Artist in Residence puts dance in the spotlight

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Artist ProfileCommunity News All disciplinesDance

Janita Frantsi is the first dance artist ever selected for the role, marking an exciting milestone for the Artist in Residence program. Her appointment recognizes the important place dance holds in Alberta's cultural landscape and reinforces the government's commitment to supporting artists and connecting Albertans with the arts.

As Alberta's Arts Ambassador, Janita will receive a $50,000 grant for a one-year residency, sharing her creative process with communities across the province and creating her project, Art Around Us. Combining live and pre-recorded dance, the project will explore new ways for Albertans to experience the arts while showcasing the province's landscapes, communities and natural spaces.

“Artists shape how we see the world and bring our communities together. The Artist in Residence program celebrates that contribution and connects Albertans with their work. As the first dance artist selected, Janita Frantsi is breaking new ground for the program. I’m proud to welcome her to the role.”

Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women

Janita Frantsi is a contemporary dance artist originally from Finland and has been creating, teaching and performing in Edmonton for more than a decade. She has built an impressive body of work as a performer, creator and educator. She has collaborated with organizations including Mile Zero Dance, KO Dance Projects and Edmonton Opera, while teaching dance and movement at the University of Alberta. Her work pushes the boundaries of dance, exploring new forms of expression through performance, film and digital media.

“It is an absolute honour to promote and celebrate the arts as Alberta’s Artist in Residence and Arts Ambassador. I am excited to take dance beyond the stage and into communities across Alberta, exploring how it can transform how we experience a place and connect with one another.”

Janita Frantsi, Artist in Residence and Artist Ambassador 2026-27

“This past year as Alberta’s Artist in Residence has shown me that every Albertan has a story worth telling. Sometimes, all we need is an invitation to begin. Through the arts, we can find our voice, listen to one another and build understanding, belonging, connection and empathy.”

John Wort Hannam, Artist in Residence and Artist Ambassador 2025-26

“We are thrilled to see a member of our province's dance community selected as the next Alberta Artist in Residence. At the AFA, we strive to ensure arts of all disciplines are supported, celebrated and showcased. We are excited to work with the minister to elevate Janita’s work over the next year.”

Cynthia P. Moore, chair, Alberta Foundation for the Arts

Janita Frantsi was selected from a shortlist of seven artists. The six other shortlisted artists will receive a $1,000 grant to begin developing their proposed project or further their artistic practice, recognizing the strength of their submissions and supporting their continued creative work. The shortlisted artists are Marnie Blair (Red Deer), Tiff Hall (Edmonton), Kelsey Merkeley (Calgary), Diana Ohiozebau (Edmonton), Eunju Park (St. Albert) and Jason Valleau (Calgary).

The Artist in Residence program supports an Alberta artist in developing a project that celebrates the value of the arts and connects with communities across the province. Alberta is the only province in Canada with an Artist in Residence program open to artists working in all disciplines.

Host the Artist in Residence

As Alberta’s Arts Ambassador, Janita will be available to speak at local and cultural events. Communities interested in hosting the Artist in Residence can apply online through the Artist in Residence webpage.

Quick facts

  • Janita Frantsi will serve as Alberta's seventh Artist in Residence and Arts Ambassador through Sept. 30, 2027.
  • She is the first dance artist selected for the role.
  • Seven artists were shortlisted for the 2026-27 residency.
  • The selected artist receives a grant of up to $50,000 and serves a one-year term as Artist in Residence and Arts Ambassador.
  • Alberta allocates $56,000 annually to the program, including grants for shortlisted applicants.
  • Previous Artists in Residence have represented music, visual arts and Indigenous arts.
  • Alberta funding for the arts is at historic levels with more than $40 million allocated each year, including more than $38 million for the Alberta Foundation for the Arts.

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