UPDATE (May 19, 2021): Opportunities are now open for Artists of all disciplines, as well as Seniors and Elders (+60 years of age) for Art of Conversation.
How it Works
Arts Council is paying to commission local Artists of various disciplines to have phone conversations with Wood Buffalo’s isolated Seniors and Elders. The Artists and (optionally) Seniors and Elders will then create new art inspired by the stories that are shared.
The phone call and Artists’ creation process will be documented to be shared through Arts Council communications, and the Artist’s completed pieces (e.g., song, short story, paintings, craft, animation, etc.) will be shared with the Senior or Elder with whom the piece was created.
Deadline for Submissions
ACWB will be commissioning Artists based on accepted applications, and registering Seniors and Elders until all opportunities are filled.
Art of Conversation is a collaborative project by Arts Council Wood Buffalo and St. Aidan’s Society for Artists, Seniors and Elders in the Wood Buffalo region.
View the virtual exhibit of artwork produced through Art of Conversation.
Music video credits: Zachary Barrett with Twisted Gears Studios
Instrumentation: Superfluous Motor
About the Commission
- This is a paid opportunity. Artist Fee details are outlined below.
- Artists will self-lead at least two (2) different phone conversations of a decent length (45-60 mins) with Seniors or Elders in the community.
- Artists will create a new piece of art inspired by their conversation with the goal of sharing it with the Senior or Elder (in accordance with physical distancing protocols.)
Eligibilities
Artists must be Wood Buffalo residents for the duration of the project.
Work Media
There are no limits on the type of media accepted for this artist call. We encourage local Artists to think outside the box, and let us know how they envision the art form of their preference complementing the project.
Art forms may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Original music or song compositions
- Video and interactive art
- Short stories or poems
- 2D or 3D artwork / fine craft
- Comics
- Digital art
Finished Art Pieces
Completed art pieces and recorded videos need to be delivered to ACWB within 8 weeks from the first conversation between the Artist, Senior or Elder. This may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Artist Fee
An all inclusive fee of $500 per commission (including GST) will be paid to the Artist, covering all prep-time, conversations, creation of artwork, materials and supplies.
How to Submit for this Opportunity
Email your submissions to Programs Manager Luay Eljamal at luay@artscouncilwb.ca, with the following information:
- Your name and contact phone number
- Description of your preferred art form and how you believe it will support the project (200 words max)
- Exactly three (3) digital samples of previous work
- Description of how you will choose to present your art form (e.g., a poem printed and framed; a song performed on video or a music file, etc.)
- View the Art of Conversation virtual exhibit for ideas and inspiration
Seniors & Elders (60+) are invited to create art with local artists.
We encourage any local Senior or Elder above the age of 60 years to register.
Please inform and invite Seniors and Elders you might know who would be interested in creating art from a distance or having stimulating conversation.
Seniors and Elders will have the option to receive an art supply kit (safely) through St. Aidan's established meal-delivery program, should they also wish to create art in addition to conversing with a local Artist.
Deadline for submissions:
ACWB will be commissioning Artists based on accepted applications, and registering Seniors and Elders until all opportunities are filled.
Questions and More Information
For questions or more information, please contact Programs Manager Luay Eljamal at luay@artscouncilwb.ca or 587-674-1625 x.102
Download posters to promote this program with your networks.
Artist Elizabeth Matte for senior Marlene Hall
Artist Colleen Cameron for Elder George Vermillion: Fort Chipewyan Delta 2020
Artist Nabeela Rumi for senior JoAnn Harley: Just Be Happy
