Artist Development

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The Business of the Arts (BOA) program gives local artists an opportunity to build their capacity to compete and thrive. With the right resources, they can flourish as entrepreneurs as well as artists, and create a sustainable living from their artistic practice.

Please email us at programs@artscouncilwb.ca with any ideas for workshops you would like to see.

Creative Connections (C²) focuses on artistic practice, creative work and networking — by artists, for artists.

C² exists to help artists develop skills relevant to their discipline, feel more confident in their artistic practice and creative work, and connect with each other and leaders in their disciplines. ACWB will develop meaningful partnerships with local and visiting artists and arts organizations to present the program.

Calling all artists and art groups! Do you have an idea for a workshop, master class or event? ACWB wants to help you make it happen! We could provide a variety of resources to assist you in bringing your concept to life. Learn more about how ACWB can help with your arts initiative through our Creative Connections Process.

After completing the Post Wildfire Recovery in the Arts Strategic Plan (conducted by the Arts Recovery Working Group), ACWB gained funding from the Canadian Red Cross to manage a two-year arts recovery project. The goal of the project is to create opportunities for artists to collaborate and heal through their art, ultimately supporting recovery and resiliency in our community.

Learn more about the Art Recovery Project and Arts Recovery Working Group.

The ACWB Artist in Residency program follows the traditional residency model, in which non-local or local professional artists spend time creating work inspired by the environment, culture and people of Wood Buffalo. These Residency artists will engage with the community in a variety of ways, showcase their work through a final event and, most importantly, spend time mentoring a selected group of emerging, established and professional artists from this area. The program will be open to artists in any discipline.

There are so many benefits with this type of program, including bringing new perspectives, techniques and networking opportunities to our arts community, and giving non-local artists a new lens on the Wood Buffalo region.

In past years, the Municipally operated Residency program focused on master classes and mentorship. This type of artistic development is available through Arts Council Wood Buffalo’s Creative Connections program stream.

If you have questions or would like more information about our Artist in Residency program, please contact us at programs@artscouncilwb.ca.

Market Your Artwork as a Tax Benefit

Are you looking for ways to market your artwork? Have you thought of selling or renting your work to local businesses?

Businesses can enhance their office space and support artrepreneurs by shopping local, but there’s an added bonus: the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) has created a tax deduction for the cost of buying or renting Canadian art.

Businesses are often looking for ways to stand out with their customers. As an artist, you can stand out with the local business community by framing your artwork as a tax benefit and a smart investment. After all, buying or renting local art is becoming one of the most popular types of investment.

Not every work of art qualifies, but here are a few tips. To qualify, artwork must:

Be a print, etching, drawing, painting, sculpture, or other similar work of art that is greater than $200 in value.
Be created by someone who was Canadian at the time (whether a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident).
Be created less than 100 years ago.

The CRA has also confirmed that a taxpayer can deduct the cost of renting art as long as the expense was made for business purposes.

Before marketing your artwork as tax-deductible, be sure to review this article from Kefi Art Gallery and check with a Chartered Professional Accountant, because not all works of art qualify for this tax deduction.

You can make it easier for businesses to find you by marketing your artwork online. List your work on Arts Council’s online Marketplace, which features dozens of pieces by local artists. Join this online art community to sell your art and make it THE destination for buying local art online.

All you need is an active membership with Arts Council Wood Buffalo, and you’ll get access to Marketplace as one of your member benefits. It’s a great place to start or expand your online empire and market your work to the local business community.

Contact the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce to learn more about the local business community. To get your art listed on Arts Council’s online Marketplace, contact us at info@artscouncilwb.ca.

ACWB

Introducing Marketplace

Are you interested in selling your arts or craft? Maybe you’re in the market to buy unique, handmade local art.

Marketplace is a page on the ACWB website where you can sell your art, or shop local from Wood Buffalo artisans.

All Arts Council Wood Buffalo members are able to set up a free Marketplace profile to sell their arts and craft. If you’re not an ACWB member, all you need is an active membership to become a Marketplace vendor.

Already a Registered Vendor?

To go directly to your login page as a vendor, you can also follow this link: https://marketplace.artscouncilwb.ca/my-account/

Become a Marketplace Vendor

ACWB Members – If you’re already an ACWB member, just visit our Marketplace Account Request page, and fill out the form. We will send you all you need to create your Marketplace profile and begin selling your arts and craft.

Not an ACWB Member? Become an ACWB member, and your membership fees will get you access to Marketplace and much more. Learn about the benefits of membership you’ll be able to access in addition to Marketplace.

When filling out your membership registration, be sure to check “I want to participate in ACWB’s online Marketplace.” Two things will then happen:

You will receive a follow up email from ACWB to walk you through all the benefits of becoming a member.
The Marketplace team will send you all you need to create your Marketplace profile and begin selling your arts and craft.

Artist Directory

Did you know that ACWB Members also have free access to participate in the Artist Directory? If you’d like to participate, be sure to check “I want to participate in ACWB’s online artist directory” when filling out your membership registration.

Buy Arts & Craft on Marketplace

You don’t need to be an ACWB member to shop in Marketplace, and you don’t even need to live in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo.

Get to Marketplace by clicking here: artscouncilwb.ca/marketplace. This will take you to the main shop.

Also on any page on Arts Council’s website, you’ll see categories along the top. Click on Community, scroll down to Marketplace and click. This will take you to the main Marketplace page where you can shop, check out, or login to your store.

Marketplace for Entrepreneurs

You’ll be able to sell your arts and crafts, track sales, enhance your brand, build your following, and realize your dream of getting your art to market. You can also view other artists’ profiles, shop, and support local artisans just like you.

Are you new to the online world? Not sure if you have the experience or skills to manage an online Marketplace?

Don’t worry. You’ll have plenty of support from the Marketplace team, including lots of FAQ’s, a tutorial document, access to the Marketplace Google Drive where we’ll be sharing resources and updates, and more. Did you know that all ACWB members can book free consultation sessions with ACWB staff?

Marketplace for Shoppers

Search, sort and shop for local arts and crafts that have been made with community spirit. As an added bonus, you’ll be shopping local, supporting local, and participating in the arts community. You might even be inspired to set up your own shop in Marketplace.

Questions? For any questions about Marketplace, membership, or the Artist Directory, please contact us at marketplace@artscouncilwb.ca.

2019 Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts Exhibit

Arts Council Wood Buffalo proudly invites you to the Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts Exhibit, running October 16-21 at the Keyano Theatre Art Gallery. The opening reception will be held on October 16, 5-8 PM.

This unique exhibition showcases the artwork of the 2019 Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts Awards Midnight Coffeehouse (the Buffys) nominees in the categories Craft, Indigenous Arts, and Visual Arts.

Join us for the opening reception on Wednesday, October 16, between 5-8 PM at the Keyano Art Gallery. Light refreshments will be served, and there will be a wine bar.

The Buffys celebrate the achievements of local artists through performances and exhibition. Tickets to the main showcase on October 19 is now on sale at https://buffys2019.eventbrite.ca.

Art in Anzac

Join ACWB for an afternoon of painting, tea, and bannock! Artists Treasure Cooper and Barbara Madden will guide youth and adults through this fun painting project.

Saturday, February 16, 2019
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
At the Anzac Sport and Recreation Centre

Registration is required and by donation. Funds will go towards arts supplies for local children’s programming.
Call Anzac Recreation Centre Guest Services at (780) 793-6000 to register.

Youth 8-12 years old
Adult 13+ years old

Highlights from past events

What our Artists have to say

Take classes and workshops, as many as you can – learning from others in either the craft of your art or the business side of it keeps you from operating in the dark. Grab every chance to learn that you can.

Julie Rowe Literary Artist & Author