The Unleash WIP Award offers writers support in the amount of $500 to supplement costs to support the completion of a book-length work of fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. Writers will receive editorial feedback, coaching meetings, and an excerpt/interview feature in Unleash Lit. For submission details and guidelines, see the following: https://unleashpress.submittable.com/submit
The Pumphouse Theatre is a vibrant facility with historical significance. It supports and presents all art forms and creates opportunities for engagement, enrichment, cultural experience, learning and inspiration, while serving all Calgarians. To enable this, the Quenten Doolittle Memorial Gallery provides accessible wall display space for Mohkinstsis (Calgary) visual artists to display and sell their work, free from commission.
For this exhibit, we are looking for work that reflects the theme of Naturally Occurring: an appreciation of all the gifts given us by nature. Stunning natural processes, the silliness of animals, the intricacy of an ecosystem, etc. Submissions of any style, from realistic to abstract, and in any visual art medium will be considered, provided it meets all gallery requirements below.
The Pumphouse Theatre supports an inclusive and diverse community. We encourage any submissions of eligible visual artists from all communities including but not limited to the LGBTQ2+, BIPOC, and those with disabilities. Priority will be given to artists who are emerging or at the early stages of their career.
Submissions must meet the following requirements:
Installation Requirements: All art MUST be equipped with picture hanging wire and D rings (a piece of metal hardware shaped like the letter D used on the back of frame or canvas as hooking device). Hanging cleats or flat metal hardware unfortunately will not be accepted.
In the event of an in-person gallery, The Pumphouse Theatre will install the work on behalf of the artists. Artwork may be dropped off or picked up by either the artist or a representative during the hours of 12pm and 6pm on the installation and take down dates provided. Artist must reserve an installation and take down date via a provided form or by contacting the Programming Director.
Timeline:
To apply, please send the following information via email or mail:
Applications or queries can be sent to:
Facilities and Programming Director
2140 Pumphouse Ave SW Calgary, AB T3C 3P5
prod@pumphousetheatre.ca 403-263-0079 ext. 100
Selection Process: Art pieces are selected by a committee of no less than 3 people and are a mix of artists and administrators. Selection criteria is based on: suitability to the theme, technique, emotional response, creativity & innovation, and suitability for the Pumphouse Theatre gallery space and its patrons (ages 8-80 representing various socio-economic and cultural backgrounds). Unfortunately, we are unable to accept works that feature nudity.
Any artists who need assistance with their application, or have inquires and questions, are welcome to contact the Pumphouse Theatre, at any point.
Application Deadline January 28, 2026
Program Dates May 11, 2026 - May 29, 2026
The residency encourages exploration of cultural knowledge, lived experience, and creative expression in shaping stories. Deepen your understanding of different protocols and practices of storytelling from Indigenous perspectives, whilst further developing an existing work within a supportive, land-based, and peer-informed environment. Program highlights include:
Application Deadline February 10, 2026
Program Dates May 10, 2026 - May 15, 2026
This six-day course equips participants to design and lead high-performing partnerships across public, private, nonprofit, and community sectors. Participants will explore the full partnership cycle—from scoping and brokering to sustaining outcomes and learn about the full spectrum of collaborative relationships. Topics include interest holder mapping, shared governance, resource sharing, and navigating power dynamics.
Application Deadline: January 21, 2026
Program Dates: July 13, 2026 - August 21, 2026
Banff Artist in Residence (BAiR) - Summer 2026 is a six-week program for visual artists at all career stages. Participants in this program are encouraged to develop their work in a supportive learning environment. They will be mentored by leading faculty who, working across a range of media and approaches, demonstrate a concern for environmental responsibility and ecological sustainability.
Participants will engage in a range of residency activities including: faculty lectures, studio visits, artist-led workshops, gallery tours and formal and informal peer dialogue. Participants will have the opportunity to share their work with the public during Open Studios.
A defining feature of BAiR programs is the opportunity to create connections and expand one's peer community. This program is designed for participation over the entire six week program period. Variable dates will not be considered.
Visual Arts residencies at Banff Centre are structured programs of faculty-led activity and mentorship, supporting project-based studio practice.
This program encourages:
Studio-based work is further supported by faculty studio visits, lectures, and workshops, fostering a valuable community of learning. Artists are assigned individual studios with access to shared production facilities. Knowledgeable staff are available to provide technical assistance.
Please take note of the program itinerary when planning your project proposal.
Facility access is based on availability of facilitators and priority goes to those requesting access in their initial applications.
This residency is for individual artists or duos (of no more than two collaborators) who have:
Artists working in, but not limited to, practices in
are invited to apply.
Priority will be given to artists who have not attended a Visual Arts residency at Banff Centre in the past three years.
Please note that children are not permitted in visual arts studios or production areas.
This program is designed for participation over the entire program period. Variable dates will not be considered.
Application Deadline February 18, 2026
Program Dates Aug 17, 2026 - Aug 28, 2026
Crime Writing is a self-directed residency that provides writers with the time and space to focus on their work away from the constraints of everyday life. During this two-week residency crime writers can take advantage of one-on-one mentorship opportunities with faculty, group discussions, and a community of artistic peers.
Application Deadline January 14, 2026
Program Dates Jul 06, 2026 - Jul 17, 2026
Summer Writers is a self-directed residency that provides writers with the time and space to focus on their work away from the constraints of everyday life. During the residency, writers can take advantage of one-on-one mentorship opportunities with faculty as well as a community of artistic peers.
Faculty include Dr. Jordan Abel, Dr. Adam Dickinson, Dodie Bellamy, and professional guest Lisa Pearson (Siglio Press).
Program Specialist - Visual Arts (Child/Youth)
Job Number: 53694
Do you consider yourself an expert in Visual Arts?
Do you have a passion for teaching and sharing your skills with others?
Application Deadline January 21, 2026
Program Dates Aug 04, 2026 - Aug 22, 2026
Jazz & Sonic Arts is an innovative artistic development opportunity for jazz and sound musicians. The program encourages participants to explore new directions in their practice and advance their creative potential through collaboration, research, and performances.
