COVID-19 alert
The AFA recognizes this is an extremely difficult time for Alberta's arts sector. Learn more about our COVID-19 response here.
The AFA recognizes this is an extremely difficult time for Alberta's arts sector. Learn more about our COVID-19 response here.
To promote the work of Alberta artists and build greater awareness of the AFA collection, we frequently loan artwork to bona fide cultural institutions for public exhibition.
Our exhibition loan program is designed to further public appreciation for Alberta artists and their contribution to the visual arts in Canada.
Eligible institutions can include museums, art galleries, interpretive centres, archives and other collecting or exhibiting organizations. Exhibitions can take place within Alberta, across Canada and abroad for up to two years at a time.
Borrowing institutions must have at least one staff member professionally trained in the care and handling of original works of art. Please note that individuals are not eligible to borrow artwork.
The AFA aims to make artworks accessible provincially, nationally and internationally. We do not charge an exhibition loan fee.
Borrowing institutions are responsible for all coordination and costs associated with appropriate fine arts shipping of artwork. This includes responsibility for arranging and contracting with a fine art shipping company, door-to-door insurance and all other associated costs.
You must make a preliminary inquiry prior to making formal request. All artwork loans must be formally requested in advance of the appropriate loan request deadline below:
Exhibition location and details |
Loan request deadline |
Within Alberta |
6 months (180 days) |
Western Canada (BC, SK, YK) |
6 months (180 days) |
All other Canadian provinces and territories |
9 months (270 days) |
International |
12 months (365 days) |
Loan request deadlines represent the minimum amount of time required prior to the anticipated outbound shipping date. Please note that making a formal request by the appropriate deadline does not guarantee loan approval.
We welcome early discussions about possible loans and artworks you wish to be considered. Staff is available to advise on curatorial selection and the general availability of works for loan to support your formal request.
Preliminary research for a loan should be carried out well in advance so that a formal request can be made in time for your planned exhibition:
After making a preliminary request, applicants may continue to follow the exhibition loans formal application process.
10708-105 Ave,
Edmonton, AB, Canada, T5H 0A1
780-427-9968
(toll-free within Alberta by first dialing 310-0000)