Programs

Cultivating Indigenous Talent in the Arts

About the Program

The Cultivating Indigenous Talents in the Arts (CITA) program hosts a series of one-week mentorships from September 2025 to August 2026, providing 10 emerging Indigenous artists from remote Alberta communities with personalized guidance and professional development to help build confidence and develop the necessary skills to grow their careers. The program takes place in Fort McMurray, Alberta, where each artist receives direct mentorship from Arts Council Wood Buffalo’s experienced staff.

Each week-long mentorship concludes with the delivery of a workshop led by the mentee artist, sharing their artistic skills with the local community.

10 Emerging Artists

10 Weeks of mentorship

10 Local Workshop Opportunities

Program Goals

Mentorship Foster confidence and career growth by providing individualized mentorship and professional development opportunities, tailored to each artist's goals, practices, and cultural context.

Knowledge Sharing & Community Engagement Encourage reciprocal learning and community connection through artist-led workshops that allow mentees to share their skills, stories, and artistic practices with local audiences.

Innovation Create new connections between emerging Indigenous artists and the local community that foster mutual inspiration and innovation, encouraging fresh ways of thinking about Indigenous perspectives, traditions, and contemporary approaches to artmaking from across remote Alberta.

Apply

How to Apply

Applications are now open for Cultivating Indigenous Talent in the Arts. Interested individuals can view the full artist call on our Opportunities and Calls page.

The deadline to apply is Monday, August 4, 2025 at 11:59pm.

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. 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.

Contact

For further inquiries about Cultivating Indigenous Talent in the Arts, please contact Michelle Foran, Rural Arts Support Coordinator.

michelle@artscouncilwb.ca
587.674.1625 ext. 106

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an age requirement to apply for this program?

Applicants must be of age to travel and live alone for the duration of the program.

What is considered an emerging artist?

For the purposes of this program, an emerging artist is someone who is in the early stages of their artistic career. This can include individuals who have received some training or experience in their art form but have not yet established a significant body of professional work, public recognition, or consistent income from their practice. Emerging artists may still be developing their skills, exploring their artistic voice, and building connections in the arts community. Emerging artists can be of any age—this designation is based on experience, not age.

Do I need to live in a specific location to be eligible?

Applicants must be based in Alberta to be eligible for the program. Preference will be given to artists living in rural or remote communities, as the program is designed to support those who may have limited access to professional development opportunities.

Do I need to identify as Indigenous to apply?

Yes. This program is specifically for Indigenous artists. Applicants must self-identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit.

What artistic disciplines are eligible for this program?

The program is open to artists working in all disciplines, including but not limited to visual arts, music, dance, theatre, literary arts, film, craft, and traditional Indigenous art forms. We welcome a wide range of creative practices.