Artists & Creatives

Artist Resources (Calgary-based)

We’ve put together a list of some of the organizations that work to support artists, and have been pillars of the artist community for decades. These groups have a wealth of information and resources that you can access to engage with your work, under the best circumstances possible.

*side note, EAR (below) has all kinds of information in their resources for artists area.

CARFAC Alberta (Canadian Artists Representation/front des artistes canadienes)

CARFAC Alberta is a non-profit provincial cultural organization serving the visual arts sector in Alberta. As a provincial arts service organization (PASO) we inform and promote artists, provide professional development opportunities for both members and the general public, and advocate on behalf of members.

Calgary Arts Development

As the city’s designated arts development authority, Calgary Arts Development supports and strengthens the arts to benefit all Calgarians. We invest and allocate municipal funding for the arts provided by The City of Calgary and leverage these funds to provide additional resources to the arts sector. Our programs support hundreds of arts organizations, individual artists, artist collectives, and ad hoc groups in Calgary.

Rozsa Foundation

They have a wonderful “Resources for the Arts” list which is continuously updated. Founded in 1990, the Rozsa Foundation is a philanthropic organization known for effective support and advocacy for the Arts in Alberta. The Foundation builds on the legacy of Drs. Ted and Lola Rozsa, who were acknowledged champions of the Arts through their support of not-for-profit arts organizations active in the City of Calgary.

Elephant Artist Relief Society (EAR)

Elephant Artist Relief Society (EAR) is a registered charity that provides practical resources to artists in the Calgary region in order to help sustain their well-being and livelihood and, in turn, contribute to a vibrant cultural sector.

As a unique service organisation, EAR builds creative capacity and fills a role not duplicated by any other agency. Originally dedicated to serving visual artists, the organisation has recently extended our programs to support artists of other disciplines, with intentions of meeting the broader community’s needs for years to come. The society envisions a healthy arts community that ensures a continued rich cultural landscape for us all.

Immigrant Council for Arts Innovation (ICAI)

The Immigrant Council for Arts Innovation (ICAI) is an arts council based in Calgary, Alberta. Founded in January 2019 with the purpose of connecting newcomer and immigrant artists and creative professionals to the existing arts community in Calgary. We strive to provide resources and information that would assist newcomer and immigrant artists turn their passion and creativity into thriving careers or businesses.

SpanicArts

SpanicArts is a non-profit art organization founded in 2018 by Latin-American artists Lily Sigie, Fredy Rivas and Milena Vasquez. Through a shared purpose of developing the Hispanic artistic community in the city, they created SpanicArts to give support to Hispanic artists living in Calgary.

Creative Calgary

Creative Calgary is a non-partisan group of artists, arts organizations and citizens at large who are committed to and advocate for a thriving arts sector with a positive public profile.

Music Calgary works to..

• To further the development of professional Calgary musicians and the Calgary music community and foster greater exposure nationally and internationally;

• To promote and create programs advancing the educational and economic viability of the Calgary music community/industry;

• To provide direction in professional development and training;

• To represent the Calgary music industry’s interests to government and private sectors.

• Welcome to Music Calgary; an organization dedicated to fostering dialogue and support amongst professionals in the Calgary music community.

Calgary Arts Resource Society

An entire community of performing and visual artists working together to bring arts projects to life. Calgary Arts Resource Society acts as a conduit to facilitate projects that are important to the arts community in Calgary.

Alberta Media Arts Alliance Society (AMAAS)

Alberta Media Arts Alliance Society (AMAAS) serves media artists and organizations through advocacy, development opportunities and connecting media artists and media art organizations across the Province. Programs include educational and networking opportunities at our biannual conference & symposiums, publications, awards, sponsorship, and artist commissions. Since its inception, AMAAS has been governed by a volunteer group of directors representing the media arts in Alberta.

Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers (CSIF)

The Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers (CSIF) is a non-profit, artist-run center for independent filmmakers located in Calgary (Mohkinstsis). CSIF provides low cost access to filmmaking workshops, rental equipment, facilities, mentorship, and programming. The Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers exists to fuel filmmakers, support storytellers, and connect the cinematic community.

EMMEDIA

EMMEDIA is an electronic media arts centre established in 1979 and incorporated as a non-profit society in 1983. Professionally managed and directed by practicing artists, the Society responds to a broad community by offering affordable access to media art production tools, services, technical and educational support, and to an array of public exhibition programs. Our commitment to the media arts crosses a range of media and disciplines: audio, video, web-based art, independent film, animation, multimedia, performance and environments.

Herland

Herland is a Video Production & Mentorship Program which allows women an opportunity to explore their creative vision with the goal of making a personal short film. Participants acquire skills and experience in the art of filmmaking as they progress through the filmmaker’s journey. Herland's goal is simple: bring stories by and about women to a larger audience.

LOUD Art Society

As providers of positive mental environment it is their true honour to enhance public health by leaving a good memory as a positive experience and their legacy as artists. It is their pleasure to leave harmony, beauty, motivation and healing as their signature. LOUD Art Society strives for stronger community and cultural development. The organization has been operating since 2015 solely with contributions of its founder and board members.

Alberta Printmakers Association

Operating since 1989, A/P is a not for profit artist-run centre located in Calgary Alberta that inspires artistic growth and fosters community through their gallery and studio. They are dedicated to cultivating an inclusive space to: ​Learn about printmaking, Create and exhibit print-based media, and Pursue artistic opportunities. They have a Resources for Canadian Artists list that’s helpful as well!