Classes & Workshops

The Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) is pleased to announce a series of free webinar workshops for those interested in applying to the Visual Arts and New Media Individual Project Grant or the Indigenous Arts Individual Project Grant funding streams taking place during the month of August 2025.

These funding opportunities are available to independent artists or collectives only. The deadline to apply for both of these programs is September 2, 2025.

Our consultant Kari McQueen will provide a free webinar for those interested in applying. She will be providing tips and other useful information to apply for all project types, helping applicants develop their funding application and increasing their chances of success.

Dates and times for these workshops are listed below. To register for these workshops, please click on the registration links for your preferred date below.

Workshops for the Visual Arts and New Media Individual Grant

Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 6-7:30 pm
Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 6-7:30 pm

Workshops for the Indigenous Arts Individual Grant

Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 6-7:30 pm
Monday, August 18, 2025 at 6-7:30 pm

Pre-deadline Q&A Informal Webinars

In addition to the workshops above, Kari McQueen will also be offering free informal webinars for both grant programs being held just prior to the September 2, 2025 deadline to answer specific questions that may arise as applicants are working on and finishing up their applications. 

Applicants can register for those workshops at the links below.

Visual Art and New Media Individual Project: Monday, August 25, 2025
Indigenous Arts Individual Project: Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Registrants of these workshops are encouraged to take a look at the funding guidelines for the Visual Arts and New Media Project Funding and the Indigenous Arts Individual Project Funding streams, respectively.

PUPPET POWER 2025

October 18-19, 2025
In-person held at Calgary's Centre for Newcomers

INSPIRE, INFORM, GALVANIZE

Puppet Power 2025 (PP25) will delve into the complex subject of immigration, offering a creative and innovative perspective through the lens of puppetry.

WP Puppet Theatre is excited to share the amazing work being done by puppeteers from around the world, showcasing empathetic approaches, impactful interventions and inspiration as well as the challenges, failures and recoveries. Their three key goals are:

• To raise awareness of the many interconnected forces that shape global and local immigration
• To provide a platform for newcomers and those working in immigrant-serving organizations to share their personal stories
• To offer practical and inspiring methodologies for impactful interventions using applied puppetry practices.

The two-day hybrid event will feature: 

• Four live-streamed watch parties + quick puppet making activities
• A vibrant community-building evening event + dinner + professional puppet performance
• A puppet-infused Rapid Ideation session for Calgary social agencies working with immigrants
• In-person master puppet making workshops
• Post conference recordings and resources
• Saturday lunch, Saturday dinner and Sunday lunch.

PP25, the 13th iteration of WP Puppet Theatre’s signature festival, is designed as a call to action and professional development for adults, students, teachers, social workers and ‘helping professionals’ who are seeking mentoring and training in using puppetry in applied settings. 

With Calgary hospitality the friendly event also supports mental health and wellness through creativity, self-realization and connection.

For more information and to register for this event, please visit their website.

July 29, 2025

SU25 Grant Lab

Member Price

$199.00

General Admissions Price

$399.00

In this lecture-based course, participants will learn the fundamentals of grant writing specifically for independent filmmakers and media artists in Canada, and write a proposal in real-time during class. Participants will have the opportunity to workshop answers, timelines, and ideas with peers.

Led by Monica Gate, attendees will explore how to properly research and prepare for grants, write strong and compelling project proposals, create a clear and accurate budget, as well as appropriate supporting material.

Over the four weeks, we will learn how to write a Stream 1, 2, and 3 Individuals and Collective grant with for the Edmonton Arts Council. AFA and CCA grants will also be discussed, providing participants with experienced perspectives and advice. By the end of this course, participants will have a first draft of their grant proposal.

Participants are encouraged to have a grant-ready project upon entry to this course.

Register today on FAVA.ca 

The AFA's Music Individual Grant deadline approaches on September 2, 2025 and Arts Development Consultant Jason Flammia is providing a free webinar for those interested in applying. 

Please note that these funding opportunities are available to independent artists or collectives only. Incorporated companies cannot apply.

AFA Individual Project grants can provide up to $18,000 to support the development of individual Alberta artists, arts administrators, or an ensemble of artists by providing funding for:

• the development of a specific artistic work'
• to pursue training,
• to pursue research, or
• to pursue marketing activities. 

The HUB is a drop-in summer choir experience hosted by Youth Singers of Calgary. Each week features different guest conductors, fun musical themes, and a relaxed vibe — all set in our beautiful ATCO Performing Arts Centre. 

Featuring a rotating line up of directors, each night brings something different — from Broadway ballads to 90s bangers, campfire classics to soulful harmonies.

When:

• Wednesdays, July 2 – August 13, 2025
• 7 – 9 pm (Doors & bar open at 6:30 pm)

Where:

• ATCO Performing Arts Centre
• 1371 Hastings Crescent SE, Calgary

Cost:

• General Admission (14+): $10 in advance | $15 at the door
• Family Pass (Any combo of adults and kids 14+ at the same residence): $25 in advance | $35 at the door

Who's invited?

• YSC alumni & current members
• Casual singers & community choir enthusiasts
• Musical theatre lovers
• Young professionals looking for a unique night out
• Anyone curious about joining YSC

View the director line up here and purchase tickets here: www.youthsingers.org/performance/the-hub-drop-in-choir-nights

There’s still time to register for Youth Singers of Calgary’s Showbiz Kids Summer Camps — where confidence, creativity, and community come alive on stage.

What’s it all about?
Our week-long camps for Grades 1–8 combine singing, dancing, and acting in a fun, inclusive environment. No experience needed—just imagination and a love for performing!

What’s included?

• Professional instruction from choreographers, musicians & directors
• Daily workshops in music, dance & theatre
• Team-building games and creativity challenges
• A final performance for friends and family to celebrate your child’s growth!

Register here!
youthsingers.org/program/showbiz-kids

Location:
ATCO Performing Arts Centre
1371 Hastings Crescent SE, Calgary

Full-Day Camps (Grades 3–8)
9 am – 4 pm (Before/after care available)

• July 14-18: Grades 4-6
• July 21-25: Grades 3-5
• July 28-Aug 1: Grades 4-6
• Aug 11-15: Grades 3-5
• Aug 18-22: Grades 5-8 (waitlist)

Half-Day Camps (Grades 1–2)
9:30 am – 12:30 pm

• Aug 11-15
• Aug 18-22
   

Friday, August 15 at 6 pm

The AFA's Film and Video Individual Grant deadline approaches on September 2, 2025 and Arts Development Consultant Nick Haywood is providing a free webinar for those interested in applying. 

Please note that these funding opportunities are available to independent artists or collectives only. Incorporated companies cannot apply.

AFA Individual Project grants can provide up to $18,000 to support the development of individual Alberta artists, arts administrators, or an ensemble of artists by providing funding for:

• the development of a specific artistic work
• to pursue training,
• to pursue research, or
• to pursue marketing activities. 

Nick will be providing tips and other useful information to apply for all project types, helping you develop your funding application and increase your chances of success.

Take a look at the Film and Video Individual Project grant guidelines ahead of the webinar and come with any questions. Nick will be happy to answer them!

Questions? Email nick.haywood@gov.ab.ca