If there was a slogan for the variety and magnitude of the city’s artistic opportunities, it could be “There’s an emerging artists program for that.”
As the city continues to grow, so do the options for Calgary’s emerging artists to choose from when they are ready to take the next step in their artistry.
From city and provincial grants to corporate-backed programs and everything in between, there’s something for almost every type of budding creator.
It all starts with searching for them, says Calgary Arts Development president and CEO Patti Pon, who says there is a list on their website but also encourages artists to search far and wide.
“Calgary Arts Development is known as an arts funder, so we provide granting programs for both individuals as well as collectives and organizations,” Pon says, adding networking is also a great way to connect with opportunities.
One example of that is the Creative Life Congress held every December, which brings passionate individuals together to share their ideas and creativity while honing their skills through workshops.
“It is designed to create the conditions where every Calgarian can live their most creative life. If we centre artists in that, people will be more creative,” Pon says. “Creativity is something that the more you do it, the better you get.”
This free offering is a great way for budding artists to continue developing their craft while connecting with others for potential collaboration projects.
“The key is always about networking. One of the things that people often talk about Calgary is that it is really welcoming and hospitable,” says Pon. “Be present, be in the community, take in events when you can and where you can.”
Arts Commons is another invaluable arts hub, with a variety of programs and grants available to artists at all stages of their careers, including the RBC Emerging Visual Artists Program and the TD Incubator program.
Each season of the TD Incubator program is designed and facilitated by Incubator Fellows who curate and guide the direction of the upcoming Incubator offerings, including their exhibitions and performances. Each year’s chosen Incubator Fellow also receives direct mentorship and support in their career development.
Previous Fellows have included Sargeant X Comrade and Wakefield Brewster, who is about to hand the reigns over to the next artist.
“It’s an incredible story with Wakefield. He was part of our first incubator cohort, and then fast forward to another year, and he’s leading it,” says Joshua Dalledonne, associate director of Social Impact for Arts Commons.
This speaks to the level of opportunity that emerging artists have available and how successful they can be. Dalledonne believes the impact of these programs can shift the trajectory of an individual’s career and he would love to see even more opportunities available to artists.
“In no way is this a space where there can ever be enough. I need other arts organizations, I need other artists to be open to experiences like this so that there’s a healthy exchange,” he says, adding the city is richer for the diversity of voices and art forms across the city.
“This is not about if this exists over here, then it can’t exist over here. Creativity is not a finite resource. In fact, the more that it’s used and the more that it’s shared, the more of it there will be.”
Dalledonne’s advice to emerging artists when it comes to applying for grants and programs is just do it.
“The application process is intentionally easy, intentionally straightforward so that we can meet artists that we wouldn’t have the opportunity to meet elsewhere,” he says.
Participants in the RBC Emerging Visual Artists Program have an opportunity to exhibit in Arts Commons’ Lightbox Studio, Ledge Gallery, +15 Galleries and Window Galleries throughout the season. They also receive professional development in the form of workshops, networking and mentorship.
“Like the TD Incubator program, the goal [of the RBC Emerging Visual Artists program] is to retain creative talent in this city and assist them in reaching their professional goals. Professional development can take all kinds of forms, from how to build a website, to how to do your taxes and apply for grants,” Dalledonne says, adding the programs are tailored to the artists’ needs.
With a vision where every Calgarian realizes their potential, Calgary Public Library’s mission is to empower the community through connections to ideas and experiences, inspiration and insight.
That mission also includes offering several annual paid residency opportunities for artists; Children’s Illustrator, Author, Newcomer Artist, Indigenous Artist, Musician, Storyteller and Creator.
“Calgary Public Library residencies support emergent to mid-career artists that are individuals and collectives living and working in Calgary and surrounding First Nations communities,” says Kate Schutz, a service design lead at Calgary Public Library. “Each residency provides time and space to make their work and opportunities to build their skills through public programming and an exhibition or final performance.”
Many residencies are presented in partnership with community organizations that enhance the opportunity, such as the newcomer and Indigenous Artist residents.
“Artists engage with the public through free programs, workshops, school visits, lectures and one-on-one consultations, online, in their studios at Central or at their community library. These residents inspire Calgarians by facilitating accessible and inclusive experiences.”
Mayor Jyoti Gondek is a staunch supporter of the city’s arts and believes programs and grants for emerging artists are vital in providing artists with more opportunities to develop their craft.
“The creative sector in Calgary contributed nearly $2.7 billion to GDP in 2019, and the Conference Board of Canada is projecting jobs and economic activity lost in the early years of the pandemic to surpass pre-pandemic levels in the coming years,” she says. “As projects like the Arts Commons Transformation, the Glenbow Museum and Contemporary Calgary come to fruition, we look forward to seeing the arts community improve and contribute to the diversification of Calgary’s economy.”
