April 1, 2026 deadline
General Expert Panel comments
- The expert panel thanks all artists for their submissions to the Art Acquisitions by Application program. Your participation contributes to the continuing development of Alberta's cultural legacy and demonstrates the vitality of our visual arts community. Every submission, regardless of outcome, makes a valuable contribution to the selection process, demonstrates the health of the program and assists with future planning for the AFA collection.
- Submissions are stronger when a dedicated statement is submitted for each artwork. Individual statements help communicate the meaning, background, context, and uniqueness of each piece to help the adjudicators better understand and appreciate your artistic practice and artwork.
- Supplementary materials (such as your resume, biography and artistic statements) offer invaluable context for the adjudicators to gain a better understanding of your practice and help make decisions. These materials offer an excellent opportunity to highlight your background, accomplishments, and vision and to set yourself apart amongst a large volume of applications.
- When considering which artworks to submit to the AFA, please consult the AFA's Collection Development Plan Artwork Assessment Criteria (pg 8).
- The purpose of the AFA Art Collection is to celebrate the achievements of outstanding Alberta artists. All artworks acquired for the collection are preserved by the AFA in perpetuity. When submitting work, please select exemplary pieces that best reflect your artistic voice, technical skills, and unique contribution to Alberta's artistic community.
- Please provide a variety of images of your artwork, especially if it is three-dimensional. This may include front and back views, images showing the work in its intended setting, and close-up photographs that highlight the materials and methods used to create it.
- When submitting images, please include at least one image of the artwork on its own along with other installation images.
- When applying as individuals and/or through a gallery, please ensure all artists' supporting materials are up to date, complete, and tailored to the artworks under consideration.
- Providing specific display and installation details for individual artworks gives installers and adjudicators a clearer understanding of your intentions for the artwork and informs adjudicator's deliberations on how they may be used in AFA programs.
Go to program guidelines.
