The Artist in Residence Program and Suncor Indigenous Artist Program follow a traditional residency model where professional artists spend dedicated time creating work inspired by the environment, culture, and people of Wood Buffalo. Resident artists will engage with the community through a maximum of two workshops and/or engagement sessions, and will present their newly created work at a final showcase event.
For 2026, both residencies will be 3–4 weeks in length, and will take place in Spring 2026 and Summer 2026. Final dates and residency durations will be determined by Arts Council Wood Buffalo (ACWB) in consultation with selected artists.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must reside in Canada (preference given to Alberta-based artists)
- Must be 21 years of age or older
- Must have a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in their discipline
- Must be willing and able to travel to the Wood Buffalo region
- Applicants to the Suncor Indigenous Artist Program must identify as Indigenous
About the Opportunity
Arts Council Wood Buffalo is particularly interested in artists who demonstrate a commitment to engaging the community, mentor and collaborate with local artists and community members, and present a strong, clear workshop plan
Resident Artists will:
- Instruct up to two workshops during the residency
- Participate in engagement sessions with artists and community members
- Create 5–10 new works to be presented at the final showcase
Beyond the budget and monetary compensation, artists will also receive:
- A professional artistic photoshoot of all completed works
- Printed photographs displayed alongside the originals at the final showcase
- A professional artist headshot
- Final edited images provided to the artist for portfolio use
- ACWB has the option to purchase completed works and associated licensing rights, up to a total of $1,000.
Artistic Disciplines
Arts Council Wood Buffalo welcomes proposals from all artistic disciplines.
However, because this residency includes the creation of 5–10 completed works and a professional artistic photoshoot, artists must be comfortable having their work photographed for public display.
Preference will be given to artists working in disciplines well-suited to creating tangible or visually documentable works, including (but not limited to):
- Visual Arts (painting, illustration, drawing, mixed media)
- Craft (ceramics, textile arts, fibre arts, beadwork, woodworking, sculpture, glasswork)
- Photography
- Printmaking
- Media Arts / Digital Illustration
- Sculpture / 3D Work
All disciplines will still be considered if the artist can clearly demonstrate how their practice aligns with creating multiple works and participating in a photographic documentation process.
Artists working in performance-based or movement-based disciplines may apply if they can propose a method for producing a series of documentable works or artifacts for the showcase.
Submitting a Proposal
All applications must be submitted through ACWB’s online Opportunities Portal. Create an account, log in, and select “2026 Artist in Residence Programs” under “Start Entry” to begin your proposal.
If you require application support or accessibility accommodations, contact:
Program Manager: Jenna Fewer
jenna@artscouncilwb.ca
(587) 674-1625 ext. 102
Submission Deadline
January 19th, 2026 at 11:59 PM (MST)
Late submissions will not be considered.
Fees & Financial Information
Artist Compensation
- $500 per week throughout the residency
- $500 workshop materials allocation
- Accommodations fully covered by ACWB
Travel Support
ACWB will pay travel fees up to $800, with receipt submission required for reimbursement.
Projected Budget, Work Purchase & Photography
- Artists will create 5–10 completed works during the residency.
- Arts Council Wood Buffalo will have the first opportunity to purchase any work created during the residency.
- Any purchase decisions, including pricing and licensing, will be discussed with the artist on a case-by-case basis.
- A professional artistic photoshoot will document all completed works.
- Artists will receive a professional artist headshot.
- Final edited images will be provided for portfolio use.
- Printed photos will accompany the original works at the final showcase.
Selection Process
Artists will be selected based on:
- Strength, clarity, and feasibility of their proposal
- Quality and thoughtfulness of their workshop plan
- Commitment to community engagement and mentorship
- Artistic innovation and relevance
Only successful applicants will be contacted.
Shortlisted artists will be invited for an interview with ACWB staff.
Selections are made by Arts Council Wood Buffalo staff. All decisions are final.
Questions & More Information
For more information on the 2026 Artist in Residence Programs, visit: www.artscouncilwb.ca/artist-in-residence
For questions or application support, contact:
Programs Manager: Jenna Fewer at jenna@artscouncilwb.ca or (587) 674-1625 ext. 102.
