Indigenous arts

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2025

Joane Cardinal-Schubert
Ancestors (Keepers), 1991
paint, paper, newsprint, paper money and bingo card on paper
Collection of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts

On September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Canadians acknowledge the harms and multi-generational effects of the residential school system on Indigenous peoples and their communities across the country. 

The AFA also recognizes the importance of Indigenous Peoples’ contributions in and through the arts, as well as the important role the arts can play in the process of reconciliation. The AFA continues to support a thriving Indigenous arts sector in Alberta and provides funding specifically for Indigenous Arts individual artist projects. We are also proud to hold more than 275 artworks by Indigenous artists in the AFA Art Collection.

Featured artwork

In 2025, on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the AFA is pleased to feature Ancestors (Keepers), 1991, by Dr. Joane Cardinal-Schubert. 

This piece is part of the Letter to Emily series, a deeply personal and evocative body of work. The series was inspired by Cardinal-Schubert’s interest in the life and legacy of Canadian artist Emily Carr. Cardinal-Schubert initiates a visual and textual dialogue with Carr through large-scale paintings that layer text and symbolic imagery.

These diaristic reflections explore themes of identity, memory, and cultural continuity. In this intimate exchange, Cardinal-Schubert not only contemplates Carr’s experiences but also affirms her own voice as a keeper of ancestral knowledge and Indigenous presence within the narrative of Canadian art.

Artist profile

Kainai/Blood artist, Dr. Joane Cardinal-Schubert was a multi-media, visual, and installation artist, a writer, lecturer, free-lance curator and director of film and theatre. Her writing has been published nationally and internationally in art magazines, catalogues and books and she has also served as an editor of Fuse magazine.

Cardinal-Schubert was instrumental in guiding the AFA in 2008 and 2009 in a special curatorial initiative focused on building up the holdings of the AFA Art Collection with contemporary Indigenous art. Her wisdom and guidance helped to significantly enhance the AFA’s holdings from Indigenous artists. She also provided an avenue to acquire artworks by Indigenous artists previously unknown to the AFA Art Collection and built new relationships with Indigenous artists along the way. Among the holdings of artworks in the AFA Art Collection, 23 artworks were created by Cardinal-Schubert.

Celebrate Indigenous art

Cardinal-Schubert’s Ancestors (Keepers) is currently on display as part of the New Views exhibition at the AFA art house in Calgary. Among the 50 artworks currently included in New Views, 20 per cent of them are by Indigenous artists. Other Indigenous artists featured in this exhibition include:

  • Brandon Atkinson
  • MJ Belcourt
  • Maureen Callihoo
  • Kiona Callihoo Ligtvoet
  • Nancy Desjarlais
  • Alex Janvier
  • Jane Ash Poitras

Closure notice

In respect of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the AFA’s offices in Edmonton and Calgary, and the AFA art house will be closed. We will be open again on October 1. 

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Image of artwork by Joane Cardinal-Schubert titled Ancestors (Keeprs) from 1991.
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On this day, the AFA is pleased to feature Ancestors (Keepers), 1991, by Dr. Joane Cardinal-Schubert.

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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2025
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On this day, the AFA is pleased to feature Ancestors (Keepers), 1991, by Dr. Joane Cardinal-Schubert.

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On this day, the AFA is pleased to feature Ancestors (Keepers), 1991, by Dr. Joane Cardinal-Schubert.

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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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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.

Download versions of the AFA logo and guidelines for usage.

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

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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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: 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.

See the full collection of 300 @ 30 events here.

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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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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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Heather Edwards Theatre Space Available

At Contemporary Calgary, we believe that art sparks conversation, inspires critical thinking, and invites the exploration of new ideas. Guided by this vision, we strive to be a resource for our community while also welcoming new voices and expanding our reach.

Thanks to the generous support of Heather Edwards, we are proud to offer our space at an accessible rate—supporting the presentation of work that is relevant, meaningful, and thought-provoking.

Are you an arts and culture organization, collective, or individual hoping to bring your work to the stage? Do you want to realize your projects with all the equipment of a modern theatre? Contemporary Calgary is seeking community partners to bring engaging cultural experiences to the Heather Edwards Theatre as well as to contribute to the development of Calgary’s performing arts community.

We invite you to share your ideas for this space as we continue to build bridges across communities through shared experiences of contemporary art. If you have an idea and are interested in developing a partnership with us, please visit us at our website at https://www.contemporarycalgary.com/heather-edwards-theatre



 

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Are you an arts and culture organization, collective, or individual hoping to bring your work to the stage? Do you want to realize your projects with all the equipment of a modern theatre? Contemporary Calgary is seeking community partners to bring engaging cultural experiences to the Heather Edwards Theatre as well as to contribute to the development of Calgary’s performing arts community.

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Heather Edwards Theatre Space Available
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Are you an arts and culture organization, collective, or individual hoping to bring your work to the stage? Do you want to realize your projects with all the equipment of a modern theatre? Contemporary Calgary is seeking community partners to bring engaging cultural experiences to the Heather Edwards Theatre as well as to contribute to the development of Calgary’s performing arts community.

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Heather Edwards Theatre Space Available
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Are you an arts and culture organization, collective, or individual hoping to bring your work to the stage? Do you want to realize your projects with all the equipment of a modern theatre? Contemporary Calgary is seeking community partners to bring engaging cultural experiences to the Heather Edwards Theatre as well as to contribute to the development of Calgary’s performing arts community.

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Parfleche Painting workshop with Alaynee Goodwill-Littlechild

Parfleche Painting workshop with Alaynee Goodwill-Littlechild 
When: Saturday, Oct 11 from 1:00pm-3:30pm
Where: Gallery@501 Art Studio
501 Festival Ave, Sherwood Park, AB 
Cost: $75.00
Registration link: Parfleche Painting with Alaynee Goodwill-Littlechild - Recreation Online1

Join Lakota-nêhiyaw artist Alaynee Goodwill-Littlechild for an immersive workshop exploring the ancient art of Parfleche Painting. Open to all skill levels, this hands-on experience invites you to connect with tradition, learn cultural stories behind the designs, and discover Alaynee’s artistic journey. Practice traditional techniques as you create your own unique painted Parfleche piece to take home.

About the Artist

Tansi & Hau Mitakoyapi, 
My name is Alaynee Goodwill-Littlechild. I am the youngest daughter of Marvin and Patricia Littlechild, deeply connected to my Lakota-nêhiyaw roots. As a visual artist, I draw inspiration from the traditional materials and techniques passed down through my family. I take great care in honoring the integrity of Dakota/Lakota artistic practices. My work celebrates my culture, pays tribute to my family, and reflects my lived experience. Visit www.goodwillcollection.ca to explore more of my work!

 

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Join Lakota-nêhiyaw artist Alaynee Goodwill-Littlechild for an immersive workshop exploring the ancient art of Parfleche Painting.

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Join Lakota-nêhiyaw artist Alaynee Goodwill-Littlechild for an immersive workshop exploring the ancient art of Parfleche Painting.

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Join Lakota-nêhiyaw artist Alaynee Goodwill-Littlechild for an immersive workshop exploring the ancient art of Parfleche Painting.

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Job Opportunity: Visual Arts Instructor

This posting is for 1 hourly position based out of Gallery@501 and Smeltzer House

 

The Visual Arts Instructor II’s work within a team environment to develop and implement creative, age-appropriate programs for Strathcona County in the areas of painting, drawing, fibre arts, sewing, paper crafts, pottery, contemporary art interpretation, and games.
These positions report to the Visual Arts Programmers at Gallery@501. The programs you may support in this position include:

Call to Artists: Building a Stronger Kelowna Public Art

The City of Kelowna invites local, national, and international professional artists, artist-led teams, and cultural makers working in diverse artistic mediums to submit their Expressions of Interest for several public art commissions that are part of Building a Stronger Kelowna (BSK), a group of recreational projects that work together to build deeper community connections across the city.

Submission Deadline: Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 2 pm (PST) 

Building a Stronger Kelowna includes the redevelopment of Parkinson Recreation Centre, Mill Creek restoration, which is part of the Parkinson Recreation Centre site, and all-ages activity centres at Glenmore Rec Park, Rutland Lions Park, and Mission Rec Park. This suite of projects is a unique opportunity to develop a curatorial program of permanent and temporary artworks that will be original, inspired by Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley, and help tell the stories of this place.

Public art sites have not been determined yet and will evolve out of the integrated project delivery approach that is being used by the BSK team and this call for artists. Artists who apply to this call may be considered for public art commissions at any of the BSK locations. 

Indigenous, Métis, and Inuit artists and/or cultural makers with connections to the syilx Okanagan people’s territory are encouraged to apply.

Read the full Call to Artists at https://www.kelowna.ca/our-community/planning-projects/building-stronger-kelowna/building-stronger-kelowna-call-artists-0

City of Kelowna
1435 Water Street, Kelowna BC, V1Y 1J4
www.kelowna.ca
Artcalls@kelowna.ca 
250.469.8500

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The City of Kelowna invites local, national, and international professional artists, artist-led teams, and cultural makers working in diverse artistic mediums to submit their Expressions of Interest for several public art commissions that are part of Building a Stronger Kelowna (BSK).

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Call to Artists: Building a Stronger Kelowna Public Art
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The City of Kelowna invites local, national, and international professional artists, artist-led teams, and cultural makers working in diverse artistic mediums to submit their Expressions of Interest for several public art commissions that are part of Building a Stronger Kelowna (BSK).

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The City of Kelowna invites local, national, and international professional artists, artist-led teams, and cultural makers working in diverse artistic mediums to submit their Expressions of Interest for several public art commissions that are part of Building a Stronger Kelowna (BSK).

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Call for Emerging Indigenous Artists

About the program

The Cultivating Indigenous Talent in the Arts (CITA) program will host a series of one-week mentorships from September 2025 to August 2026, providing 10 emerging Indigenous artists from remote Alberta communities with personalized guidance and professional development to help them build confidence in their craft while developing the necessary tools to grow their careers. The program will take place in Fort McMurray, Alberta, where each artist will receive direct mentorship from Arts Council Wood Buffalo’s experienced staff and will conclude with the delivery of a workshop, sharing their artistic skills with the local community.

Eligibility criteria

  • Artist must reside in Alberta, preference to those living in remote regions.
  • Artist must identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit, or Non-Status)
  • Artist should be considered “emerging”, meaning they are in the early stages of their artistic career.
  • Must be of age to travel and live alone for the duration of the program.

About the program

  • Each artist will participate in a personalized one-week mentorship, where they will receive tailored mentorship from Arts Council Wood Buffalo’s experienced staff.
  • Mentorship is focused on Portfolio Development, Artist Statement & Bio Writing, Marketing & Self-Promotion, Community engagement, Applying for Grants and Opportunities, Networking, and Workshop facilitation.
  • At the end of each mentorship, the artist will host a public workshop to showcase their work and engage with the local community.
  • ACWB will cover the cost of travel, accommodation, and per diem allowance for the selected artists.

Workshop media

The selected artists will host a community art workshop and must be able to teach and engage students in an artform or technique that they feel comfortable in. Artforms may include, but are not limited to:

  • Painting/Drawing
  • Ceramics
  • Dance/Music (includes Drumming and traditional dances)
  • Photography
  • New Media Arts
  • Traditional Indigenous Crafts (ie. beading, weaving, wood/hide burning etc.)
  • Textiles
  • Theatre/Acting
  • Sculpture
  • Woodworking
  • Storytelling/Writing

Submitting a proposal

All submissions must be submitted through our online Opportunities Portal. Create an account, login and then click on the purple “Start Entry” button. You may begin drafting your proposal by selecting “Cultivating Indigenous Talent in the Arts (CITA)” as your category. Artists may be invited to a brief interview, as a part of the selection process. 

Submission deadline

Submissions must be submitted by Monday, August 4, 2025 at 11:59 pm.

Selection process

The artists will be selected for an interview on the strength and content of their applications. Only applicants who identify as Indigenous will be considered for this mentorship program and must be willing to travel to Fort McMurray, Alberta for the duration of a week.

Please note that only artists(s) who are successful will be notified.

Selections will be made by Arts Council Wood Buffalo staff. All successful artists will be notified by August 8, 2025 for an interview and selected artists to continue into the program will be notified within 5 business days of their interview.

Questions and more information

For questions or more information on this opportunity please contact our Rural Arts Support Program Coordinator, Michelle Foran at michelle@artscouncilwb.ca or (587) 674-1625 x.106

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The Cultivating Indigenous Talent in the Arts (CITA) program will host a series of one-week mentorships from September 2025 to August 2026.

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The Cultivating Indigenous Talent in the Arts (CITA) program will host a series of one-week mentorships from September 2025 to August 2026.

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The Cultivating Indigenous Talent in the Arts (CITA) program will host a series of one-week mentorships from September 2025 to August 2026.

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