Opportunities & Calls

• Artist calls
• Opportunities Calls

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

BreakOut West features a multi-genre, multi-venue showcase festival that presents more than 50 established and emerging artists from across Western Canada. This year’s event takes place September 25 – 29, 2024 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.  

SHOWCASE SUBMISSION DEADLINES

Submission deadline: January 30, 2024 at midnight CT  

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS

All performing festival artists must be residents of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and/or Nunavut, for at least six months between March 30, 2023 and January 28, 2024. The mandate of the Western Canadian Music Alliance is to support artists and companies who reside in Western Canada a majority of the time and as such contribute to healthy and thriving music communities in the region. In the case of groups, 50% of the members must meet the residency requirement.  

MUSICAL GENRE

The Western Canadian Music Alliance is an inclusive organization and BreakOut West is open to submissions from all artists irrespective of genre. Festival selections are made by jury on the basis of qualification and fit for the festival, and thus not every genre will be represented at the festival at any given year.  

FESTIVAL ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

BreakOut West is a music industry showcase, designed to match export-ready artists based in Western Canada with industry professionals at their level. Artists are juried primarily on the following criteria:

• Submission materials: quality of music, performance video, bio, and other artist materials.
• Conference goals: specificity, detail, attainability, and relevance to BreakOut West conference.
• Artist’s history: detail, breadth of experience, growth trajectory and market development.

WCMA recommends that submitting artists meet at least two, but ideally all four of FACTOR’s criteria for export readiness.  BreakOut West is a juried showcase festival that takes many details into consideration. These may include; diversity of genre, language, gender and cultural identity. The festival also strives to represent all Wesern Canadian Music Alliance geographic regions. Gender-non-conforming artists, Indigenous artists, and artists of colour are strongly encouraged to apply.  

FESTIVAL SHOWCASE ARTIST COMPENSATION

Each selected artist at BreakOut West receives the following benefits as part of their performance:

• Two performance opportunities at the BreakOut West festival. Performance times and venues are may vary and are at the discretion of WCMA.
• One delegate package (valued at over $250) per performing member of your ensemble. This package includes a festival wristband which grants access to all showcases, and a delegate pass to take part in the BreakOut West industry conference including all workshops, panels, networking receptions, one-on-one meetings and more.
• All showcasing artists will be able to access early and exclusive sign up for one-on-one meetings with industry mentors, ahead of general access.
• Each selected artist will be given honorarium for participation. One honorarium is provided per artist, not per performing member.
• As a showcase at a recognized music industry conference, selected showcasing artists may be eligible to apply for support through FACTOR, and their provincial showcase funding program for support of showcase expenses. This may include travel, accommodations, payment to artists, per diems, marketing expenses, etc. Please contact your provincial music industry association for more detail.
• Access to hotel room discounts at participating hotels
• Marketing tools to promote showcases including electronic show posters, social media promotions and use of logos and branding upon request.

• Artist calls
• Opportunities Calls

Audition for Keyano Theatre Company’s upcoming production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses.  Auditioners are asked to prepare a monologue or poem no longer than 2 minutes, and be open to receiving redirects in the room. The director wants to see your ability to try new things and collaborate in rehearsals.

Auditions will take place at Keyano Theatre & Arts Centre on Thursday, January 25th and Friday, January 26th with callbacks on Saturday, January 27th

For more information and to sign up, click here!

• Opportunities Calls
• Funding

Are you an artist or arts organization from Canada looking to collaborate with a Korean partner on a creative project? Apply before January 18, 2024, for a grant of up to $25,000.

What’s it about?

The Canada-Korea Co-creation Fund looks to boost creative connections between Canada and Korea by supporting projects focused on artistic co-creation between the two countries. It’s inspired by 60 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries and is made possible through a partnership between the Canada Council for the Arts, Arts Council Korea and Global Affairs Canada.  

Am I eligible?

  You may be eligible for the Canada-Korea Co-creation Fund if you:

• have existing ties to Korean arts and culture;
• have a Korean artistic collaborator in mind for a new co-creation project;
• are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada;
• have 7 years of professional experience in your creative field;
• have a project in mind that looks to move the marker forward on environmental sustainability, equity, diversity or inclusion;
• and have demonstrated capacity for international work and collaboration.

Does this sound like you?    

• Artist calls
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Coming Up Next celebrates the creativity, innovation, and skill of emerging artists entering the field of contemporary Craft in Canada. This group exhibition serves as an important launchpad; introducing emerging artists to the Alberta Craft community (including our sophisticated audience of artists, craft collectors and supporters), and to the professional development services that Alberta Craft provides to its members. The exhibition will be curated to feature a diverse representation of traditional and contemporary Craft disciplines.

Alberta Craft welcomes submissions from artists whose path to Craft may have begun through apprenticeships, mentorships with elders, those who are self-taught, and those who have received a formal post-secondary Craft education. If you are within the first five years of your career in Craft, or the final year of studies in a Craft discipline, you are eligible to enter.

This national call is free to enter, with a submission of up to five images of work that will be available for the exhibition dates. Works may be produced in any of the Craft media: clay, fibre, glass, metal, wood, stone, or any combination of the above, and must have been completed within the past two years to be considered.

Application deadline is January 16th, 2024.

Click here for more information and to submit!

• Artist calls
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ABOUT THE PROGRAMS 

The Artist in Residence Program and Suncor Indigenous Artist Program follow the traditional residency model, in which non-local or local professional artists will spend 3 to 4 weeks creating art and engaging with the community through art. Opportunities include showcase events or performances and, most importantly, spending time mentoring a select group of emerging, established and professional artists from the same artistic discipline. Applicants who choose to identify as Indigenous on their applications will be considered for both the Suncor Indigenous Artist Program and the Artist in Residence Program. All applicants will be considered for the Artist in Residence Program.  This year, both programs will run concurrently, from April 30th to May 17th 2024. 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA  

• Artist must reside in Canada
• Artist must be 21 years of age or older
• Artist must have at least 2 years of professional experience in their field.
• Must be willing to travel to the Wood Buffalo Region 
• Must be available for all 3 weeks of the Residency 
• Artists must identify as Indigenous to be considered for the Suncor Indigenous Artist Program

ABOUT THE CALL

• Arts Council is particularly interested in artists that will engage the community
• Arts Council is interested in artists who will mentor artists in this region
• The Artists in Residence will be required to instruct a minimum of two workshops 
• The Artists in Residence may be required to do an engagement session(s) with artists and community members
• Artists will create new work that will be showcased at the end of the Residency 

ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES

Arts Council Wood Buffalo welcomes any and all artforms. These artforms can include (but are not limited to): craft, dance, literary arts, media, music, performing arts, visual arts. 

SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL

All submissions must be submitted through our online Opportunities Portal. Create an account, login and then click on the purple “Start Entry” button. You may begin drafting your proposal by selecting “2024 Artist in Residence Programs” as your category. Shortlisted Artists will be invited to present their proposals to ACWB staff.. 

Accommodations and application support are available. If you require support or accommodations, contact Program Coordinator Byron Gard byron@artscouncilwb.ca or (587) 674-1625 x.101.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

Submissions must be submitted by noon on January 15, 2024. Late submissions will not be considered. 

FEES
Arts Council will compensate the Artists in Residence for their travel, time, materials, workshops, planning, etc. Fees will be decided once the Artists are selected. 

SELECTION PROCESS 

The artists will be selected on the appropriateness of the program to teach to community members of the Wood Buffalo region, the uniqueness of the program, and the cost and quality of the proposed workshops. Priority will be given to artists who have a strong workshop plan, showing detailed concepts and a focus on working with the community and mentoring artists in the Wood Buffalo Region.

Please note that only the artist(s) who are successful will be notified.

Selections will be made by Arts Council Wood Buffalo staff. All selections made will be final. All successful artists will be notified by February 16th 2024 

QUESTIONS AND MORE INFORMATION

For more information on the 2024 Artist in Residence Programs, visit www.artscouncilwb.ca/artist-in-residence and read the Artist in Residence Handbook.

If you have questions or require application support, please contact Programs Coordinator Byron Gard at byron@artscouncilwb.ca or (587) 674-1625 x.101

• Opportunities Calls
• Funding

Are you looking for funding to support your arts, culture and heritage-related projects? The Arts, Culture & Heritage Grant could be the answer. This grant provides financial support to individuals or groups who are working towards achieving the priorities of the Wood Buffalo Culture Plan.

With a total of $50,000 available, this funding initiative supports the Culture Plan’s vision of Wood Buffalo as a culturally diverse and socially inclusive municipality in which arts and heritage are vital to its social, economic and environmental well-being.

To apply for the Arts, Culture & Heritage Grant, you must demonstrate how your project aligns with one or more of the following priorities of the Wood Buffalo Culture Plan:

• Foster a healthy environment for culture: arts and culture.
• Further develop cultural facilities and resources.
• Support collaboration and innovation.
• Encourage diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility.
• Improve awareness of the value of culture.

Applications for this grant will close on December 31, 2023 OR once the total $50,000 available has been granted. 

• Artist calls
• Opportunities Calls

The Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM) is seeking artists to submit their work for the new YMM Digital Art Exhibit, to be showcased on the airport’s prominent digital screens. This exciting opportunity invites artists to contribute their creativity and talent to enhance the airport experience for travellers to enjoy. YMM is looking for captivating artwork that is appropriate for all ages and demonstrates respect for all cultures and identities.  

2024 Theme: Connecting Cultures, Inspiring Journeys

The theme of the exhibit is “Connecting Cultures, Inspiring Journeys.” Artists are encouraged to explore the concept of cultural diversity, unity, and the transformative power of travel. The artwork should reflect the vibrant and inclusive spirit of Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo and celebrate the rich diversity of community members and/or the region.  

Submission Guidelines

• Medium: Artists are welcome to submit artwork in any medium suitable for digital display, including but not limited to digital art, photography, illustrations, paintings, and mixed media.
• Content: Artwork must be suitable for all ages and free from explicit or offensive content. It should respect and celebrate diversity of cultures, traditions, and identities.
• Technical Specifications: Digital artworks should be submitted in formats compatible with display on the airport’s digital screens. Specific technical requirements will be provided upon selection.
• Submission Process: Artists should submit a brief proposal outlining their concept and vision for the artwork, along with samples of their previous work that demonstrate their artistic style and proficiency. Please note: The exhibit will showcase from 5 to 10 digital photos of the artist’s work.
• Deadline: Sunday, December 31, 2023  

Selection Process and Installation

A panel of experts from the Fort McMurray International Airport and the local arts community will review final submissions. Artworks will be selected based on artistic merit, alignment with theme, and appropriateness for display in a public space. Successful artists will be notified of their selection via email. Upon selection, artists will work closely with the airport’s curatorial team to finalize the technical details and ensure optimal presentation of their artwork on the digital screens. The exhibition will be installed with care and attention to detail to create an engaging and visually stunning experience for airport visitors. Selected artists will receive a $500 honorarium and the Fort McMurray Airport Authority will host and execute an exhibition launch event on behalf of the artist.  

How to Apply

To apply, email the YMM Digital Art Exhibit Curator Dawn Booth at dawn.booth@flyymm.com. Be sure to include your contact information, a brief proposal, and samples of your previous work.  

Important Note

By submitting artwork for consideration, artists grant the Fort McMurray International Airport the right to display their work during the exhibition period. Artists will be credited for their work, and their intellectual property rights will be respected. We look forward to receiving your submissions and creating an inspiring and culturally diverse digital exhibit at the Fort McMurray International Airport. Should you have any questions, please contact: dawn.booth@flyymm.com.        

• Artist calls
• Opportunities Calls

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Swamp Rat Experience (SRE) is proud to produce the 2024 Waypoints fundraiser, taking place at the Suncor Energy Centre for the Performing Arts on Friday, February 23, 2024. Waypoints is a non-profit in the Wood Buffalo region helping individuals affected by domestic, family and sexual violence. This is an interactive experience where the audience will be served food and drinks while they are treated to stunning performances and improvised interactions. The cast, crew and Artistic Team are made up of artists local to Wood Buffalo. SRE is donating part of the production fee as an in-kind contribution to support Waypoints’ important work in our community.

ELIGIBILITY

• Must be a Wood Buffalo resident for the duration of the project

• Must be 18 years of age or older

ABOUT THE COMMISSION

SRE is looking to contract seven individual artists or groups to be a part of the 2024 Waypoints fundraiser taking place at the Suncor Energy Centre of the Performing Arts on Friday, February 23, 2024. Performers must be available for dress rehearsal on February 22 between 5 PM – 10 PM. This includes preparing two numbers, which can consist of music, dance, acrobatics, comedy, theatre performances, or other types of performance art not listed. It also includes improvised interactions with fellow cast members, hosts, and the audience. The event has an elimination component, so not all artists will be able to perform both of their prepared numbers. Those who make it to the third and final round will be assigned their final number by chance by drawing it from a hat.

• Optional rehearsals/coaching will be offered during the months of January and February, 2024

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Your submission needs to include the following:

• 2 proposed numbers OR artistic strengths (we can help you decide what to perform)

• A bit about yourself

• Contact information

• Relevant support material

FEE

This opportunity pays $250 (inclusive of GST).

HOW TO SUBMIT

Submissions to be sent to hanna@swampratexperience.com. Submissions must be received by 12:00 PM (noon) on December 30, 2023. Late submissions will not be considered.

QUESTIONS

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Hanna Fridhed at hanna@swampratexperience.com.

• Artist calls
• Opportunities Calls

Temporary Public Art Competition

Temporary Public Art Competition Call for Proposals

The Town of Canmore is pleased to present the call for proposals for Art Walk in the Woods, a temporary environmental public art installation open to artists from Alberta and British Columbia.
In anticipation and in celebration of the COOP FIS Cross-Country World Cup and the IBU World Cup Biathlon, the Town of Canmore is seeking proposals for site-specific land art (installations and sculptures).

The 2024 World Cup events provide a unique opportunity for artists to be viewed by local and international audiences as they visit Canmore and take in the events. By coupling sport and art experiences, Canmore is seen as a community that embraces and values both disciplines.

Held in accordance with the Town of Canmore Public Art Policy and in collaboration with the Canmore Nordic Centre/Alberta Parks, this temporary public art exhibit will take place from February 6 to March 30, 2024.

Type of Installations

The theme for Art Walk in the Woods is We Welcome the World.

There are seven site locations on municipal and provincial park land; four sites are located alongside the Legacy Trail that runs from the Bow River up toward the Canmore Nordic Centre, and three sites in downtown area. Each site provides opportunities to engage art lovers, casual hikers, and facility users visiting the downtown and accessing the Canmore Nordic Centre.

Artists can apply for one of two installation types:

• Artist-led and community-influenced installations

Two (2) of the sites will be awarded to artist-led and community-influenced installations.

Participating artists will be asked to recruit a team of community members to support in any or all areas of the project (concept, design, construction, installation, art walks, and decommission). Artists choosing a community-influenced installation will be paid $3,500 as their commission.

• Individual artist or artist team installations

Five (5) sites will be open to individual artists and/or artist teams for independent installations.

Participating artists will work independently but should develop artwork that is reflective of the larger Canmore community. The commission for independent individual artist/artist team installations is $3,000.

Budget

The budget for each commission is $3,000 (CAD, inclusive of GST) for individual artists and artist team installations, and $3,500 (CAD, inclusive of GST) for artist led and community influenced installations.

The commission includes all costs related to artist fees, materials, artwork installation and removal, transportation, insurance, travel, and any other cost related to the creation and display of the artwork.

For the full description and proposal call visit art walk in the woods (canmore.ca).

The Town of Canmore is committed to supporting artists who may require accommodations to fairly access this application process. If you require any accommodations, please call 403.678.8956 or email artsculture@canmore.ca.

Questions and comments can be directed to Sue Hayduk, Town of Canmore Arts and Culture Coordinator at artsculture@canmore.ca.

Submissions must be received no later than 4pm on December 8, 2023

• Artist calls
• Opportunities Calls

• Contests
• Opportunities Calls

The Calgary Stampede Youth Poster Competition is a unique youth achievement opportunity that provides talented youth with the opportunity to showcase their talent on a world stage. Generously funded by the Brandon Flock Foundation, the Dustin Peers Memorial Scholarship is one of Canada’s largest art scholarships. Talented young artists between the ages of 15 to 24 from across Alberta are invited to submit their artwork each fall for the chance to design the artwork for the Calgary Stampede Poster and take home the first place prize of a $10,000 scholarship.

Questions or inquiries can be sent to postercompetition@calgarystampede.com

For full details and to apply, visit corporate.calgarystampede.com.

Requirements:

• Contestants must be Alberta residents aged 15 – 24
• All 2D mediums welcome

Learn:

• The top 30 artists will have a unique opportunity to learn and elevate their skills at a Masterclass Workshop taught by experienced local artists.
• The top 8 artists will refine their skills through one-on-one mentorship and artistic development coaching to help their poster vision come to life.
• Finalists will also learn about The Calgary Stampede through a variety of inspiring experiences highlighting western hospitality, inclusivity, culture and community spirit.

Deadline for application: December 1, 2023

• Artist calls
• Opportunities Calls

NorthWord Magazine publishes twice a year through the support of community volunteers and advertisers. Publication launches take place in April during National Poetry Month and September to coincide with Alberta Culture Days.

For each edition, the Northern Canada Collective Society of Writers’ Board of Directors selects a guest editor. Each guest editor is required to pick a theme to kick-start the creativity. They also decide on the artwork for the front cover. 

As submissions come in, the managing editor removes names before showing the guest editor for transparency purposes.

After the selection process, the publication is produced and disbursed throughout the Wood Buffalo region.

This edition’s Guest Editor is Tineesha McKay and the theme is Resilience.

Accepted Submissions:​

• Prose (3,000 words or fewer, fiction or non-fiction)
• Poetry (50 lines maximum)
• Excerpts from current projects
• Visual Art 

Submission Deadline is October 30, 2023

* Send submission to northword@hushmail.com