Community News

Have experience in customer service and a passion for the arts? Citadel Theatre is seeking to hire a FOH Supervisor!

Deadline to apply: July 10, 2025

Learn more and apply for this great opportunity on our website: citadeltheatre.com/contact/employment-opportunities/

About the program

The Cultivating Indigenous Talent in the Arts (CITA) program will host a series of one-week mentorships from September 2025 to August 2026, providing 10 emerging Indigenous artists from remote Alberta communities with personalized guidance and professional development to help them build confidence in their craft while developing the necessary tools to grow their careers. The program will take place in Fort McMurray, Alberta, where each artist will receive direct mentorship from Arts Council Wood Buffalo’s experienced staff and will conclude with the delivery of a workshop, sharing their artistic skills with the local community.

Eligibility criteria

• Artist must reside in Alberta, preference to those living in remote regions.
• Artist must identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit, or Non-Status)
• Artist should be considered “emerging”, meaning they are in the early stages of their artistic career.
• Must be of age to travel and live alone for the duration of the program.

About the program

• Each artist will participate in a personalized one-week mentorship, where they will receive tailored mentorship from Arts Council Wood Buffalo’s experienced staff.
• Mentorship is focused on Portfolio Development, Artist Statement & Bio Writing, Marketing & Self-Promotion, Community engagement, Applying for Grants and Opportunities, Networking, and Workshop facilitation.
• At the end of each mentorship, the artist will host a public workshop to showcase their work and engage with the local community.
• ACWB will cover the cost of travel, accommodation, and per diem allowance for the selected artists.

Workshop media

The selected artists will host a community art workshop and must be able to teach and engage students in an artform or technique that they feel comfortable in. Artforms may include, but are not limited to:

• Painting/Drawing
• Ceramics
• Dance/Music (includes Drumming and traditional dances)
• Photography
• New Media Arts
• Traditional Indigenous Crafts (ie. beading, weaving, wood/hide burning etc.)
• Textiles
• Theatre/Acting
• Sculpture
• Woodworking
• Storytelling/Writing

Submitting a proposal

All submissions must be submitted through our online Opportunities Portal. Create an account, login and then click on the purple “Start Entry” button. You may begin drafting your proposal by selecting “Cultivating Indigenous Talent in the Arts (CITA)” as your category. Artists may be invited to a brief interview, as a part of the selection process. 

Submission deadline

Submissions must be submitted by Monday, August 4, 2025 at 11:59 pm.

Selection process

The artists will be selected for an interview on the strength and content of their applications. Only applicants who identify as Indigenous will be considered for this mentorship program and must be willing to travel to Fort McMurray, Alberta for the duration of a week.

Please note that only artists(s) who are successful will be notified.

Selections will be made by Arts Council Wood Buffalo staff. All successful artists will be notified by August 8, 2025 for an interview and selected artists to continue into the program will be notified within 5 business days of their interview.

Questions and more information

For questions or more information on this opportunity please contact our Rural Arts Support Program Coordinator, Michelle Foran at michelle@artscouncilwb.ca or (587) 674-1625 x.106

City of Red Deer Public Art Opportunity

Canadian Pacific Rail Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation Public Art Project – 2025/2026

Call for Artists 

Canadian artists or artist teams are invited to submit expressions of interest for a public art opportunity for stage 1 of the CPR Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation Project in the city of Red Deer, AB. 

Budget: $170,000 (including GST)

Deadline for applications: July 31, 2025, 4:00pm

Project Background

The CPR Pedestrian Bridge, built in 1908 by Canadian Pacific Railway, was used for trains until 1990 when the rail line was relocated. Although initially slated for demolition, the bridge was saved by local residents and converted into an active transportation structure. Recognizing its historical significance, Red Deer City Council designated the bridge a Municipal Historic Resource in 1991. Now over 100 years old, the bridge is undergoing full rehabilitation to restore its original grandeur, meet modern standards, and create an inviting space for the community. The project will also include landscaping and the creation of a plaza on the north side of the river, with two identified sites for public art.

Location

The public art sites are situated on the north side of the Red Deer River, within the newly created plaza. This location connects the Riverside Meadows neighbourhood to the city's renowned trail system, while the CPR Pedestrian Bridge links the north side to downtown Red Deer. There are two potential public art sites located on the outer edges of a trail roundabout: a primary site and a secondary site. In Stage 2, artists and artist teams can choose to submit a design for the primary site only or a design that engages both sites, creating a cohesive relationship between them.

The plaza and public art sites are situated on the ancestral lands of Treaty 6, within the traditional territories of the Métis, Cree, and Saulteaux peoples. Central Alberta also encompasses parts of Treaty 7, the traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Tsuut’ina Nation, and Stoney Nakoda Nations. This area has been a place of gathering, travel, and sustenance for Indigenous communities since time immemorial. The arrival of settlers and the imposition of colonial systems—through treaties, land dispossession, and the establishment of industry—profoundly disrupted these relationships. By the early 20th century, the site became home to the Bawtinheimer Mill and later the Great West Lumber Company (1900–1916), contributing to the industrial and residential development of North Red Deer.

Today, projects like the CPR Pedestrian Bridge offer an opportunity to reflect on these layered histories while imagining more inclusive futures. The bridge project aligns with key objectives from the Riverside Meadows Neighbourhood Redevelopment Plan, including beautifying the public realm, fostering a strong community identity, and preserving the area’s historical and cultural features. Riverside Meadows is a vibrant, and inclusive community, blending residential, commercial, and recreational spaces while respecting its history and natural environment. The neighbourhood emphasizes sustainable development, green spaces, and accessible transportation, particularly through walking and biking, and encourages active community involvement in maintaining its unique identity.

Deliverables
Canadian-based artists (including artist teams) are invited to submit their portfolios and statement of interest to this stage 1 of a two-stage competition for the public art project competition for the CPR Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation Project. 

The artwork(s) will serve as a welcoming beacon for cyclists and pedestrians, marking the entrance into north Red Deer. Situated along a pedestrian corridor, the piece will invite passersby to pause, gather, and reflect. The project encourages themes that align with the values of the Riverside Meadows neighbourhood, such as environmental stewardship, community connection, and the histories and stories of the area. This will be a site-specific sculptural artwork that responds to the location’s use, history, and natural environment. Designs that incorporate interactive elements are encouraged.

Required Submission Materials

Artists/artist teams are invited to submit their portfolios (up to 10 past projects) and shall include:

• Professional Experience - CV (lead artist)
  • Portfolio of relevant past projects
  • Letter of Interest outlining possible approach to this project
  • Artist Statement and philosophy towards Public Art

Selection Process

Submissions will be screened for eligibility based on the requirements listed above. Submissions that do not meet eligibility criteria will not be considered. Eligible submissions will be reviewed by the Public Art Commission and 3 to 5 finalists will be chosen to move onto the RFP stage. Those moving to the RFP stage will receive an honorarium of $2500.00 for the development of the final design concept. All applicants will be notified regardless. 

Deadline and Submission Details

Proposals will be accepted until Friday, July 31, 2025, 4 pm MT. The detailed RFQL can be found here reddeer.bidsandtenders.ca

Respondents interested in this opportunity are invited to create a free Bidding System Vendor account at reddeer.bidsandtenders.ca and click on the "Create Account" button. To register as a Plan Taker, click on the “Register for this Bid” button.

Responses that do not fully meet the criteria above may not be considered. It is the respondent’s responsibility to request clarification of any item that is unclear or uncertain within the context of the RFQ package by using the “Submit a Question” button through the Bidding System.

Equity Statement 

In the spirit of fostering inclusivity and celebrating diverse voices, this public art project welcomes artists of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to participate. We are committed to ensuring that artists from historically underrepresented communities, including but not limited to Indigenous, Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQ+, disabled, and economically marginalized groups, have equitable opportunities to contribute to the cultural fabric of Central Alberta. We encourage submissions that reflect the rich diversity of our community, promote social justice, and inspire collective understanding.

The City of Lethbridge Public Art Program is seeking an artist or artist team to paint a series of asphalt murals on park pathways, with the goal of promoting awareness, connection and movement of people between various amenities in and around Henderson Park. This pilot project also involves elements of skill sharing and community participation and will help inform future asphalt art projects in our community.

Artists are asked to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) outlining their artistic background and intended approach to the project. Design renderings are not required at this phase. The details of the skill-sharing and community engagement components will be developed and scheduled in collaboration with the project team (see Scope of Work below).

Applicants should carefully read all sections of this call and ensure their application fulfills all the requirements. Questions are welcome and may be directed to KT Wilde at publicart@artslethbridge.org.

Background

Henderson Park is one of Lethbridge’s premier parks featuring a 24-hectare lake, mature trees, picturesque parkland & gardens, picnic shelters, playgrounds and over 7 km of pathways to explore. Centrally located on the south side of the city, Henderson Park contains (or is adjacent to) an abundance of highly valued community amenities. These include Henderson Outdoor Pool, Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, Lethbridge Tennis Club, Henderson Lake Golf Course, Wade Galloway Skate Park, Spitz Stadium and the newly redeveloped Lethbridge & District Exhibition. A hub for community celebration, the park itself is a year-round destination for outdoor recreation and special events that promote lively festivals, active socialization and casual enjoyment of urban nature.

For more details on the various amenities located in and around Henderson Park, please see: www.lethbridge.ca/parks-leisure-recreation/parks-and-playgrounds/south-parks-and-playgrounds/henderson-lake-park/   and  getinvolvedlethbridge.ca/henderson-park-strategic-plan.

Eligibility

This competition is open to artists and artist teams across Canada at all levels of their artistic practice. Applicants must be available for all activities as outlined above.

Scope of work

The selected artist (or artist team) will design and paint a series of 5 – 8 temporary works of public art. The sites eligible for painting will not include roads or designated sidewalks but will focus on paved paths and gathering areas used primarily by pedestrians and cyclists. Most sites are located within Henderson Park, with additional designated adjacent areas outside the Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre building.

The selected applicant will also be required to deliver two additional components: 1) a professional development opportunity for other artists looking to expand their skillset to include asphalt mural painting and 2) offer a community engagement activity as part of the project, such as participating in a volunteer paint day. Project staff will work with the artist to develop these components, but applicants are asked to highlight their relevant skills and any approaches they may envision, in their letter of interest.

Installation sites

• Pathway paintings will be installed at between 5 and 8 sites along paved surfaces located within eligible zones which include the Henderson Park Pathways (Appendix A) and designated areas on the north/east side of Parkside Drive S connecting Lethbridge and District Exhibition with Henderson Park (Appendix B).
• No officially designated sidewalks or roads are included in the scope of this call. Proposals to paint crosswalks, roadways, or intersections will not be considered.

While painting will only occur within the eligible areas outlined, the artwork can and should visually reference the amenities surrounding the park as listed above, and may include other highlights such as playgrounds, boat launch, picnic and rest areas, etc.

Budget 

The project budget is $10,000 plus GST, inclusive of artist fees and other project expenses for which the selected artist or artist team will be responsible, such as supplies, materials and incidentals.  

The selected applicant will receive an artist fee of $750 plus GST upon submission of the Project Proposal (see Artist Deliverables, above). Following acceptance of the project plan and designs, an additional fee of $9250 plus GST will be paid in installments according to deliverables.   

An additional travel budget may be negotiated if necessary, to a maximum of $3000. 

Timeline

Call opens: Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Info Session:  Wednesday, June 25, 2025 – details and link will be posted online
EOI Submission Deadline: Monday, July 21, 2025 at 11:59 pm local time
Notification: Thursday, July 31, 2025
Site visit: Early August 2025
Project Proposal due: August 31, 2025

Phase 1

• Installations: September 2025 (contingency dates: October 2025)
• Project updates submitted: September/October

Phase 2

• Planning: Fall 2025 / Winter 2026
• Installations and engagement events: Spring 2026

Final report submitted: within one month following completion

Download the full PDF for Application and Submission Requirements

Submission deadline: Monday, July 21, 2025 at 11:59 pm local time

The Common Ground Festival returns and its groovier than ever!! We are looking for submissions to celebrate Calgary's most talented artists and the joy of bringing new works of all shapes and sizes to the stage! If you've got a thing we've got a stage

The Common Ground Festival is a place for emerging and small professional artists to present and develop the work that they are passionate about. Since our inception in 2014, we have been honoured to show Calgary the work of over 300 early career artists. In 2018 we partnered with the Pumphouse Theatres, a longtime supporter of emerging and small professional artists in Calgary, in order to provide the best stage for our artists

We are now growing again as a festival to expand from not only emerging artists, indie-theatre and new works, but also more artistic disciplines. For this year’s festival we want to provide an artistically diverse and unique experience for our audience!

This includes what you would expect from Common Ground as well as more dance, physical storytelling and non-traditional story telling by emerging and small professional artists.

What we are looking for from submissions:

•  Theatrical physical story tellers: Dancers, Clowns, Mimes, Puppetry, etc.
• New works
• Anything you’ve ever wanted to perform but haven’t had a chance to yet.
• Have an unfinished piece or just a very short show that you want to try in front of an audience? There may also be a cabaret for short versions of works either complete or in progress.
• We also have a focus on artists from Calgary, Alberta

The Common Ground Festival is (and always will be) looking for innovative, experimental or original works that showcases authentic and creatively embodied stories. if you've got a thing, we’ve got a stage for you.

Deadline for submissions: July 31, 2025
How to submit: Fill out this form: forms.gle 

The festival will be happening from November 12 to 15, 2025 

To apply, go to: mpeoplesolutions.com/jobs/controller

Alberta Theatre Projects (ATP) is in its 50th season (2024–25) of producing live, professional, contemporary theatre in Calgary. ATP is a not-for-profit organization known for supporting new play development.

At Alberta Theatre Projects (ATP, learn more here: ATP Website), we create world-class contemporary theatre that blurs the line between the audience and the artist, by telling the most provocative and engaging stories of our time. By embracing the intimacy and unique audience configuration opportunities of the Martha Cohen Theatre, we offer an exciting new experience for our audience with each production.

About the position

Are you a detail-oriented, proactive accounting professional looking to make a meaningful impact in the arts? Alberta Theatre Projects invites you to apply for the position of Senior Accountant/Controller.

Reporting to the Executive Director, this role provides strategic financial guidance and operational leadership, ensuring the integrity of ATP’s financial systems and processes. You’ll contribute to decision-making across the organization while maintaining compliance, efficiency, and transparency in all financial operations.

This is a full-time, permanent position located at Arts Commons in downtown Calgary and requires working in the office (this is not a remote based position).

Responsibilities

• You’ll be a sole contributor leading the accounting department, but you’ll be working in a collaborative environment with a number of different departments and stakeholders
• Timely and accurate financial statements to the management team and board of directors (monthly)
• Completing month-end and year-end closing, reconciliations and consolidation of financials (including working papers to the auditor)
• Compliance with funding agreements, grant requirements and CRA regulations
• Lead financial forecasting, budgeting and cash flow management
• Preparing annual budgets and forecasts with the leadership team
• Provide invaluable insights to enhance financial efficiency and decision-making.
• Keep our financial operations running smoothly with meticulous record-keeping and coordination.
• Drive strategic planning through insightful financial analyses and predictive modeling.
• Ensure financial health by conducting audits and preparing accurate reports
• Collaborate with external auditors and regulatory bodies to maintain compliance.
• Oversee financial committees and board meetings.
• Establish robust financial policies and internal controls to support organizational growth.
• Manage payroll, insurance, and vendor contracts with precision and care.
• Accounts payable, receivable and day to day bookkeeping (reconciliations, remittances, filings, etc.)

Job Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in financial management or accounting.
• The ideal candidate will be a Senior Accountant, Accounting Manager or Controller
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or a related field is required (CPA designation preferred and experience in the not for profit or performing arts/creative industry would be an asset).
• Strong skills in financial analysis and familiarity with financial software (Excel, QuickBooks).
• Experience with CRM systems such as Spektrix is an asset.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Alignment with ATP’s mission and a passion for the performing arts.
• As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to complete a background and credit check to the sole satisfaction of Alberta Theatre Projects
• Legal authorization to work in Canada.

What we can offer

This is a full-time salaried position with an annual salary range of $75,000–$85,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include three weeks of paid vacation and comprehensive health coverage. You’ll work in a supportive, collaborative environment where your financial expertise directly contributes to ATP’s creative success.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Our commitment to DE&I is woven into our belief that our organization is strongest when we embrace our communities’ lived experiences, regardless of what we look like, where we come from, or whom we love. That means building a more equitable, inclusive workplace and promoting daily actions that reinforce our DE&I commitment to the audiences we serve.

Application Process

Alberta Theatre Projects is committed to reflecting the diversity of our community. We believe in equality and inclusion and strongly encourage submissions from all qualified individuals regardless of gender, age, race, sexual orientation, and physical ability. We also encourage you to self-identify as you are comfortable in your application. If you require any accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know in your application.

To apply, please submit your resume and complete the questionnaire through Modern People Solutions website (they are supporting Alberta Theatre Projects with the hiring process):

mpeoplesolutions.com/jobs/controller

Thank you to all applicants. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted. No phone calls, in-person visits or e-mails, please. 

For more information about Alberta Theatre Projects, please visit our website: albertatheatreprojects.com.

A Message from AFA Chair Cynthia Moore

The Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) Board of Directors is pleased to have approved its 2025-26 annual budget based on the increased provincial allocation of $34.6 million. I am pleased to share highlights of our plan with Alberta’s arts community. We are grateful for the government’s continued commitment to increase funding for the arts and its second consecutive increase of $4.5 million to the AFA in Budget 2025. 

This year, the AFA will focus on increasing support for arts organizations. Total spending allocated to operational and project grants for organizations will increase by 10 per cent. At the same time, I am pleased to share that increased support for individual artists announced last year will be maintained. The AFA will be sharing information with operational clients about how their funding may be impacted through its regular grant notifications.  

The AFA will begin rolling out new and updated grant programs this year based on the findings of our program review begun in 2022. This year AFA is beginning the process of modernizing its grant programs to provide more targeted and appropriate funding support to arts organizations and individual artists. While the grant review is unrelated to the AFA’s 2025-26 budget, increased funding from Alberta’s government has well-positioned the AFA to effectively update its programs to reflect today’s provincial arts sector.

We will continue to make the AFA Art Collection more accessible to more Albertans, including through additional support for the Travelling Exhibition (TREX) program. TREX providers will be curating additional AFA artworks into more exhibitions, expand their outreach and increase opportunities for new communities to book exhibitions.

I want to express our appreciation for the government’s continued commitment to increase funding for the arts with the second consecutive increase of our budget. Our commitment is to prioritize and invest in artists, art and cultural materials. This work is in line with the AFA’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, which is available to read in both English and French on our website. 

We look forward to continuing to support and contribute to the growth of Alberta’s arts sector.

Cynthia P. Moore, Chair
Contact the Chair at afacontact@gov.ab.ca  
 

The Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards (formerly the Alberta Newcomer Recognition Awards) celebrate the outstanding contributions of Albertans born abroad. They honour individuals – youth, women, seniors, artists, athletes, entrepreneurs, community builders and others – who have enriched the province through business, science and technology, professional contributions, academia, arts, sports, or volunteer efforts.

Nominees must have been born outside of Canada but are now Canadian citizens or permanent residents and currently living in Alberta. They may have been living in Canada for a long time, or for just a few years.

See the Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards Guidelines and award categories below for more details. Nominations close at noon (12 pm) on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

Learn more: www.alberta.ca/alberta-immigrant-impact-awards 

World Art Day

Each year, on 15 April, World Art Day celebrations help reinforce the links between artistic creations and society, encourage greater awareness of the diversity of artistic expressions and highlight the contribution of artists to sustainable development. It is also an occasion to shine a light on arts education in schools, as culture can pave the way for inclusive and equitable education.

Sharing Alberta's art

With over 9,000 artworks in the AFA Art Collection, there is always a need to find creative ways to share Alberta's art province wide. In any given year, the AFA has an incredible 20-25% of its collection in public circulation. This is achieved through exhibition loans, extended loans, and touring and art placement programs.

Through the TREX Curators/Managers in the TREX program, the AFA has been able to share art throughout the province bringing Albertan creativity to 187 venues in 95 communities, and reaching over 615,000 Albertans!

Publicly accessible art

Throughout the province you can find works from the AFA Art Collection on display in publicly accessible areas. Keep an eye on social media on World Art Day and see if your favourite and recognizable locations are sharing art from the Collection!