Art Calls

During these uncertain times, the arts are making us feel connected to community and to humanity. Visual art, dance, music, and theatre are actively uplifting our spirits, countering the effects of physical and emotional isolation. The Building Neighbourhoods Builds Community art project is intended to provide work for artists, encourage social cohesion, neighbourhood and community connections, and promote healing. 

The competition is open to qualified practicing Canmore and Morley artists working in any medium.

To qualify as a practicing artist for this competition you should have:

• An understanding of the creative process and an active art practice
• The ability to encourage creativity in others and work collaboratively
• An enthusiasm for working with groups and a willingness to build collaborative relationships
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Experience facilitating creative projects
• A willingness to work with people of all backgrounds
• Strong facilitation skills
• Project management experience
• Have specialized training in an artistic field (this does not have to be at an academic institution)
• Be recognized as a professional by your peers (artists working in the same artistic tradition)

Emphasis on eligible projects will be placed on proposals that:

• Actively involve the community/neighbourhood in art creation
• Provide opportunities for inclusion and self-expression
• Highlight co-creative processes between artists and communities
• Offer skill building opportunities
• Increase arts activity for the broader community

The neighbourhood art project can take any form. For example, mosaics, murals, theatre, dance, media arts, music, storytelling, poetry, painting, photography, among other traditional and non-traditional art forms. 

1. Four neighbourhood ideation sessions (minimum) that adhere to physical distancing protocols
2. One proposed project description submitted to the Arts and Events Department before project creation begins. The proposed project must be the result of artist and neighbourhood group collaboration and reflect the neighbourhood in a creative way.
3. One complete creative project 

Submissions will only be accepted in electronic format submitted by email. All documents must be sent  in PDF format.

Artists must submit the following, prepared as described below, in order to qualify for consideration in the competition: 

The Selection Committee appointed by the Town of Canmore will evaluate all applications.

Up to eight artists will be selected based on the criteria outlined below: 

The Town of Canmore will be responsible for all communication, either verbal or in writing, between artists making submissions and members of the Selection Committee. Any communication between applicants and Selection Committee members regarding submissions or the competition may result in disqualification.

This project is funded through the Town of Canmore Public Art Trust.

The Town of Canmore reserves the right to reject any submissions without further compensation.

The Town of Canmore reserves the right to modify project timelines. 

Each selected artist will receive $3,500 CAD which includes up to $500 in material costs. GST will be paid to artists that are able to provide a GST number. Project material budgets should not exceed $500 however the community has the right to seek donations to augment material costs.

Up to eight artists will be selected for this commission. 

Because this project requires that an artist will work with members of the community in a community setting, a criminal record check will be required. 

The artist(s) will enter into a contract with the Town of Canmore.

Please direct all inquiries to Chris Bartolomie, Supervisor, Arts and Events

P: 403.678.8170

E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.