About
About Words & Birds
Arts Council Wood Buffalo (ACWB) presents Words & Birds Wood Buffalo, a unique arts initiative celebrating the region’s rich biodiversity through visual and literary arts. This project brings together local artists to create original works inspired by local bird species, culminating in an exhibition & fundraiser in September 2025.
This special evening will also mark the official kickoff for Month of the Artist, celebrated annually across Alberta. For the first time in Wood Buffalo, Mayor Bowman will proclaim Month of the Artist at the event, recognizing the vital role artists play in shaping our community.
All proceeds from the event will support Arts INC, a dedicated creative campus in Wood Buffalo, fostering creativity, collaboration, and community impact.
Words & Birds Wood Buffalo is generously supported by Acden.
About the Theme
Words & Birds Wood Buffalo celebrates the vibrant connection between visual arts, literary arts, and nature, by focusing on the beauty and symbolism of our region’s wild birds. This theme invites both visual and literary artists to draw inspiration from the graceful presence of wild birds, exploring their connection to flight, freedom, and the natural world.
Participating visual artists will be provided with a 10”x10” cradled birch panel, which they will use as the base for their unique, original artwork featuring a local wild bird of their choosing. These artworks will be returned to ACWB and exhibited alongside poems written by local literary artists. All the artwork created through this program will be sold as a fundraiser for Arts Council Wood Buffalo, supporting the development of Arts INC, a campus for creativity.
Contact
For further inquiries about Words & Birds Wood Buffalo, contact ACWB Programs Consultant, Jamal-e-Fatima Rafat.
jamal@artscouncilwb.ca
(587) 675-1625 ext. 100
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the application process work?
Artists are asked to complete a short application form and are accepted to participate on a first-come, first served basis.
Can my artwork feature any bird I want?
Participating artists must choose from a provided list of birds local to Wood Buffalo. Each bird can only be chosen twice, meaning a maximum of two artworks will depict the same bird. Once a bird has been selected twice, it will be removed from the application form.
What medium can I use?
Artists can work in whatever medium they choose, utilising the birch panels provided.
Artwork will be displayed on panels or walls and must be able to be wired for hanging. Three dimensional artwork meant to be displayed on a flat surface or not able to be displayed vertically will not be accepted for this project. ACWB will handle the installation of hardware for hanging.
I’m a writer, how can I participate?
Writers and literary artists interested in participating are asked to complete our application form. Participating literary artists are invited to submit one written work for inclusion in the Words & Birds exhibition. Works should be submitted digitally in a PDF document. ACWB will manage the creative display of the submitted written works, ensuring that the integrity of the work is maintained. Writing will be featured both in-person at the exhibition and online on the Arts Council Wood Buffalo website.
Do I get to keep my artwork?
Participating visual artists will retain the intellectual property rights to their work, including the ability to create prints, cards, or digital displays, and to publish the artwork. However, the original artwork created for the Words & Birds project will be sold by ACWB in support of Arts INC.To maintain the uniqueness of the project, artists must not display, reprint, or publish the work prior to the exhibition launch or for three months following the event.
What do I get for participating?
In addition to supporting the continued growth and success of the arts in Wood Buffalo, participating artists will receive a one-year ACWB Membership. Existing members will receive a one-year extension. Artists will also be invited to attend the exhibition & fundraising event in September 2025.
How can I buy a Words & Birds Wood Buffalo artwork?
Art will be sold in-person at an exclusive fundraising event and online via the ACWB Marketplace. Stay tuned for more information about this exciting opportunity to own locally-inspired and locally created art.
How can my business support Words & Birds Wood Buffalo?
Sponsorship opportunities for Words & Birds Wood Buffalo are available. If you are interested in supporting this project and investing in the future of the arts in our region, contact our Partnerships Manager Diane Din Ebongue at diane@artscouncilwb.ca or (780) 381-6898.