Alberta-based artists are encouraged to apply for up to $75,000 to promote art and artists across the province.

Important dates:

Applications for Alberta Culture and Tourism’s new Artist in Residence program must be received or postmarked prior to Monday, December 10, 2018 at 11:59 pm Mountain Time.

Overview

This program seeks to inspire innovation in the arts and encourage dialogue by supporting visionary artists and cultural leaders to create work and lead conversations on the role of artists and the arts in society.

Artists are encouraged to apply for this grant, worth up to $75,000, to become Alberta’s Artist in Residence for a one-year term. Through this grant, the Artist in Residence will:

  • develop and showcase an art project that addresses a key issue(s) in their community
  • work with Alberta communities to promote the importance of artists and the arts
  • communicate and share their perspective on the artistic process with the public and government
  • act as an advocate for understanding the realities of artists and the communities in which they work

Applications from artists from the following communities are encouraged:

  • Indigenous artists
  • Culturally Diverse* artists
  • Deaf artists and artists with disabilities
  • Francophone artists
  • 2SLGBTQIA+ artists
  • New generation artists, emerging artists, and youth

*Culturally diverse communities are defined as racialized groups that correspond to “visible minorities” under the federal Employment Equity Act. These are individuals of African, Asian, Latin American, Middle Eastern or mixed ancestral heritage that includes at least one of these groups.

Eligibility

The Artist in Residence will be selected annually through a competitive project grant application process. Assessment of grant applications will also incorporate the suitability of the candidate to act as a representative of the Government of Alberta for a one-year term.

This annual opportunity is open to all artists who are residents of Alberta that practice any artistic discipline(s) including, but may not be limited to:

  • dance
  • film and video
  • Indigenous arts
  • literary arts
  • music
  • theatre
  • visual arts and new media

Additional eligibility criteria are included in the Program Guidelines.

Assessment

Applications will be assessed by an appropriate panel of staff from Alberta Culture and Tourism with expertise in the arts sector in Alberta.

A short-list of recommended applicants will then be asked to make a short presentation on their respective projects.

  • presentations will take place in the City of Edmonton
  • applicants who reside outside of a 50 km radius of city limits are eligible to be reimbursed for travel expenses, accommodations, and per diems to support the presentation process
  • the final recommendation of the successful grant recipient is based on the results of each presentation

The successful grant recipient is selected by the minister of Culture and Tourism, whose decision is final. The selection of artists from year to year will be deliberate to reflect the cultural richness of diverse communities across the province. Funding is not assured for any project.

Artist compensation

The successful Artist in Residence will receive up to $75,000 for this project:

  • up to $45,000 in artist fees for compensation
  • a maximum of $30,000 for related program expenses such as travel and accommodations requirements, as outlined in the funding conditions of the Program Guidelines

Community outreach

The artist’s proposed project should include engagement and learning opportunities during their term to support the objectives of their project.

The artist should clearly describe the purpose and intended outcomes of each activity, and how this work would be documented. It is recommended that proposed opportunities take place in more than one location in Alberta.

In addition to any self-directed travel proposed, the Artist in Residence is expected to be accessible to community groups that may wish to invite the artist to attend a local event or to meet with stakeholders. Communities interested in inviting the Artist in Residence to visit their community can do so from the Artist in Residence page.

Government interaction

The Artist in Residence is also a ceremonial position with the artist expected to attend and bring greetings, as appropriate, as an honoured guest and an advocate for artists and the communities in which they work at:

The selected artist will also have an opportunity to meet with the minister of Culture and Tourism, as well as other government officials to provide their perspective on how government can better serve and support artists in Alberta.

How to apply

Step 1. Read the guidelines

These Alberta Artist in Residence Grant Program Guidelines (PDF) outline detailed:

  • eligibility requirements
  • funding levels
  • eligible expenses
  • application procedures

Step 2. Complete the application package

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Fill-in the Alberta Artist in Residence Grant Program Application Form.

Applicants must also provide:

  • a one-page cover letter explaining why the applicant is interested in this program and what they hope to achieve by participating in it
  • a recent 8×10 digital, facial photograph of at least 300 dpi that has the applicant’s full name in the file title
  • a résumé of no more than 2 pages describing relevant experience
  • samples of artistic work with suitable types and formats outlined in the Program Guidelines

Complete the application package by defining the scope of work, including details of:

  • theme / topic
  • proposed budget
  • project methods to create work / engage communities
  • specific technical / support requirements, if any

Incomplete applications will be ineligible for consideration.

Step 3. Submit the application package

Review each document in the Artist in Residence application package to make sure all areas are explained completely:

  • ensure all documents are included for the application to be considered

Electronically submit the completed application form and supplementary information by emailing: ArtsBranch@gov.ab.ca.

In the subject line insert: Artist in Residence program

Submit the application by package by post to:

Arts Branch, Government of Alberta
10708 105 Avenue NW
Edmonton, Alberta  T5H 0A1

A full application package must be postmarked no later than Monday, December 10, 2018 at 11:59 pm Mountain Time.

Once an application and supporting documents are received by Culture and Tourism, the following process is implemented:

  • an assessment will be conducted to ensure the application letter and other documents contain the required information
  • an assessment will confirm applicant eligibility and suitability with the program

After you apply

Applicants will receive written correspondence or an email notification of any decisions regarding their application.

  • applicants recommended for an in-person interview will be contacted by email by Thursday, December 20, 2018, to schedule an appropriate time
  • interviews will tentatively take place during the week of January 7 to 11, 2019
  • the successful applicant will be notified by Friday, January 18, 2019

Notification dates provided are subject to change.

Contact

To connect with the Alberta Culture and Tourism, Arts Branch:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-6315
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Fax: 780-422-9132
Email: ArtsBranch@gov.ab.ca

Mailing address:
Alberta Culture and Tourism, Arts Branch
10708 105 Avenue NW
Edmonton, Alberta  T5H 0A1