Organizer Information
The Calgary Allied Arts Foundation (CAAF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting visual arts and supporting emerging artists in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Through studio residencies, financial assistance, mentorship, and exhibition opportunities, CAAF helps artists develop their creative practices and advance their careers. The foundation also operates Gallery 505, which presents exhibitions featuring artists who have participated in its residency programs. CAAF is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable arts community.
Title & Description
CAAF Studio Residency 2026 Open Call for Emerging Visual Artists
The CAAF Studio Residency provides emerging visual artists with dedicated studio space and financial support to develop their artistic practices. The program is designed for artists who need a professional working environment to explore new ideas, develop projects, and pursue opportunities for artistic growth.
Selected artists can undertake a residency lasting two or three months, with access to a dedicated studio in Calgary. Participants are encouraged to share their creative processes and engage with the local arts community throughout their residency. The program also aims to connect artists with opportunities offered by CAAF, including potential exhibition and professional development opportunities.
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Painting and Drawing
- Mixed Media
- Sculpture and Installation
- Photography
- Other visual art practices
Eligibility
The residency is intended for emerging visual artists seeking space and support to develop their artistic practices. Artists residing in Canada will receive preference during selection. Applicants from outside Calgary may apply, but they must arrange and finance their own travel and accommodation.
CAAF welcomes applicants regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, educational background, or disability. The foundation also states that it will work with applicants who experience barriers to participation and provide reasonable accommodation to the best of its ability.
No specific age limit or formal educational qualification is stated in the supplied application information.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Studio residency: Access to a dedicated workspace for two or three months.
- Financial support: A stipend of CAD $700 per month, paid upon completion of the residency.
- Professional development: Time and space to experiment, develop projects, and advance an artistic practice.
- Community engagement: Opportunities to share creative processes and connect with Calgary's arts community.
- Potential future opportunities: Access to opportunities that CAAF may provide, including exhibition possibilities.
A CAD $20 annual CAAF membership fee will be deducted from the stipend. Travel expenses and accommodation are not provided for artists relocating to Calgary.
Application Fee
No separate application fee is specified in the supplied information. However, selected residents must pay for an annual CAAF membership, with CAD $20 deducted from their stipend.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 1 November 2026
- Residency duration: Two or three months.
Location
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Additional Details
Applications are assessed by an impartial committee based on the overall quality of each submission. Evaluation criteria include the proposed project, artistic merit, the applicant's need for studio space, and the quality of previous work. Successful applicants are expected to respect the studio environment, other artists, and CAAF's professional standards.