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Applications for 2026 program are now open
The deadline to apply to become the next Alberta Artist in Residence is 11:59 pm on June 15, 2026. The successful artist will be announced as part of Alberta’s Month of the Artist in September 2026.
Overview
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.
What to expect as Artist in Residence
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
Who can apply
Any artist that is a resident of Alberta is eligible to apply. This is a merit-based opportunity.
Applications from all artists are encouraged, including artists from the following communities:
- Indigenous artists
- artists from culturally diverse communities
- 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 include at least one of these groups.
- deaf artists
- artists with mental health disabilities or mental illness
- artists with physical disabilities
- artists living with chronic, temporary or episodic illness or pain
- Francophone artists
- 2SLGBTQQIA+ artists – two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, queer, questioning, intersexual, asexual, plus
Eligibility
The Artist in Residence is selected annually through a competitive project grant application process.
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
Program requirements
How to apply
Completed applications must be received by 11:59pm on June 15, 2026.
Download the full application package, including:
- program guidelines
- application form
- budget template
Section 5 in the program guidelines provides details of all components that must be submitted as part of your completed application. A checklist is included on the application form to ensure you have included all required materials. Incomplete applications will be ineligible for consideration.
Download the application package
How to submit your application
Individuals can submit their application digitally via email (preferred) or may send hard copies or USB sticks via post.
After you apply
Once an application and supporting documents are received by us, then:
- an assessment will be conducted to ensure the application package contains the required information
- an assessment will confirm applicant eligibility and suitability with the program
Assessment
Applications are assessed by a panel of adjudicators with expertise in the arts sector in Alberta.
Assessment of an application will consider:
- the proposed project
- the ability and suitability of the candidate to act as an Arts Ambassador for Alberta
The successful grant recipient is selected by the Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women, 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.
A short-list of recommended applicants may be asked to make a short presentation on their respective projects. Developing an application short-list is at the discretion of the selection panel. An interview process may not be conducted for each annual application intake for this program.
Applicants will receive written correspondence or an email notification of any decisions regarding their application.
Contact
Connect with our Arts Branch:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-6315 (general)
Phone: 780-644-1029 (program staff)
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Fax: 780-422-9132
Email: [email protected]
Mailing address:
Arts Branch
10708 105 Avenue NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5H 0A1