Calls

Opportunities for Artists

Whether you have been a practising artist for years or are a newly emerging artist, there are opportunities for you to share your art. Respond to a gallery call for group and solo shows. Apply to be an Artist in Residence (AiR) at Casa.

Participate in artist-led activities. Learn more about the business of being a practising artist in the AAC’s ART/WORK sessions. Sell your fine art and craft in the AAC Works retail shop. Take tiny steps or a giant leap into the art world by connecting with Casa and the Allied Arts Council.

AAC Works

AAC Works offers high quality, locally created, fine art, and fine craft. We currently represent over 50 local artists. We are dedicated to providing local artists space to sell their work and the opportunity to connect with the Lethbridge community. More items are available in our AAC Works store located at 318 – 7th Street S.

Are you interested in selling your work in AAC Works? The next submission deadline is Friday, February 21st .

Submission Package PDF
a man Busking with his guitar

AAC / BRZ Busking

Calling all musicians! The AAC is collaborating with the Lethbridge Downtown BRZ to bring more busking to Lethbridge! These will be paid artist opportunities to help paint the air with your sounds and liven the many events happening in the City of Lethbridge! If you are interested in being a Lethbridge busker, fill out the short application form.

Busking Application

Artist in Residence (AiR)

The residency program at Casa provides an opportunity for artists from across disciplines to pursue their practice in a supportive, concentrated, community-based atmosphere. Workshops, installations, open houses and artist talks are part of the AiR community engagement program. This program is financially supported by the AAC.

Current Residency

Link to Casa Page

Residency Application

Emerging artists find the Casa AiR program to be a welcoming place for those wanting to experience the residency process. Mid-career and established artists are also encouraged to apply as Casa provides space free of charge and will help to co-ordinate a number of public engagement opportunities.

Please seek funding for travel, lodging and per diems from granting agencies as necessary. Successful candidates may request letters of support for their grant applications.

Application deadline:
Application deadlines occur January 15 and June 15 of each year.
Submissions for the January 15 deadline will be programmed for a residency between June 15 and December 31.

Submission for the June 15 deadline will be programmed for a residency between January 15 and June 14 of the following year.

Application Form

External Artist Calls

The Allied Arts Council is often sent calls for artists by other organizations or comes across calls that may be of interest to local artists. These calls are organized by discipline below. The AAC encourages the payment of artist fees in all the calls. Artists should be fairly compensated. The AAC does not publish opportunities that require submission fees for ‘pay to play’ or puts undue burden on artists. If the opportunity is a professional development session, residency, conference or volunteer position, these will be clearly denoted in purple.

Do you have a call for artists that you would like shared? Please email communications@artslethbridge.org

Disciplines

  • Call for Artists – Youth Engagement Pilot Project – The City of Lethbridge Public Art Program is inviting artists to participate in a Youth Engagement Pilot Project. The selected submission will receive a commission to coordinate a youth-led project to paint a pedestrian underpass located in west Lethbridge near the communities of Heritage Heights and Willow Park. More information Submission Deadline:  December 6, 2024 at 4pm
  • Call-to-Artists I Alberta Dance Alliance –ADA is currently working on a pilot research project to find ways to resolve several sectoral challenges faced by the dance sector in Alberta. The research project aims to come up with solutions to resolve various sectoral challenges, such as the digital divide, intellectual property concerns, global reach, and community building. In the initial stages of our research it was uncovered that developing a collaborative platform could act as a central hub for many diverse and semi-autonomous activities and participants. Hence, to create a collaborative platform for the Alberta dance sector, we are looking for artists to conduct user interviews to further understand the needs of our Albertan dance artists that this collaborative platform would fulfill. Sign Up
  • Call for Applications: Canada Council for the Arts – Digital Greenhouse. The Digital Greenhouse is a digital innovation initiative for Canadian individuals, groups, and organizations. It supports short-term projects that leverage digital technology to address sectoral and digital challenges. More information.Deadline: ongoing 
  • Lethbridge Artist Group Feature: Be featured as a local artist group in the recreation and culture guide each month. Must be AAC Allied Member. Deadline – 1st of each month. Contact communications@artslethbridge.org
  • Call for Submissions: Forest City Gallery Special Projects. Special Projects may be one-off events or proposed as a limited series. Examples of Special Projects include performances, live art projects, public talks, workshops and skill-sharing events, off-site projects and interventions, screenings, and digital platform events. We invite artists as well as those working across disciplines to apply. More information. Deadline: Proposed projects/initiatives are reviewed on an ongoing basis
  • Call for Applications: US National Parks Arts Foundation is a non-profit foundation offering artist-in-residence programs, museum in-loan programs and workshops in cooperation with the US National Parks, National Monuments, World Heritage Sites and other locations. Pays stipends and offers a variety of opportunities throughout the year. International artists are welcome to apply. More information.
  • Call for Interviews: Live from Studio Venus. Local podcast interviewing academic, amateur or hobby artists of all forms: visual, craft, design, musician or architectural. Email fromstudiovenus@gmail.comfor more information.
  • AAC / BRZ Busking Program: Calling all musicians! The AAC is collaborating with the Lethbridge Downtown BRZ to bring more busking to Lethbridge! These will be paid artist opportunities to help paint the air with your sounds and liven the many events happening in the City of Lethbridge! If you are interested in being a Lethbridge busker, fill out the short application form.
  • Banff Artist in Residence Winter 2025: This program provides space and focused time for musicians of all genres to concentrate on artistic development while working on projects that can be either individually or group/ensemble based. You may be working in your established genre(s), or exploring a new one.Along with the freedom to structure your time around the needs of your project, you will receive artistic inspiration and career advice from well-established faculty. You will have access to a range of artistic influences across the three weeks with the opportunity for interaction and collaboration to produce outstanding, creative results.  More Info

Movement & Dance

  • Call for Applications: NIPAI, in partnership with ArtUniverse, invites experienced theatre directors, assistant directors, actors, teachers, and choreographers to apply for a full-tuition scholarship to join one of its international programs or workshops. This contest is designed for professionals looking to enhance their directing skills, broaden their network, and gain international experience. Potential scholarships: A partnership with NIPAI at the 22nd annual IUGTE conference “Performing Arts Between Tradition and Contemporaneity” in 2025, a tuition-free access for a 3-week intensive workshop in Hungary, culminating in a performance in a local theatre and three spots awarded for participation in one of NIPAI’s international physical theatre workshops in Berlin in 2025. More information. Deadline: December 15, 2024

Literary Arts

 

  • Manuscript Review: Canadian Authors of Alberta The Writers-in-Residence program provides support to Alberta writers of all experience levels and is available to the public. Whether you’re in search of manuscript editing help or mentorship and advice, our WiRs are here to support you in your literary endeavours. More information. 
  • Call for Submissions: Galleries West. Galleries West welcomes pitches from previously published arts writers or emerging writers with a strong sense of the writing craft and a good knowledge of the visual arts. We encourage pitches from diverse voices, including BIPOC writers. Most of our stories and reviews relate to artists with exhibitions in Western Canada (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia) or the North (Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut), or significant exhibitions elsewhere that feature Western Canadian artists. We occasionally commission articles on more general themes. Please direct pitches to editor@gallerieswest.ca, briefly explaining the premise of what you want to write. More information. Deadline: ongoing.
  • Call for Residency: Reader in Residence. Seeking a creative to become our Reader in Residence at the Little Red Reading House. There is no one profession or background that fits the role of the Reader in Residence – just that they love books! This role is for anyone who thrives on creativity, and most importantly, needs a space to explore it. They are currently accepting applications for future residencies. More information. Deadline: ongoing
  • Call for Writers: CRAFT is an online publication celebrating both emerging and established writers. Their focus is on the craft of writing and how those elements make a good story great. They feature new and republished fiction; critical pieces on craft; craft exercises; interviews on craft with established writers; book reviews and summaries; and much more. More information.
  • Call for Indigenous Writers: Scholastic Canada is currently interested in reviewing Indigenous material in all genres and at all levels. No other unsolicited submissions are being accepted at this time. More information.
  • Call for Writers: The Cripsters is a monthly Akimblog feature on disability and culture from the point of view of people with disabilities. Looking for submissions of 750-1000 words on topics that intersect with art and disability through a social justice lens and that crip/disrupt the way we think about disability. Submissions can take the form of a critical review, an interview, or an article on artistic/curatorial processes, theory and ideas, commentary, community, etc. For examples of previous articles, find the archive here. A writer’s fee is paid. There is no deadline. Submissions are accepted on an ongoing basis. Please email proposals in the form of a short synopsis or outline to Kim Fullerton at kimful@akimbo.ca.
  • Call for Submissions: 57TH ANNUAL ALBERTA PLAYWRITING COMPETITION. The competition recognizes the most outstanding un-produced Alberta play with The Sharon Pollock Award ($5000 Cash Prize). It is open to all playwrights who reside in Alberta, whether they are members of the Alberta Playwrights’ Network or not. A secondary prize (Novitiate Prize) may be awarded at the jury’s discretion to recognize the work of an un-produced playwright. There is no cash with the Novitiate Prize, but APN offers playwright and play development for the recipient. More information

Media Arts

  • Call for Applicants: Cinevolution Micro Grants for BIPOC Artists and Arts Workers. Are you interested in exploring media art? Do you identify as a racialized artist or arts worker who has lived experience of disability, or is Deaf or Hard of Hearing, neurodivergent, and/or Mad?Cinevolution is offering five $1,250 grants to emerging artists and arts workers of all ages who have limited access to traditional funding. The goal of this program is to provide flexible financial assistance for self-directed learning, research, and creative experimentation. You do not need formal arts training to apply. You do not need to produce a complete work by the end of the project. More information. Deadline: November 29, 2024
  • Call for Submissions: Lethbridge Independent Film Festival 2025 Galt Museum & Archives | Akaisamitohkanao’pa (Eternal Gathering Place)| Fort Whoop-Up is announcing an open call for films for the 3rd annual Lethbridge Independent Film Festival 2025. Any aspect of audiovisual expression – visual, sound, narrative, genre, performance, theme… all approaches are encouraged for submission. This includes music videos. Films that exemplify and/or are made by under-represented voices will be prioritized. Films selected by the jury will be screened at the Lethbridge Independent Film Festival on April 12th and 13th, 2025. In alignment with the Galt’s Mandate, the Lethbridge Independent Film Festival aims to deepen the sense of belonging for our community by reflecting the world around us with a community-centred approach. More information. Deadline: January 31, 2025
  • Call for Applications: EMMEDIA Open Access Program. The focus of Open Access is to aid in the production of media art projects, giving participants up to one year to complete their works. This program is directed toward intermediate and senior artists. Potential program participants are asked to send in an application that includes current CV, script/storyboard or treatment, project description, detailed budget and relevant support material.  The number of projects supported annually is dependent on funding and the quality of submissions received. Open Access projects are given access to EMMEDIA workshops, in-house editing and production equipment up to an in-kind value of $4000 as well as an honorarium of $500. More information.  Deadline: dependent on funding and quality of applications. 
  • Call for Submissions: imagineNATIVE film + Media Arts Festival will take place in-person at the TIFF Lightbox in Toronto from June 3-8, 2025, and move to our online streaming and iNdigital platforms from June 9-15, 2025. We present Artistic and Industry programming over the six-day in-person Festival showcasing Film + Video, Digital + Interactive, and Audio media works created by Indigenous artists (Directors, Producers, Writers, Designers) at all levels of experience. Since 2020, imagineNATIVE has further moved into a hybrid presentation of these works, with an online portion of the Festival. Artistic programming consists of works selected through the general Call for Submissions, guest-curated programs, partnership exhibitions, and special curated initiatives. More information. Deadline: February 7, 2025
  • Call for Sponsorship: Alberta Media Arts Alliance Society (AMAAS).  The AMAAS Sponsorship Program will be based on regional equity, media art excellence and accountability. AMAAS will provide cash sponsorship for media arts-related projects, such as media art installations, shows, artist talks, workshops, film festivals, symposiums, presentations and other presentations and productions. Each sponsorship is for a one-year term with option to renew. More Information. Deadline: April 1, 2025
  • Call for Bursary Applications: Alberta Media Arts Alliance Society (AMAAS). The AMAAS Bursary Program will be based on regional equity, media art excellence and accountability. AMAAS will provide cash support for media art-related projects, workshops, travel, or education. Independent media artists are encouraged to apply for one of four one-time $500 bursaries (ie: you may apply once, in one category of your choosing): Travel (Provincial or National), BIPOC media artist, Rural media artist, Continued education. Sponsorships are available in amounts of $250 – $750. More information. Deadline: April 1, 2025

    Music

    • AAC / BRZ Busking Program: Calling all musicians! The AAC is collaborating with the Lethbridge Downtown BRZ to bring more busking to Lethbridge! These will be paid artist opportunities to help paint the air with your sounds and liven the many events happening in the City of Lethbridge! If you are interested in being a Lethbridge busker, fill out the short application form.
    • Banff Artist in Residence Winter 2025: This program provides space and focused time for musicians of all genres to concentrate on artistic development while working on projects that can be either individually or group/ensemble based. You may be working in your established genre(s), or exploring a new one.Along with the freedom to structure your time around the needs of your project, you will receive artistic inspiration and career advice from well-established faculty. You will have access to a range of artistic influences across the three weeks with the opportunity for interaction and collaboration to produce outstanding, creative results.  More Info

    Public Art

    • Call for Artists – Youth Engagement Pilot Project The City of Lethbridge Public Art Program is inviting artists to participate in a Youth Engagement Pilot Project. The selected submission will receive a commission to coordinate a youth-led project to paint a pedestrian underpass located in west Lethbridge near the communities of Heritage Heights and Willow Park. Public engagement is a participatory process that heightens a sense of shared responsibility and community. In context with public art processes, it harnesses the will of the people and utilizes the public as an important asset during the development and execution of a project. Eligibility: This competition is open to artists experienced in mural painting. Artists should have experience working with groups and/or have previous community engagement experience. The selected artist will be required to submit a criminal record check and vulnerable sector check prior to applying. Project Budget: The total budget for the Youth Engagement Pilot Project is $60,000 + GST. Project Timeline: Submission deadline: December 6, 2024 at 4:30pm. Commission Awarded and Announced: January 2025. Engagement sessions: Winter 2025. Installation to commence: Spring 2025. Deadline for completion of project: June 30, 2025 Download the full call and submission requirements here
    • Request for Proposals: Mural Artist for École Agnes Davidson The mural will celebrate the diversity and heritage of our school community while honouring the history and cultures of the Blackfoot people, the original inhabitants of this land. If you are an experienced artist or a passionate newcomer inspired to contribute to our school’s environment, we encourage you to submit a proposal. We are excited to invest in a high-quality mural that reflects the heritage and spirit of our community. For detailed submission guidelines, evaluation criteria, and timeline, please refer to the attached Request for Proposals (RFP). This is a unique chance to leave a lasting impact on our school and showcase the artistic talents of our parent and caregiver community. If you’re interested in participating, or if you know someone who might be, we invite you to review the RFP and submit your intent to propose by December 6, 2024 to chair@adcouncil.ca

    Theatre & Drama

    • Call for Male Actors: Coulee Players are in desperate need of 1 or 2 male actors. The group does 7 or 8 short skits every Friday afternoon for about an hour at Senior’s Homes. Most skits are 2 to 4 minutes in length and are primarily written by group members. For more information, please contact Lee Prindle at 403.320.1748.
    • Call for Narrators. The National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS) is looking for volunteers to read and record books for their NARRATE! Project, which provides accessible audiobooks to those with print disabilities. Training, equipment, and technical assistance will be provided to successful applicants. For more information, and to apply, contact Bonnie Mikalson-Andron: 403.320.3026 or at bonnie.mikalson-andron@lethlib.ca.
    • Call for Auditions: Jubilations Theatre. Jubilations Dinner Theatre is welcoming actors to submit video auditions for their multiple show season. We are very interested in seeing performers from all backgrounds, ethnicities, and abilities. Actors are invited to submit for two different kinds of shows: MainStage and Junior shows  (TYA – geared to ages 4-12 and their families). Interested performers can send in a video audition which includes: One pop or rock song that showcases your voice best and a short comedic monologue. More information. These auditions are ongoing and actors can submit at any time.

    Visual Art

     

    • Call for Submissions: SHOWCASE: small spaces/big ideas is a community art project that highlights the work of local artists and creators. It is a constellation of 26 mini-exhibition spaces available for 1-month bookings by anyone of any age, experience, or background who wants to show their artwork at the AGA. Each month brings a different exhibition and a new look at the diversity of Alberta’s creativity. Submission info. Deadlines on-going.
    • Call for Submissions: Strathcona County Art Gallery@501 is now welcoming exhibition submissions from artists and curators. Completed submissions may be submitted and will be accepted throughout the year. More information.
    • Call for Applicants: The Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Emergency Grant program is intended to provide interim financial assistance to qualified painters, printmakers, and sculptors whose needs are the result of an unforeseen, catastrophic incident, and who lack the resources to meet that situation. Each grant is given as one-time assistance or a specific emergency, examples of which are fire, flood, or emergency medical need. The program does not consider requests for dental work, chronic situations, capital improvements, or projects of any kind; nor can it consider situations resulting from general indebtedness or lack of employment. More information. Deadline: On-going
    • Call for Applicants: The Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation grant is available to emerging figurative artists. This grant is unique in scope in that it is available to students and artists around the world. More information. Deadline: On-going
    • Call for Submissions: Chrome Salon + Spa, located in downtown Lethbridge, is seeking artists to hang work in their salon and spa. The space is commission-free and no charge. Contact Chrome Salon + Spa directly for more information and a tour of the space. More information. Deadline: On-going
    • Call for Submissions: Latitude 53’s programming includes two Main Space galleries as well as The Garage, a space dedicated to new work by emerging local artists. In both of these models, Latitude 53 provides installation assistance, promotion, documentation, as well as professional compensation for artists in accordance to the expectations set by CAR/FAC. Latitude 53 accepts programming submissions from artists and curators on an ongoing basis. Submissions are kept on record for a period of one year for consideration by Latitude 53 staff, the Program Advisory Committee, and/or guest curators. More information. Deadline: On-going
    • Call for Submissions: Surrey Art Gallery welcomes proposals from artists and guest curators for exhibitions in any media and subject area. These include solo, group exhibitions and touring shows as well as exhibitions that include work by, for, or about children, or of work evolving out of projects or residencies. There is no deadline for proposals, and your package will be acknowledged when received. More information. Deadline: On-going 
    • Call for Applications: AAC Works. Are you interested in selling your work in AAC Works? AAC Works offers high quality, locally created, fine art, and fine craft. More ionformation. Next deadline: February 21, 2025
    • Call for Entry: TREAT Alberta Craft calls artists in all Craft mediums to submit to Treat, an exhibition dedicated to the animals we love and care for. Calling all pet lovers! Do you make artwork about your beloved animal? Or do you create objects that are useful to pets and pet owners? Treat is an exhibition that celebrates the joy of portraying the personalities and quirks of pets through Craft. The relationship between people and their pets is a longstanding story of companionship and symbiosis. Our faithful furry, scaly, fluffy, feathery friends and family improve our lives. In return, people derive satisfaction from treating their pets with special toys, treats, or new accessories that reflect their pet’s unique personality. More information. Deadline: January 9, 2025
    • Call for Entry: Craft Perspectives – Alberta Craft celebrates its 45th anniversary. As part of this celebration, we are excited to share this call for our upcoming Feature exhibition, Craft Perspectives. Join us in looking ahead by reflecting on the past. We invite members to create work in response to objects in museums, archive collections, and other historical works in Alberta. Your work can be inspired by an entire historical collection or one historic item. More information. Deadline: April 1, 2025