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 September 19, 2023.

Submission Package PDF
James MacDonald standing in front or his art

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

This summer, Casa will be hosting artist Solange Roy, as part of the Artist in Residence (AiR) program this fall, from August 28 – September 25, 2023.

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

All Disciplines

 

  • 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.
  • Call for Submissions: Workshop Teaching Artist. Alberta Foundation for the Arts is looking for an Artist, Teaching Artist, Arts Educator, or Community Artist with a practice in the visual arts, dance, theatre, music, technical theatre, writing, or storytelling. To be contracted for a variety of creative and collaborative workshops. Fee: $150.00 per session. A creator of magical experiences using your art form to create joy, develop learners’ skill, knowledge, and understanding of the arts. More information. 
  • Call for Submissions – THREADS 2024. Seeking artists and storytellers to be a part of THREADS 2024 — an international cultural event! Hosted by the Saskatoon Open Door Society, THREADS: Cultural Conversations is an annual virtual event, celebrating the diverse cultures across Canada and the world. THREADS invites musicians, poets, performers, artists in all disciplines, and storytellers to respond to the theme of “Evolving.” Your response may be in any medium. We are also looking for personal stories from anyone and everyone that responds to at least one of the sub-themes or questions on our website. More information. Deadline: December 15, 2023

     

Movement & Dance

  • Call for Applications: Matriarchs Uprising 2024. Call for films created by Indigenous women to be presented at the 6th annual Matriarchs Uprising Festival from February 19-25 2024. Held in Vancouver BC on unceded Coast Salish Territory, Matriarchs Uprising is a performance festival that celebrates Contemporary Indigenous dance, offering a program of performances, events, and circle conversations led by local and international artists. The festival is a platform for artists and audiences to come together and celebrate connections from across different nations and Indigenous worldviews through dance. Matriarchs Uprising brings together Indigenous women who are both nurturing and advancing the art of contemporary dance. More information. Deadline: October 11, 2023
  • Call for Applications: Dance Individual Project Funding. This funding provides up to $15,000 to support the development of individual Alberta artists, arts administrators, or an ensemble of artists by providing funding for a specific dance project. Applicants, including ensembles or collectives, must not be incorporated under either provincial or federal legislation. More information. Deadline: March 1, 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
  • Call for Submissions – THREADS 2024. Seeking artists and storytellers to be a part of THREADS 2024 — an international cultural event! Hosted by the Saskatoon Open Door Society, THREADS: Cultural Conversations is an annual virtual event, celebrating the diverse cultures across Canada and the world. THREADS invites musicians, poets, performers, artists in all disciplines, and storytellers to respond to the theme of “Evolving.” Your response may be in any medium. We are also looking for personal stories from anyone and everyone that responds to at least one of the sub-themes or questions on our website. More information. Deadline: December 15, 2023

Media Arts

  • Call for Applications: Matriarchs Uprising 2024. Call for films created by Indigenous women to be presented at the 6th annual Matriarchs Uprising Festival from February 19-25 2024. Held in Vancouver BC on unceded Coast Salish Territory, Matriarchs Uprising is a performance festival that celebrates Contemporary Indigenous dance, offering a program of performances, events, and circle conversations led by local and international artists. The festival is a platform for artists and audiences to come together and celebrate connections from across different nations and Indigenous worldviews through dance. Matriarchs Uprising brings together Indigenous women who are both nurturing and advancing the art of contemporary dance. More information. Deadline: October 11, 2023

Music

  • Call for Submissions – THREADS 2024. Seeking artists and storytellers to be a part of THREADS 2024 — an international cultural event! Hosted by the Saskatoon Open Door Society, THREADS: Cultural Conversations is an annual virtual event, celebrating the diverse cultures across Canada and the world. THREADS invites musicians, poets, performers, artists in all disciplines, and storytellers to respond to the theme of “Evolving.” Your response may be in any medium. We are also looking for personal stories from anyone and everyone that responds to at least one of the sub-themes or questions on our website. More information. Deadline: December 15, 2023

Public Art

  • Call for Expressions of Interest (EOI): City of Lethbridge Community Murals Applicants must either own a building in Lethbridge, or be a Lethbridge-area artist. Artists not currently residing in Lethbridge who have previous ties to the community are also welcome to submit an Expression of Interest. There are two streams of application: 1)Building owners, who are seeking an artist to install a mural on a high visibility exterior wall within Lethbridge City limits; or 2)Artists, who are seeking a space to install a mural. See full call here. Deadline: October 31, 2023

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.
  • Expressions of Interest: Keyano Theatre Company. Keyano Theatre Company is seeking expressions of interest from Alberta’s creative community of directors and designers that enjoy working in a community theatre environment. Keyano Theatre Company’s 2023-2024 season consists of three community theatre productions that perform 5-6 shows over two weekends and one youth production. The season is composed of one musical in February 2024, and a non-musical (drama, comedy thriller etc.) in October 2023, and April 2024. In August we produce our Young Actors’ Summer Intensive entitled Drama Force, which is a three-week immersive program for youth aged ten to seventeen involving acting, singing, and dance to present three performances on the Keyano Stage at the end of the program. We will review incoming expressions of interest as they are submitted and reach out as needed for our season. Please send all responses to care of: Alan Roberts – Director, Keyano Theatre & Arts Centre |  alan.roberts@keyano.ca | 780 -791-4953. More information
  • 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 anytime.
  • Call for Submissions – THREADS 2024. Seeking artists and storytellers to be a part of THREADS 2024 — an international cultural event! Hosted by the Saskatoon Open Door Society, THREADS: Cultural Conversations is an annual virtual event, celebrating the diverse cultures across Canada and the world. THREADS invites musicians, poets, performers, artists in all disciplines, and storytellers to respond to the theme of “Evolving.” Your response may be in any medium. We are also looking for personal stories from anyone and everyone that responds to at least one of the sub-themes or questions on our website. More information. Deadline: December 15, 2023

Visual Art

 

  • Call for Exhibition Space: Fusion Sushi would like to invite artists to use their walls for showing their work.  They will have 3 months of use. Yes the artist can sell from the wall, no Fusion will not take a commission but don’t leave an empty space if that’s ok. Must register with Fusion.  Also, Fusion would like to reserve a 3-month portion for a multi-show, for newer artists with not so much work on hand. For more information, please call: Annie Huang (owner) 647.969.3923 or Sylvia Klassen 403.393.4598
  • 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 Submissions: ASA 2024 Exhibitions. The Alberta Society of Artists (ASA) invites all artists, Members and Non-Members (18 years and over), residing in Alberta to submit work of any visual medium to our in-house and partnered gallery spaces for the 2024 season. All artists, both emerging and established, working in all media including installation, sculpture, video or photography, textiles, painting, drawing, and mixed media are encouraged to apply. More information. Deadline: Monday, October 16, 2023, at 11:59 pm
  • Call for Artists: Anderson Hall Mural. U of L Student Affairs is seeking artists to submit artwork for a wall mural in Anderson Hall. A three metre-tall x 8.5-metre long curved wall near the main entrance/exit area will display the artwork, enlarged and printed on vinyl. The competition is open to current students at the University of Lethbridge and alumni who reside in Canada. The Call for Artists document includes information about Anderson Hall, eligibility, project considerations, budget, timeline, and selection process. Please review thoroughly if interested, and good luck! More information. Deadline: October 30, 2023
  • Call for Espressions of Interest: Helen Schuler Nature Centre Community Art Gallery. Calling local artists! We are now accepting Expressions of Interest for our 2024 exhibition cycle. The Helen Schuler Nature Centre Community Art Gallery showcases artwork with nature, science, or environmental themes. Exhibitions will be scheduled between March and December 2024.
    *Please note: Artists are required to fill the entire gallery space* Please get in touch with the Nature Centre’s Facility Programming Coordinator for more information. marianne.virag@lethbridge.ca or 403.320.3064. More information. Deadline:  November 15, 2023