, including donations, grants, scholarships, or prizes
- consignment fees
- capital costs for renovations or facility improvements, land or facility purchase, and major equipment and/or vehicle purchase
- bad debt or debt reduction
- other expenses deemed unreasonable by the AFA
How to apply
The AFA only accepts applications through Alberta’s Digital Grants Service (DGS). To access DGS and apply for funding, applicants must first register an Alberta.ca Account for Organizations, which enables you to conduct business with the Alberta government on behalf of your organization.
Full details on how to create and manage your Alberta.ca account are available at Alberta.ca Account for Business Use. Once your account has been created, use your Alberta.ca log-in credentials to sign in directly to DGS and submit your application.
Applications must be received through DGS no later than 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time on the deadline date. If the deadline falls on a statutory holiday or a weekend, it will be extended until the next working day. Late applications will not be accepted.
Applications will be ineligible for consideration if incomplete, or the applicant has overdue or incomplete accounting/reporting related to any grant previously awarded by the AFA or Alberta Arts, Culture and Status of Women.
What to include in your application:
- Contacts: Includes a primary contact for your application that will be the point of contact for any communications regarding your application or application status.
- Board of Directors: Includes a list of all board members for the applying organization, as well as their position titles, cities, term start dates, phone numbers and emails.
- People: Includes a tallied summary of staff and volunteers engaged by your organization. Does not include artists or artist groups paid for performances, presentations, exhibitions, workshops, etc.
- Artistic Programming: Includes a tallied summary of public programming and events, participating artists and artists fees paid, attendees and program participants, and event revenue (when applicable). Also includes samples of promotional material demonstrating AFA logo recognition requirements.
- Revenue and Expenditures:
- Includes a summary of revenues according to earned revenue, net investment income (when applicable), public funding, private sector/fundraising/donations, and other revenues. Revenues must match total revenues as reported on your included financial statements.
- Includes a summary of expenditures according to artistic programming, facilities, marketing and communications, fundraising, and administration expenses. Expenses must match total expenditures as reported on your included financial statements.
- Includes a summary of ineligible expenses that will be deducted from your total expenses used to determine your eligible grant request, as outlined in the How will my application be assessed section of the program guidelines.
- Your organization’s most recent, board-approved annual financial statements. See note below on Acceptable Financial Statements. - Diligence Questionnaire: Includes brief questions on successes, changes to finances, programming objectives, and changes to banking information (when applicable).
- Planned Activities: Includes a summary of upcoming artistic programming and activities
- Applicant Agreement: All sections of the application must be completed before the agreement can be signed. A user with signing authority for the applying organization must log into DGS to complete this task.
Acceptable financial statements:
For returning applicants, the level of financial statements required are determined by an organization’s prior year AFA grant. Financial statements must include a Balance Sheet, Statement of Revenues and Expenditures, and Statement of Cash Flows. If the prior year grant was:
- $25,000 or less include, at minimum, a financial statement approved and signed by the treasurer and two additional board members
- $25,001 to $50,000 include, at minimum, a Notice to Reader or Compilation Engagement financial statement provided by an independent, professionally designated accountant
- $50,000 to $100,000 include, at minimum, a Review Engagement financial statement provided by an independent, professionally designated accountant
- $100,001 or higher include a full Audited financial statement provided by an independent, professional designated accountant
For first-time applicants, board-approved financial statements should comprise a Balance Sheet, Statement of Revenues and Expenditures, and Statement of Cash Flows. The level of financial statement is determined by your organization, but future applications must meet the conditions outlined above.
How will my application be assessed?
Funding awarded through this program is determined based on an organization’s most recent, board-approved financial statements and according to:
- total eligible expenses to a maximum of 10 per cent
- organizations located outside the Calgary and Edmonton metropolitan regions may be eligible for an additional 2 per cent subject to available funds - equitable distribution of available funds to all eligible applicants
For the purposes of your grant request, total eligible expenses exclude any costs associated with:
- amortization or depreciation expenses
- capital expenses
- third-party funding
- consignment fees paid to artists
- public sector in-kind or non-cash contributions
Funding for Volunteer Based Arts Organizations is established by the AFA Board of Directors based upon the annual AFA budget allocated by the Government of Alberta. Department staff evaluate applications according to eligibility criteria and prepare recommendations to the board, which reviews and approves all funding.
All decisions are final and no appeals will be considered.
When will I hear?
Applicants will receive email notification upon AFA board approval, generally between four to six months from the application deadline.
Conditions
Organizations are only eligible to receive support from one AFA operating grant stream at any given time. Multiple applications to the Volunteer Based Arts Organizations program or to other AFA operating grant programs will not be accepted.
Funding is intended for the activities planned for your organization’s current or next fiscal year, based on information provided in your application, and in accordance with the acceptable use of funds.
The AFA or its authorized representatives may examine your financial and other records to ensure funding is used for its intended purpose:
- Recipients must return unused portions of the grant to the AFA
The AFA Fair Notice Policy applies to this grant program. The AFA may cancel, suspend, reduce, or demand repayment of the grant in circumstances where the AFA is concerned with the viability of the organization.
Funding Acknowledgement:
Organizations that receive operating funding must credit the AFA for financial support in any publicity prepared in relation to their activities, including in electronic, print, or visual materials.
- If your organization fails to satisfy AFA recognition requirements, it may be subject to a 10 per cent funding reduction in subsequent grant applications.
- Continued failure to meet recognition requirements may result in ineligibility to apply for future AFA funding.
Reporting
Reporting is not required for Volunteer Based Arts Organizations funding.
Helpful resources
Visit the Help and Resources section of our website to find additional resources for organizations.
Deadline information
Nostalgia
The Alberta Society of Artists is pleased to present the group exhibition “Nostalgia - Chasing Yesterday” featuring the work of artists across Alberta.
The exhibition runs October 1st - 31st at the Western GM Gallery (In the Drumheller Public Library), 80 Veterans Way Drumheller, AB. Gallery hours are: Monday 9am - 5pm, Tuesday through Thursday 9am - 8pm, Friday and Saturday 9am - 5pm.
‘Nostalgia is a sentimental longing for the past—its people, places, events, and possibilities. What triggers this yearning?
300th Public Artwork Unveiling: Meet the artist, AJA Louden
October 17 at Balwin Playground (12904 74 Street) from 3:30 to 5:30 pm
The 300th artwork is Edmonton’s first playground designed in collaboration with an artist. Created by local artist AJA Louden, the new Balwin Playground will blend art, play, and community. Inspired by both nature and science fiction, it’s a space to imagine, explore and grow together.
Full event details.
We’re marking 30 years of the Edmonton Arts Council and the addition of the 300th public artwork to the City of Edmonton Public Art Collection with a month of 300 @ 30 activities and events! See the full collection of 300 @ 30 events here.
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Join us to celebrate the unveiling of the 300th public artwork in the City of Edmonton’s Public Art collection!
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300th Public Artwork Unveiling: Meet the artist, AJA Louden
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Join us to celebrate the unveiling of the 300th public artwork in the City of Edmonton’s Public Art collection!
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300th Public Artwork Unveiling: Meet the artist, A
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Join us to celebrate the unveiling of the 300th public artwork in the City of Edmonton’s Public Art collection!
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Public Art Walking Tour: ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) River Lot 11∞ Indigenous Art Park with Tiffany Shaw
October 12, 9 am, 11 am and 2 pm
Tour duration: about 90 minutes
Registration capped at 20 participants per time slot (register now to save your spot!)
Join us for a guided tour of ÎNÎW River Lot 11 Edmonton’s Indigenous Art Park with Tiffany Shaw, who will provide an overview of the park and in-depth insight into her installation, pehonan. ÎNÎW, pronounced (EE-NU) is a Cree word meaning “I am of the Earth.” The Art Park is situated on ancestral lands of the Indigenous peoples whose descendants entered into Treaty with the British Crown resulting in the territory opening for settlement.
Opened in 2018, the park features work by local and national Indigenous artists: Tiffany Shaw (Edmonton, Alberta), Amy Malbeuf (Rich Lake, Alberta), Duane Linklater (Moose Cree First Nation, Ontario), Jerry Whitehead (James Smith First Nation, Saskatchewan), Mary Anne Barkhouse (Nimpkish Band, Kwakiutl First Nation), and Marianne Nicolson (Dzawada’enuxw Nation).
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Join us for a guided tour of ÎNÎW River Lot 11 Edmonton’s Indigenous Art Park with Tiffany Shaw as we mark 30 years of the Edmonton Arts Council and the addition of the 300th public artwork to the City of Edmonton Public Art Collection with a month of 300 @ 30 activities and events!
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Public Art Walking Tour: ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) River Lot 11∞ Indigenous Art Park with Tiffany Shaw
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Join us for a guided tour of ÎNÎW River Lot 11 Edmonton’s Indigenous Art Park with Tiffany Shaw as we mark 30 years of the Edmonton Arts Council and the addition of the 300th public artwork to the City of Edmonton Public Art Collection with a month of 300 @ 30 activities and events!
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Public Art Walking Tour: Indigenous Art Park
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Join us for a guided tour of ÎNÎW River Lot 11 Edmonton’s Indigenous Art Park with Tiffany Shaw as we mark 30 years of the Edmonton Arts Council and the addition of the 300th public artwork to the City of Edmonton Public Art Collection with a month of 300 @ 30 activities and events!
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Public Art Celebration in Churchill Square
On October 11 from 3:00 - 5:00 pm, join us for a celebration of Edmonton’s beloved child-friendly artworks, "Mischief of Could-be(s)" and "UGO", as we mark 30 years of the Edmonton Arts Council and the addition of the 300th public artwork to the City of Edmonton Public Art Collection with a month of 300 @ 30 activities and events!
Full event page: https://www.edmontonarts.ca/event/public-art-celebration-in-churchill-square
Come by Churchill Square to experience these whimsical artworks, enjoy live music and roving performers, and meet the artists from Red Knot Studio (Erin Pankratz and Christian Pérès Gibaut) who created these playful pieces of public art.
About Red Knot Studio (Erin Pankratz and Christian Pérès Gibaut)
Red Knot Studio is a professional artist team with more than 10 years of experience specializing in mosaic public art projects, integrating artwork into architectural projects, and creating customized community and team building experiences.
Erin Pankratz (erinpankratz.com) was born in Inuvik, Northwest Territories. Her body of work includes murals, contemporary mosaics, public art, residential and corporate commissions, and collaborative projects. Two-time SAMA’s Innovation in Mosaic Award winner, she has exhibited in France, Italy, Japan, Argentina, Brazil, Australia, Canada, and the United States. She lives and works in Edmonton, Alberta.
Christian Pérès Gibaut was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His body of work includes paintings, murals, mosaics, public art, and collaborative projects. A recipient of the 2019 Cultural Diversity in the Arts grant, he has worked and exhibited in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Canada, Colombia, France, Mexico, Uruguay, and the United States. He lives and works in Edmonton, Alberta.
See the full collection of 300 @ 30 events here.
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On October 11 from 3:00 - 5:00 pm, join us for a celebration of Edmonton’s beloved child-friendly artworks, "Mischief of Could-be(s)" and "UGO", as we mark 30 years of the Edmonton Arts Council and the addition of the 300th public artwork to the City of Edmonton Public Art Collection with a month of 300 @ 30 activities and events!
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Public Art Celebration in Churchill Square
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On October 11 from 3:00 - 5:00 pm, join us for a celebration of Edmonton’s beloved child-friendly artworks, "Mischief of Could-be(s)" and "UGO", as we mark 30 years of the Edmonton Arts Council and the addition of the 300th public artwork to the City of Edmonton Public Art Collection with a month of 300 @ 30 activities and events!
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Public Art Celebration in Churchill Square
Twitter description
On October 11 from 3:00 - 5:00 pm, join us for a celebration of Edmonton’s beloved child-friendly artworks, "Mischief of Could-be(s)" and "UGO", as we mark 30 years of the Edmonton Arts Council and the addition of the 300th public artwork to the City of Edmonton Public Art Collection with a month of 300 @ 30 activities and events!
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Public Art Walking Tour: Tawatinâ Bridge
Tours start at: 9 am, 10:15 am, 1 pm, and 2:15 pm on October 11, 2025 (registration is required)
On this guided tour, explore the Tawatinâ Bridge and learn the stories behind its over 500 paintings of the River Valley’s flora and fauna, and the First Nations, Métis, and settler histories of the area.
Bridging the city, the artworks show the intertwined lives of the people and the non-human beings who live and travel through here. Learn how the artist’s meetings with First Nations Elders and Knowledge Keepers, Métis citizens, and numerous visits to the valley since childhood inspired these paintings. Discover how David Garneau, along with a team of First Nations, Métis, Black, Asian, and artists of European ancestry, captured Edmonton’s four seasons and complex histories.
Whether you’re an art lover, history enthusiast, live nearby, or are curious to learn more about this beloved public artwork, we welcome you to join us.
This walking tour starts at the plaza in Henrietta Muir Edwards Park on the south side of the Tawatinâ Bridge and will end approximately 60 minutes later. Capacity is limited to 20 participants per time slot, and registration is required.
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Join the Edmonton Arts Council for a guided tour of Tawatinâ Bridge with the artist David Garneau as we mark 30 years of the Edmonton Arts Council and the addition of the 300th public artwork to the City of Edmonton Public Art Collection with a month of 300 @ 30 activities and events!
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Public Art Walking Tour: Tawatinâ Bridge
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Join the Edmonton Arts Council for a guided tour of Tawatinâ Bridge with the artist David Garneau as we mark 30 years of the Edmonton Arts Council and the addition of the 300th public artwork to the City of Edmonton Public Art Collection with a month of 300 @ 30 activities and events!
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Public Art Walking Tour: Tawatinâ Bridge
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Join the Edmonton Arts Council for a guided tour of Tawatinâ Bridge with the artist David Garneau as we mark 30 years of the Edmonton Arts Council and the addition of the 300th public artwork to the City of Edmonton Public Art Collection with a month of 300 @ 30 activities and events!
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Apply Now | Leighton Artist Studio Residency: Solo 26/27
Self-Directed Residencies for individual artists in the Leighton Studios
Application DeadlineOctober 29, 2025
Program Dates Apr 06, 2026 - Mar 26, 2027
Arrive Apr 05, 2026
Depart Mar 27, 2027
Program Duration: Minimum 2 weeks, maximum 6 weeks.
Proposed dates must start on a Monday and end on a Friday, with arrival on the Sunday before and departure on the Saturday after.