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Encore! New Artist in Residence hits the stage
DATE :
October 16, 2025
John Wort Hannam, a Lethbridge-based musician, is a JUNO nominee and three-time Canadian Folk Music Award winner with multiple Western Canadian Folk Music Award nominations under his belt. For more than 25 years, his music has celebrated the spirit of everyday Albertans, bringing their stories to life on stages across Canada and around the world.
The Artist in Residence program highlights the power of the arts to inspire creativity, connect communities and honour Alberta's rich cultural identity. Through this program, an Albertan artist receives a grant to serve a one-year term as Alberta’s Artist in Residence and Arts Ambassador, as they create an art project that showcases the power of the arts in Alberta.
Through his one-year residency, John will engage with communities across Alberta, attend cultural events and offer an inside look at his artistic process as Alberta’s Arts Ambassador.
“I am excited to announce John Wort Hannam as Alberta’s new Artist in Residence. John’s music is powerful, echoing the stories of Alberta’s strength, culture and identity. I also want to thank our 2024 Artist in Residence, Samantha Williams-Chapelsky, for her inspiring collection of plein air paintings and meaningful contributions to Alberta’s arts community.”
Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women
John’s residency project, ‘Everyone Has a Story,’ will connect unique voices and put Alberta’s talent on centre stage with 10 songwriting workshops in rural, remote and inner-city communities across the province. Each workshop will conclude with a public listening session and performance, highlighting the stories and songs created during that session.
“Every Albertan carries a unique story and when we listen to one another, we connect and build stronger communities. As Alberta’s Artist in Residence and Arts Ambassador, I am honoured to use the power of music to bridge Albertans’ experiences and share their voices across the province.”
John Wort Hannam, 2025-26 Artist in Residence
Alberta is proud to be the only province in Canada to offer a provincial Artist in Residence program open to artists of all disciplines. The residency comes with a grant of up to $50,000. Hannam was selected from a shortlist of seven applicants, and his term runs until Sept. 30, 2026.
“The Artist in Residence program gave me time, space and support to explore my painting practice and truly connect with the landscapes across Alberta. It is a unique opportunity in Canada to be supported by a provincial government, and it was the honour of a lifetime to do this project.”
Samantha Williams-Chapelsky, 2024-25 Artist in Residence
“The Alberta Artist in Residence program celebrates the transformative power of art. Through the work of the selected artist, this initiative honours the cultural contributions of Alberta’s artistic community. At the AFA, we strive to inspire, connect and advocate for the arts across the province. Congratulations to John Wort Hannam on his selection as Alberta’s sixth Artist in Residence and Arts Ambassador.”
Cynthia P. Moore, Chair, Alberta Foundation for the Arts
Host the Artist in Residence
As Alberta’s Arts Ambassador and a voice for artists across the province, John will be available to speak about the arts in Alberta at local and cultural events. Communities interested in hosting the Artist in Residence can apply online through Artist in Residence webpage.
Quick facts
- Budget 2025 invests a record $36.1 million in arts funding, with responsible investments growing to more than $43 million annually by 2027.
- In 2020, Alberta’s music sector generated $1.7 billion in provincial GDP and sustained more than 20,500 jobs in Alberta.