Community News

Application intake for the Alberta Artist in Residence/Arts Ambassador grant is now open. The deadline to apply is June 16. The maximum eligible amount you can apply for is $50,000. This opportunity is open to individual artists from all disciplines.

Program guidelines and application materials can be downloaded from the Artist in Residence website at www.alberta.ca/alberta-artist-residence-apply.

This program seeks to inspire innovation in the arts and to promote a wider understanding and appreciation of the arts and artists in Alberta.

Artists are encouraged to apply for this grant to become Alberta’s Artist in Residence / Arts Ambassador for a one-year term.

Through this grant, the successful artist will:

• work with communities across Alberta as an Arts Ambassador to promote the importance of Alberta artists and the arts
• communicate and share personal perspectives on the artistic process, the role of artists, and the contributions that artists make to Alberta
• act as an advocate for greater understanding of the realities of artists and the communities in which they work
• complete an art project that promotes the value of the arts in Alberta

The Citadel Theatre, one of Canada’s largest and busiest professional, not-for-profit theatre companies and facilities, has an opening for a part-time (17 hours per week), one year contract, Accessibility Coordinator. Reporting to the Producer, the Accessibility Coordinator is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing all accessible performance initiatives and programming. This role is dedicated to creating inclusive and welcoming theatre experiences for all patrons by collaborating with creative and production teams, community partners, and accessibility service providers.

Please note that while the Citadel is committed to offering Relaxed Experience performances throughout the 2025/26 season and aims to make them as inclusive as possible, certain design elements may not be adaptable due to artistic or technical constraints.

Key accountabilities

• Oversee the scheduling, logistics, and delivery of accessible performance offerings such as Relaxed Experiences, ASL-interpreted performances, Audio Described and Captioned performances, and Touch Tours.
    
• Collaborate with external service providers (e.g., ASL interpreters, Audio Describers, Captioners, Consultants) and internal departments (Production, Sales and Marketing, Front of House) to ensure strong communication and accessibility service delivery. 
   
• Audit each production scheduled for a Relaxed Experience performance and provide recommendations for adjustments to Directors and Designers as needed and within the current scope of what Citadel has the capacity to offer.  
   
• Collaborate with Citadel’s Marketing team to ensure clear and consistent patron communication about accessible performances. This includes contributing to social media content, e-newsletters, pre- and post-show emails and surveys, and leading the creation and execution of each production’s Visual Guide.   
   
• Attending all accessible performances to serve as the primary point of contact for patrons and service providers and to ensure staff and volunteers are briefed for each accessible performance. 
  Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, members of the Deaf and disability communities, and accessibility professionals, while leading outreach efforts to promote awareness of Citadel’s accessible performances. 
   
• Coordinate and manage the loan of access materials (e.g., sensory kits, quiet tent materials, audio description equipment) to individual artists and local arts organizations. 
   
• Facilitate training for Front of House and Production staff to build accessibility awareness, promote sensitivity, and support inclusive service delivery. 
   
• Identify opportunities to expand and improve accessibility offerings; gather feedback, track participation, and evaluate the success of initiatives to inform future planning. 
   
• Ensure ongoing alignment with the theatre’s equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) goals. 

Required qualifications

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent  

Experience: Minimum of 2 years of experience coordinating accessible performances in a theatre setting and/or working in accessibility services more broadly. 

Skills: 

Strong Communication Skills: Strong ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with patrons, staff, artists, service providers, and consultants. 

Organizational and Project Management Skills: Capable of managing multiple accessibility services across various performances, including scheduling, logistics, and follow-up. 

Knowledge of accessible performance approaches and standards within the theatre industry. 
Competency in Microsoft 365 Suite (with a focus on Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, SharePoint and OneDrive). 

Additional requirements

• A strong passion for live theatre and a commitment to advancing accessibility in the arts. Demonstrated dedication to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and access (EDIA). 
   
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and clear, effective communication abilities. 
   
• Proven ability to think creatively, collaborate with diverse individuals, and incorporate multiple perspectives into problem-solving. 
   
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with a flexible, proactive, and team-oriented approach. 
   
• Flexible scheduling and the ability to work weekends as required.  

We will prioritize candidates who have lived experience with disability. 

To apply

Qualified applicants are encouraged to email their resume and cover letter to Human Resources at humanresources@citadeltheatre.com.

citadeltheatre.com/employment/accessibility-coordinator 

Hourly rate: $30
Part-time, One year contract (17 hours/week) – Flexible scheduling and remote work options available. The ideal candidate will be available to work in-office 2–4 times per month and must attend all Accessible Performances, which typically take place on weekends. 

TREX Southwest Program Manager & Curator
Location: Calgary, AB - (Hybrid with regional travel)
Salary: $66,000/year 
Term: 5-year contract (until March 31, 2030, with potential for renewal)
Hours: Full-time, minimum 37.5 hours/week with flexible scheduling
Start Date: June 2, 2025

About the Role:

The Alberta Society of Artists (ASA) is seeking a passionate and highly organized TREX Southwest Program Manager & Curator to manage and curate exhibitions for Region 3 (Southwestern Alberta). This role is a unique opportunity to bring visual art to communities across the province, curate thought-provoking exhibitions, and foster community engagement through the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) Travelling Exhibition Program (TREX).

You will lead the development of three major exhibitions annually, manage exhibition tours, and engage with artists, venues, and communities, ensuring equitable access to visual art across rural and underserved regions.

What We’re Looking For:

We need someone with a blend of creative vision, organizational skill, and community-focused values. If you have experience in curatorial work, arts programming, project management, and a passion for making the arts accessible to all communities, we’d love to hear from you.

To More Information and to Apply:

For more information go to The Alberta Society of Artist website: www.albertasocietyofartists.com/careers-2024-procoor

Please submit a single PDF with your cover letter, CV, and two examples of curatorial writing materials to president@albertasocietyofartists.com. 

Applications will be accepted until May 24 or until a candidate is selected. 

The Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards (formerly the Alberta Newcomer Recognition Awards) celebrate the outstanding contributions of Albertans born abroad. They honour individuals – youth, women, seniors, artists, athletes, entrepreneurs, community builders and others – who have enriched the province through business, science and technology, professional contributions, academia, arts, sports, or volunteer efforts.

Nominees must have been born outside of Canada but are now Canadian citizens or permanent residents and currently living in Alberta. They may have been living in Canada for a long time, or for just a few years.

See the Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards Guidelines and award categories below for more details. Nominations close at noon (12 pm) on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

Learn more: www.alberta.ca/alberta-immigrant-impact-awards 

Job Opportunity: Curator
Organization: Alberta Craft Council 
Location: Edmonton, Alberta (Downtown) 
Position: Full-time, Permanent (37.5 hrs/week, In-Person) 
Salary Range: $45,000 – $55,000 
Benefits: Health benefits + 3 weeks vacation 
Start Date: June 2025 
Deadline: May 23, 2025 (or until position is filled)

The Curator is a key member of the Alberta Craft Council’s creative and administrative team. Reporting to the Executive Director, you will lead the Alberta Craft Council’s exhibition program, helping to grow the impact of craft in Alberta. The role requires a high level of arts administration, organization and independence, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced nonprofit environment. Strong communication, writing, and project management skills are essential, as is a genuine commitment to craft and community-building.

Learn more: www.albertacraft.ab.ca/acc-employment

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

World Art Day

Each year, on 15 April, World Art Day celebrations help reinforce the links between artistic creations and society, encourage greater awareness of the diversity of artistic expressions and highlight the contribution of artists to sustainable development. It is also an occasion to shine a light on arts education in schools, as culture can pave the way for inclusive and equitable education.

Sharing Alberta's art

With over 9,000 artworks in the AFA Art Collection, there is always a need to find creative ways to share Alberta's art province wide. In any given year, the AFA has an incredible 20-25% of its collection in public circulation. This is achieved through exhibition loans, extended loans, and touring and art placement programs.

Through the TREX Curators/Managers in the TREX program, the AFA has been able to share art throughout the province bringing Albertan creativity to 187 venues in 95 communities, and reaching over 615,000 Albertans!

Publicly accessible art

Throughout the province you can find works from the AFA Art Collection on display in publicly accessible areas. Keep an eye on social media on World Art Day and see if your favourite and recognizable locations are sharing art from the Collection! 

Athletic Aesthetics

Location: Gallery Foyer at the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre(April 19 - June 14)

Featured artwork

Craig Pelzer
Javelin: Studies 1 & 2, 1978 
acrylic, graphite and ink on paper
Collection of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts.

About the exhibition

Discover the surprising artistry within the world of sports! 

Athletic Aesthetics, a captivating exhibition featuring work from the AFA Art Collection, showcases 20 diverse artworks that beautifully blur the lines between art and athletics. Prepare to see iconic photographs from Edmonton's own 1978 Commonwealth Games by Don Mabie and Sylvain Voyer, offering a nostalgic glimpse into a significant local event. This exhibition uniquely explores the inherent grace and dedication found in both artistic expression and athletic endeavors.

Through a compelling collection of photography, video, prints, and paintings, Athletic Aesthetics showcases a wide range of activities, from familiar sports like football and cycling to the unexpected athleticism of ballet and bull riding. You'll gain a new appreciation for the shared skill, discipline, and even beauty that exists in these seemingly separate realms. Come and celebrate the power, elegance, and sheer joy of human movement, captured through the discerning eyes and hands of talented artists.

About the artist

Craig Pelzer was born in St. Francis, ON in 1952. Pelzer studied at the University of Saskatchewan (1970–72) before earning a BFA from the University of Alberta (1972–76). Pelzer also studied at the Banff School (now The Banff Centre) from 1976–77. Pelzer works primarily
in printmaking and painting. About his works on paper, he notes: “Paper provides me with a vehicle with which to research ideas and techniques for larger projects. Often they are within themselves finished pieces.”

About TREX

The AFA's Travelling Exhibition (TREX) program strives to ensure every Albertan is provided with an opportunity to enjoy fully developed exhibitions in schools, libraries, health care centres and smaller rural institutions and galleries throughout the province.

The TREX program assists in making both the AFA's extensive art collection and the work of contemporary Alberta artists available to Albertans.

Four regional organizations now coordinate the program for the Foundation:

• The Art Gallery of Grande Prairie - Northwest Alberta
• Art Gallery of Alberta - Northeast and North Central Alberta
• Alberta Society of Artists - Southwest Alberta
• Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre - Southeast Alberta

These partners offer a wide range of exhibitions to communities from High Level in the north, to Milk River in the south, and virtually everywhere in between.

40 is the new 20!

Curated by Shane Golby from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts collection

Education Guide: www.youraga.ca

Featured Artwork:

Stan Phelps
Cold Night at the Yards, 1987
Colour etching on paper
Collection of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts

About the exhibition

It has been said that every picture tells a story. While true, the story told may not be a ‘story’ in the usual sense. Rather than presenting a complete narrative, most works of art tell their stories in a more opaque manner. Some, for example, might present just one event, character or setting from a larger narrative, leaving it to the viewer to ‘fill in the gaps’. Other artworks abandon this narrative altogether and direct attention to ‘stories’ about artistic styles, media and methods. Finally, there are many instances where art pieces, while complete in themselves, ‘work’ with other artworks in an exhibition to present larger ideas or more complex narratives. The TREX Region 2 exhibition 40 is the new 2O expresses each of these modes of visual story-telling; presenting art works with unique stories which, taken together, suggest a larger story of a place and visual art institutions and initiatives in that place.

The travelling exhibition 40 is the new 2O is a celebration. In 1972 the Alberta Art Foundation, now the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA), established a provincial art collection; a unique representation of the history, development and achievements of Alberta’s visual arts community. Over the past fifty years this collection has grown to over 9000 artworks; profiling the careers of hundreds of Alberta’s artists, reflecting the history and development of Alberta and becoming an important cultural legacy for all Albertans. The exhibition 40 is the new 2O celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of the AFA’s art collection and offers insights into stories of Alberta and artists from this place.

While celebrating the establishment of the AFA’s art collection, this exhibition also celebrates an important initiative of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. Since 1981 the AFA has supported a provincial travelling exhibition program (TREX). The mandate of the program is to provide every Albertan with the opportunity to enjoy visual art exhibitions in their community. While exhibitions for the TREX program are curated from a variety of sources, a major part of the program assists in making the AFA’s art collection available to Albertans. In 2021 the TREX program celebrated its’ 40th anniversary and the TREX exhibition 40 is the new 2O recognizes this anniversary as well.

The TREX exhibition 40 is the new 2O celebrates both the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts art collection and the recent 40th anniversary of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts TREX program. Since 1986 the Art Gallery of Alberta (formerly the Edmonton Art Gallery) has been affiliated with the TREX program and so this exhibition, presenting twenty works from the AFA collection, celebrates these anniversaries by re-visiting TREX exhibitions produced by the Art Gallery of Alberta over the past twenty years. Exploring an eclectic mix of themes, genre, art styles and media this exhibition expresses the vitality of the visual arts in Alberta and the roles of the AFA and Art Gallery of Alberta in supporting the arts in the province.

About the artist

Stan Phelps was born and raised in Calgary, attending the University of Calgary (B.F.A.) majoring in painting and printmaking. Since 1978, Stan has worked as a painter, muralist, printmaker, freelance designer and co-proprietor of The Heart Studio in Calgary. The Heart Studio is a multi-disciplined art facility featuring art exhibitions and art programs including classes for adults and children.

Mr. Phelps has been an instructor for the Artist in Residency Program, Alberta Foundation for the Arts, since its inception in 1986. He is presently the co-director of the Loreburn Cultural Centre in Loreburn, Saskatchewan.

Stan is well known for the murals he has painted throughout Western Canada, particularly in Southern Alberta. Most notable are four murals at the Calgary Stampede, and a mural at Calgary City Hall entitled “A View of Calgary Bay, Scotland.”

During his extensive travels, Mr. Phelps has had the opportunity to work as a visiting artist at several internationally renowned studios including: “St Michael’s Printshop,” Newfoundland; “Escuela Nationale des Bellas Artes,” Murcia, Spain; “Taller de Grabado Tarasco,” Uruapan, Mexico; and “Atelier de L’Ile,” Val David, Québec.

His work can be found in private and corporate collections both nationally and internationally including The Alberta Foundation for the Arts and the Canada Council Art Bank in Ottawa.

Current location

Period 7, April 17 - May 15
Warburg School, 5412 50 St, Warburg, AB T0C 2T0

Next public locations

Period 9, June 26 - July 23
St. Albert Public Library, 5 St Anne St, St. Albert, AB T8N 2E8

Period 10, July 31 - August 27
Chuck MacLean Arts Centre, 5041 50 St, Camrose, AB T4V 1R3

About TREX

The AFA's Travelling Exhibition (TREX) program strives to ensure every Albertan is provided with an opportunity to enjoy fully developed exhibitions in schools, libraries, health care centres and smaller rural institutions and galleries throughout the province.

The TREX program assists in making both the AFA's extensive art collection and the work of contemporary Alberta artists available to Albertans.

Four regional organizations now coordinate the program for the Foundation:

• The Art Gallery of Grande Prairie - Northwest Alberta
• Art Gallery of Alberta - Northeast and North Central Alberta
• Alberta Society of Artists - Southwest Alberta
• Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre - Southeast Alberta

These partners offer a wide range of exhibitions to communities from High Level in the north, to Milk River in the south, and virtually everywhere in between.

Folk Memoirs

Location: St. John Paul II High School, Grande Prairie (April 17 - May 14)

Featured artwork:

Hazel Litzgus
Canning Peaches, 1970
Watercolour on paper
Collection of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts

About the exhibition:

Folk Memoirs is a collection of visual narratives experienced while growing up on the Alberta prairies. Sourcing these rare historical moments from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts permanent collection, you will see paintings by Hazel Litzgus, Irene McCaugherty, William Panko and Doris Zaharichuk. The works are described as folk art, which is a unique style of art that reflects the cultural life of a community. Inspired by scenes from everyday life including: helping with housework, farm labor, playing outside, going to rodeos and more.

A memoir is a narrative composed from personal experience. The paintings in this show speak for themselves, taking you back in time to recall or learn the history of what life was like in the mid nineteen hundreds. Folk art takes on a very whimsical and colourful style of expression. This genre of artists are typically not concerned with making their subject look realistic. As you can see in William Panko’s paintings, he doesn’t worry about painting the scenes with the exact perspective or proportions – rather, he gives the paintings a more two dimensional or ‘flat’ appearance. More importantly, he depicted the story and what he remembered.

This group exhibition showcases simple everyday work-life balance. Hazel Litzgus’s work is a perfect example of this, from painting scenes of harvesting and cattle round up to dancing in the kitchen and rodeos. Enjoy finding hidden details of Irene McCaugherty and Doris Zaharichuk’s paintings as they draw the viewer in to enjoy how natural and simplistic life was. The works in this exhibition are a memoir of the artist’s life, savoring and reflecting on stories of the past.

About the Artist:

Hazel Litzgus continues to captivate the hearts of Albertans with her charming and nostalgic folk images of early Alberta life. Born on a farm near Lloydminister, Alberta, Hazel, through her paintings give us a glimpse of her early childhood and her many recollections of early rural and small town life on the Alberta Prairies.

Working in the unforgiving medium of watercolour, Hazel Litzgus narrates moments from her past in vivid detail with whimsy, in a naïve painting style. Whether it be the detailed wallpaper and patterned linoleum floor in a country farm house, or a school yard full of excited children playing various games, her art work is very reflective of her as a person. Hazel is a charming, soft spoken lady with a strong and determined character. She is full of life and stories and one feels right at ease as she tells of her experiences on the Prairies. Hazel’s book, Where the Meadow Lark Sang was published in 2003 and received great attention. In a review by CM Magazine, University of Manitoba, wrote: “In her use of bright colours and carefully detailed drawing, Litzgus created illustrations that are reminiscent of William Kurelek.”

About TREX

The AFA's Travelling Exhibition (TREX) program strives to ensure every Albertan is provided with an opportunity to enjoy fully developed exhibitions in schools, libraries, health care centres and smaller rural institutions and galleries throughout the province.

The TREX program assists in making both the AFA's extensive art collection and the work of contemporary Alberta artists available to Albertans.

Four regional organizations now coordinate the program for the Foundation:

• The Art Gallery of Grande Prairie - Northwest Alberta
• Art Gallery of Alberta - Northeast and North Central Alberta
• Alberta Society of Artists - Southwest Alberta
• Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre - Southeast Alberta

These partners offer a wide range of exhibitions to communities from High Level in the north, to Milk River in the south, and virtually everywhere in between.