About the Program
Arts Council Wood Buffalo’s Artist in Residence Program and Suncor Indigenous Artist Program create space for emerging and established artists to spend time immersed in our region, creating work inspired by the environment, culture and people of Wood Buffalo.
Both Resident Artists mentor local artists, with the Suncor Indigenous Artist prioritising Indigenous Peoples in the rural communities. Each year, the Resident Artists engage with the community during their stay, through workshops, events, and other opportunities to connect. The residencies culminate in a final celebration and showcase of the Resident Artists’ newly created work.
The Programs are open to artists living in Canada and working in any discipline, with the specific activities tailored to suit the creative practices of the selected artists.
2019 - 2022 Community Impact
Program Goals
How Arts Council Supports Resident Artists
Arts Council acts as host to the artists for their time in the Wood Buffalo region. This typically includes arranging the following:
Resident Artists are paid for their time mentoring others, and Arts Council supports with the administrative, marketing and promotional duties surrounding the artist’s final showcase at the end of the residency.
Accommodation
Administrative Support
Financial Support
Creative / Studio Space
Consultative Services
Application
Application Process
Application Support
Arts Council Wood Buffalo is committed to dismantling barriers and creating an equitable creative community in our region and beyond. Our application process has been designed to parallel the processes adopted by the wider arts communities across Canada and the world. However, we recognize that this process may pose barriers to access for some. Therefore, Arts Council Wood Buffalo offers the following supports:
Mail-in Application
A printed template can be mailed out to you with a self-addressed return envelope. This needs to reach the Arts Council office by 12PM (MST) on the proposal due date.
Oral Application
Oral applications will be accepted as a recorded audio file. This audio file will not be transcribed to text. It will be presented to the selection committee in its recorded form, so that it is received in your voice, as originally intended.
Set Up an Appointment
Any artists seeking support are welcome to meet with our team in person or virtually to ensure a smooth application process. Please contact the Programs Team at programs@artscouncilwb.ca.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the Artist in Residence Program and the Suncor Indigenous Artist Program?
The Suncor Indigenous Artist Program is structured the same as the Artist in Residence program. The only difference is that the artist applying for the Suncor Indigenous Artist in Residence program must be an Indigenous artist living in Canada. This artist will also have the opportunity to work with urban and rural Indigenous peoples as a mentor.
Which artforms are supported through this program?
We welcome applications from artists working in any discipline. This could include, but is not limited to, craft, dance, literary arts, media, music, performing arts, visual arts, and more.
I don’t identify as Indigenous. Can I still apply for the Suncor Indigenous Artist Program?
The Suncor Indigenous Artist Program is designed to celebrate and develop Indigenous artists. Therefore, we only accept applications from self-identified Indigenous artists living in Canada.
All non-Indigenous applicants will be considered for the Artist in Residence stream.
I am an Indigenous artist. Can I apply to the Artist in Residence Program?
Yes, if you choose to identify as Indigenous on your application, you will be considered for both program streams: Artist in Residence and Suncor Indigenous Artist Program.
I was asked to make a presentation to Arts Council about my application. What should I expect?
If you are invited to make a presentation, it is because the Artist in Residence selection committee has taken an interest in your project and wants to understand the details of how it will function. Your presentation should articulate how you envision your residency taking place, including information about your budget, timelines, a description of the work that you will undertake, and how you imagine you will be able to incorporate mentorship opportunities for our local artists within your residency. You will also be given time to ask clarifying questions to the Arts Council team, and for them to ask you questions, too.
If there are any details in your submitted proposal that the selection committee would like further explanation of, they will let you know in the email that invites you to interview.
Program Handbook
Learn more about the Artist in Residence Program by reading the Artist in Residence Program Handbook.