The Newcomer Arts Professional Program (NAPP) is a dedicated professional development initiative tailored to empower and support newcomer professional artists, arts administrators, and cultural workers. NAPP is a pivotal platform, fostering connections, resource access, educational enrichment, and professional establishment within the Canadian arts landscape.
This opportunity is for newcomer arts professionals in both Edmonton and Calgary only.
NAPP CORE OFFERINGS
- Personalized one-on-one mentorship.
- Professional development sessions facilitated by esteemed Canadian arts professionals.
- Comprehensive training programs and exposure to the Canadian arts industry.
- One-on-One career coaching session
- NAPP extends vital support by providing reliable information, deliberate networking opportunities, and sector-specific insights.
- Paid opportunity to gain Canadian experience and comprehensive guidance.
- Essential information for the successful establishment of careers in Canada.
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by newcomer and immigrant arts professionals in navigating their careers and securing professional opportunities within the arts sector, NAPP is committed to bridging this gap.
TARGET AUDIENCE
This program supports professional artists, arts administrators, and culture workers in Calgary and Edmonton who are newcomers to Canada, with less than 7 years of residency.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
To qualify for this program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Age Requirement: Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
Residential status: Applicants should have resided in Canada for a cumulative total of less than 7 years at the time of their application and live physically in either Calgary or Edmonton areas in Alberta, Canada .
Student Status: Individuals currently in Canada specifically for a degree program at any Canadian educational institution are not eligible for participation.
Professional Background: Applicants must possess experience in the fields of professional arts, arts administration, or cultural work in their home country.
Work Status: Applicants must have legal authorization to work in Canada.
ICAI Membership: It is a prerequisite for applicants to be registered as ICAI members. If you are not a member yet, we encourage you to consider joining; membership is free.
➔ If you are not already an ICAI member, please fill out our membership form, prior to filling out the participant / mentee application.
This program is your gateway to unlocking new possibilities in your artistic journey.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
Our jury team will carefully review all of the received applications, conducting interviews with the shortlisted candidates to confirm and finalize our selections.
Participant Applications Open: Wednesday, 1st April, 2026
Application Deadline: Thursday, 30th April, 2026
NAPP Information Session
Date: Apr 13th, 2026
Time: 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm MDT
Online via Zoom
Reserve your spot for the info session here.
Join the NAPP information session where we will be providing application assistance and more details about NAPP, answering all your questions.
For any assistance or accessibility support related to this application, please don't hesitate to contact our Programs Coordinator at programs@icaionline.org.
This opportunity is for newcomer arts professionals in both Edmonton and Calgary only.
Any personal information provided in a request to post a listing on the AFA newsfeed, or in the listing itself, will be used for the purpose of posting to the AFA’s newsfeed, administering the AFA’s website and providing individuals and organizations with information on AFA programs and events. Such information is collected under the authority of section 33 (c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and is protected by the privacy provisions of the Act. Should you have any questions about the collection of this information, you may contact Aaron Talbot, Arts Services Consultant – Communications, at 780-289-3781.