Visual arts & new media

ART/Work Professional Development Session: Help us, help you!
Developing Your EPK (Electronic Press Kit) with John Wort-Hannam
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 6:30 - 7:45 pm
In Person: Sisters' Pub Boardroom (814 2 Ave S, Lethbridge)
Online: Zoom link provided upon registration
FREE to attend

Calling all musicians and performing artists! Are you ready to take the business side of your art as seriously as the music? In this hands-on, straight-talking professional development session, we’ll walk you through exactly what venues, festivals, and media professionals need from your online presence and EPK (Electronic Press Kit). You'll leave with tools, checklists, and practical strategies to improve your chances of getting booked and promoted — with minimal stress.

This workshop was inspired by acclaimed Alberta folk artist John Wort-Hannam and his refreshingly honest breakdown of what promoters really need from musicians in 2025.

Limited space available in-person. Please REGISTER to reserve a spot or request a Zoom link. docs.google.com/.../1uqfmvVT4uceRryMz.../viewform...

Artist Bio:

John Wort Hannam has been on his folk and roots-fueled troubadour journey for two decades, spinning song writing gold from the chaff of the lives he has encountered and those within his fertile imagination. Twenty-two years in, he shows no sign of slowing down. In fact, he’s gaining both momentum and a wider audience, winning two 2023 Canadian Folk Music Awards for Solo Artist of the Year and Contemporary Album of the Year. Add to this a Juno Award nomination, a Kerrville New Folk Win, a previous Canadian Folk Music Award, and it’s easy to see why audiences and critics alike hear something special in his narrative and lyrically driven songs. Effortlessly mixing rich and clear timbered vocals with lyrics that tug at the heart, his sound is both unique and familiar.

Born on the island of Jersey in the UK, he immigrated to Canada at the age of nine. He discovered the guitar and his knack for writing songs in his early thirties while working as a teacher on the Kainai Nation in Blackfoot country. In 2001, John quit his teaching job and made himself a promise - he would try his hand at writing songs for 10 months or until his employment insurance ran out. When time was up, he had a handful of songs. They became his first recording, released in 2002. Twenty-two years later, John is recognized as one of the best folk roots songwriters in Alberta and has released 8 full length recordings.

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This hybrid session will take place in person at the Sisters’ Boardroom and online via Zoom. Space is limited for in-person attendance, so register today to take advantage of the best experience—networking with fellow artists and gaining insight into creating a professional marketing package.

Register here: docs.google.com/.../1uqfmvVT4uceRryMz.../viewform...

ART/Work is an ongoing series of free professional development sessions supported by the Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge. These sessions are open to artists of all disciplines, at every stage of their career.

AAC Membership is free for artists in 2025, consider joining us to be the first to hear about future ART/Work sessions.

Learn more about the AAC by visiting artslethbridge.org/

Full-Time Contract, One Year (September 2025 to September 2026)

Overview:

The Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) is seeking an experienced, passionate and self-motivated individual to be the onsite Gallery Coordinator for an upcoming 6,000 square foot gallery space being set up in downtown Calgary.  The opening of the gallery is being planned for September 2025.

The opportunity is a temporary contract position for one year with the possibility of extension that will utilize the ideal candidate’s experience in collections management, outreach, arts administration and management, logistics, and programming. 

The Alberta Foundation for the Arts is a public agency and provincial corporation with a mandate to support and contribute to the development of the arts in Alberta. It provides arts grants to individuals and organizations, manages a provincial art collection by Albertan artists, and conducts research and communicates about the value of the arts to Alberta. It is governed by a board of directors that reports to the Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women.

For more information about the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, please visit: affta.ab.ca.

Role and Responsibilities of the Position:

Reporting to the Director, Art Collections and Initiatives (located in Edmonton), the position will be responsible for managing and completing daily gallery operations including (but not limited to): overseeing the artworks in the gallery, collaborating with the AFA’s Marketing and Communications team to promote upcoming exhibits and events, providing tours, performing related research, supporting partnerships, developing and overseeing programs and supporting events as required.

The position will be working out of an office in the same building during non-gallery hours and will only be required to work in the gallery space while it is open to the public. While hours for the gallery are still being finalized, the gallery space will largely be open during weekdays with limited hours but will include the possibility of additional hours on an occasional weekend or for a special after-hours event. Ample time will be provided where possible to ensure availability for planning purposes.

The position is for 5 days a week (Monday to Friday), with work hours from 8:15 am to 4:30 pm for a total of 36.25 hours a week with a one-hour lunch break included. Total hours per workday are 7.25 hours.

The successful candidate will need to be comfortable with standing for long periods of time while working in the gallery space, lifting or moving objects of up to 20kgs, and possess the ability to work independently. They will also need to be flexible in working occasional weekends and outside normal operating hours in the case of supporting events. Some travel (approximately 5%) within Calgary and to Edmonton for training and research will be required, with the possibility of additional travel to communities outside of Calgary when required to perform outreach as needed. 

As part of the onboarding process, the successful candidate must be available to travel to Edmonton for training prior to the gallery opening in September. 

The primary responsibilities of this position encompass two (2) main categories (but is not limited to):

Collections Care:

• Responsible for proper care of the gallery and its artworks by exercising collections management best practices in ensuring artworks are protected and free from damage and completing daily/regular inspections to ensure works are safe from potential risks such as pests, leaks, and direct light.
• Performing required research to inform future additions to the AFA art collection.
• Overseeing the receival of artworks when needed and completing required documentation (ie. condition reporting).
• Working with and liaising with facility management staff when required to address onsite concerns.
• Performing regular care routines to monitor the gallery space, including checking on environmental controls (ex. Humidity levels) and security systems to ensuring protection of the artworks.

Programming/Visitor Experiences:

• Welcoming visitors, providing exceptional customer service, and providing information on current and future exhibits and upcoming events during gallery hours.
• Overseeing the day-to-day operations of the gallery, including opening and closing the space, and ensuring the gallery is kept clean.
• Coordinating programming and supporting planned events for the gallery space such as live performances, workshops and artist talks.
• Overseeing the gallery’s operations during operating hours and during special events to ensure gallery best practices are followed.
• Engaging with visitors and providing tours when needed.
• Collecting, compiling and reporting visitation statistics to inform future programming and operations.
• Managing and coordinating exhibitions including maintaining a schedule of visual art exhibitions and potentially assisting with installation and curation.

Qualifications:

• University degree in art history, fine arts, museum studies, or a related field.
• Strong project and time management skills with the ability to meet multiple deadlines.
• Experience with arts administration, community engagement, and budget management.
• Previous experience curating and advising on exhibitions.
• Experience in public speaking and comfortable speaking to groups of various sizes.
• Knowledge of museum best practices, including collections management and current curatorial trends.
• Excellent communication (both written and oral), customer service and creative problem-solving skills.
• Detail oriented and organized.
• Highly self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office365.
• Valid Alberta Class 5 driver’s license. 

Assets:

• A Master’s degree in a related field including art history, fine arts and/or museum studies.
• Familiarity with Albertan visual art and contemporary topics in visual art trends.
• Fluency in another language.
• Experience with community building and maintaining stakeholder relationships.
• Experience with fine art preparation and handling.
• Current Standard (Intermediate) First Aid and CPR-C Certificate. 

Salary Range:

The salary compensation for this temporary contract position is up to $70,000 based on related experience (inclusive of all expenses).

How to apply:

Application Deadline: July 20, 2025

Applicants should send a resume and cover letter in one file that clearly outlines their qualifications and experience to kara.annett@gov.ab.ca by the application deadline with the subject line Gallery Coordinator (Calgary) Application.

We thank all applicants for their time and effort in applying, however only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Gallery@501 is pleased to present Like a Rolling Stone - Habitat, a new exhibition by Saskatchewan artist Heike Fink. The exhibit opens at Gallery@501 on July 4, 2025, and shows until August 23, 2025. 

Like a Rolling Stone - Habitat is an immersive exhibit that explores the important relationship between land, wildlife, and humans. Heike Fink uses traditional and modern felting techniques to create sculptures, wall hangings and installations that reflect stories of endangered species, habitat loss and land stewardship. Visitors will encounter prairie animals, birds, birch trees, landscapes, and an incredible installation of a winding stream with 3,000 rocks, each made of wool. Visitors can interact with the rocks by moving them within the habitat, inspiring them to consider the delicate balance between humans and nature.  

This exhibition also features a resource area with opportunities for further learning and hands-on engagement with exhibit themes. The public is invited to join the exhibiting artist for an artist talk at a special reception on Thursday, August 7 at 6:30 pm at Gallery@501. This event and admission to the gallery are free. 

For more information, visit strathcona.ca/ArtGallery. 

Upside Downtown: Concerts + Art line-up for 2025! 

Join us every Thursday in July & August from 5-7pm on Rotary Square at Casa. FREE to attend. From local talent to Juno-nominated artists, Upside Downtown has rock, soul, folk, blues, funk, and country plus everything in between. 

JULY 3*
Veronica Raine
The Decadent Phase

JULY 10*
Makiisma

JULY 17
Joce Reyome

JULY 24
Joshua Beebe & The Forest Orchestra
Willy Big Bull & Wintercount

JULY 31
John Wort-Hannam

AUGUST 7
Nuela Charles

AUGUST 14
Bailey Kate Band

AUGUST 21
Richard Inman & The Western Canadian All-Stars

AUGUST 28 - POP UP, GET DOWN - Dance until 10 pm
Shaela Miller + Guests
ADEQUATE!
Hippodrome

Our final concert on August 28 will be the inaugural POP UP, GET DOWN – A summer dance party with three bands, an art market, and we’re closing 8 Street South! 

Throughout the summer, drop by The Gallery at Casa for Re:Turning the Stories, a community exhibition with over 40 local artists reflecting on their relationship to the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden and Nikkei cultural stories in southern Alberta. 

Follow the @AACLETH and @CASALETHBRIDGE on Facebook and Instagram to see which food trucks will be joining us each week. 

*PS - We will be joined for a pre-show on July 3 & July 10 at 4:45 pm with Chinook High School Battle of the Bands Winners. Supporting emerging talent in our community! 

Thank you to our sponsors for allowing us to provide FREE concerts to the community: FACTOR, Spectrum Ale Co., Westco Construction, Precon, Andrew Hilton, Anova Law Group, CIR Realty, Nectar Tattoo, Safeway, So Normal Print Co., Tourism Lethbridge, and Warwick Printing.

The Upside Downtown Concert Series is programmed by the Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge. For more information about this series and the AAC, visit artslethbridge.org/ 

Please join us for the launch of Terrie Shaw’s book on July 13th from 2-3:30 pm. Guests can expect a reading from Terrie Shaw, an opportunity to purchase the book, and light refreshments. 

Terrie Shaw is an Edmonton based artist whose new book, Garden Journey: Stories, Sketches, and Recipes, offers an intimate look at her creative process. Through delicate watercolour sketches, expressive pen-and-ink drawings, and heartfelt journal entries, Terrie’s book captures the ever-changing beauty of the seasons and the quiet magic they bring. Shaw then transforms her homegrown bounty into an array of delicious, garden-inspired recipes, each infused with personal stories and cherished memories. 

We look forward to seeing you there!

When: July 13, 2-3:30pm
Where: Audreys Books, 10702 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB

audreys.ca/events