For further inquiries, please email curatorial@theworks.ab.ca.
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Artists will exhibit temporary large-scale installations to activate Churchill Square during the festival. Site-Specific Installations may include projects that can be prepared, constructed, and transported to the festival by the artist , or larger works that will be assembled on site prior to the festival. Major projects are impactful and memorable anchors of The Works Art & Design Festival and may incorporate multiple layers of engagement for communities, audiences, volunteers, and interns. The scope of these projects may vary significantly; therefore, artists should include all expected fees within the project budget. For major projects that are require extensive project planning it is recommend that artists include at least one reference from a past presenter.
Artists propose a complete exhibit. The proposal must include actual works that will be exhibited (rather than a proposal for work to be completed). An exhibit typically consists of a series of 10 or more related medium scale artworks, or 6 or more related larger works. Artist honorarium: $500/exhibit.
Community Groups and Organizations may apply with a proposal to present in partnership with The Works, including but not limited to workshops, community engagement opportunities, or other special events during the festival. Please contact curatorial@theworks.ab.ca for further information.
Racism, ableism, and gendered violence continue to limit affected communities’ participation in the arts. Barriers to participation may be related to cost, physical and linguistic accessibility, time, mental illness, and more. The Works offers several supports to reduce barriers to artistic participation. Artists who are Indigenous, Black, Persons of Colour, Disabled, Transgender, or belonging to any group that must resist oppression on a daily basis are encouraged to self-identify and claim additional funding, mentorship, and accommodations and supports as needed.
The following supports are available to artists who are Indigenous, Black, Persons of Colour, Disabled, or Transgender:
A $100 honorarium intended to partially compensate artists for time invested in preparing a proposal for The Works Art & Design Festival.
NOTE: To confirm eligibility and discuss the proposal, interested artists should provide an expression of interest by email or phone by January 16, 2024.
Up to fifty $100 honorariums are available to support the Artist’s ability to devote time to fully completing and submitting a project proposal for The Works Art & Design Festival in 2024.
Recognizing the significant time commitment involved in developing an artistic project proposal, the purpose of this process is to support equity-seeking artists in completing their application AND limit Artists’ investment of time and resources into proposal that may not be eligible for various reasons.
To access this fund, email curatorial@theworks.ab.ca before completing your application. We recommend contacting The Works no later than January 16, 2024, to allow adequate time to complete the full proposal. Within the email, include a very short statement about why you are requesting the honorarium, and a brief description of your project (100 – 250 words).
Alternatively, the Artist may request to schedule a meeting with The Works Curatorial Staff to discuss the project.
This brief project description will be reviewed by The Works and you will be notified if your project fits the current call for proposals. Upon notification you may:
a) be invited to apply with a full proposal and notified that you will receive the honorarium once the application is complete. NOTE: The Works cannot guarantee the acceptance of any proposal.
b) be given feedback as to how your project could better fit the call and invited to re-apply for the honorarium or
c) be notified that the project is not eligible.
Note that all funds dispersed through The Works are be paid by cheque; require collection of personal data including legal name, address, phone number, and in most cases, Social Insurance Number; and may take up to 4 weeks to process. We recognize that these requirements may be additional barriers, and hope that transparency will support your participation. In extenuating circumstances, some additional accommodations may be available, and we encourage you to ask for what you need so that we may look at how we can be flexible within the limitations of our legal responsibilities.
Up to $500 in additional artist fees are available to eligible equity seeking applicants to support accessibility and other equity concerns as defined in your budget.
Up to $500 in additional artist fees are available to eligible equity seeking applicants to support accessibility and other equity concerns as defined in your budget. Please identify a section of your requested budget as Equity and Accessibility Support.
This funding may cover a range of expenses, including but not limited to professional development or education required to complete the proposed project, child care, translation, protocols, and more.
Note that all funds dispersed through The Works are be paid by cheque; require collection of personal data including legal name, address, phone number, and in most cases, Social Insurance Number; and may take up to 4 weeks to process. We recognize that these requirements may be additional barriers, and hope that transparency will support your participation. In extenuating circumstances, some additional accommodations may be available, and we encourage you to ask for what you need so that we may look at how we can be flexible within the limitations of our legal responsibilities.
Where it is deemed helpful or necessary to begin a selected project, up to 50% of fees may be paid upon the signing of a contract.
Project Mentorship: Artists are encouraged to submit proposals for impactful, ambitious projects, even if they require additional expertise to realize the project. Artists may request, or The Works may offer, mentorship and development in areas such as project management, exhibit production, fund development, and community outreach.
Proposal Feedback: Artists may submit a draft proposal or meet with a The Works Curatorial Department prior to applying to receive feedback and guidance.
Alternative application formats (mailed-in applications, voice recordings, videos, telephone calls, etc.) may be arranged upon request.
Direct all questions, concerns, and requests for accommodation to:
Email: Curatorial@theworks.ab.ca
Phone: 780-426-2122 (ext.228)
