How much funding can be received?

The Art Acquisition by Application program supports Alberta artists by purchasing artworks for inclusion in the Alberta Foundation for the Arts' permanent collection. Eligible activities include submissions of artworks such as drawings, paintings, sculptures, and new media, with acquisitions made at fair market value.

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This grant supports the acquisition of artworks by Alberta artists into the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) permanent Art Collection. Artists can submit artworks across various media and must ensure their work meets the criteria stipulated by the AFA.

Submitted artworks may include drawings, paintings, or sculptures.
Artists can submit works in printmaking, excluding reproductions.
Figures crafted from fibre art or ceramics are eligible.
Eligible submissions cover photography and glass artworks.
Artists may offer mixed media or new media artworks.

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Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria related to the artist's profile and the artworks' submission.

The artist must be a resident of Alberta, having lived there for at least one full year before applying.
The artist must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a Protected Person with an open work or study permit from inside Canada.
The artist must not be currently enrolled in a formal art-training program, with a minimum of one full calendar year since graduation required before applying.
The artworks submitted must have been completed within the last five years.
A maximum of five artworks per artist can be submitted, all included in the same application.
Submissions from a gallery/agent are eligible if the artist meets all eligibility requirements and the appropriate designation form is signed.
Artworks must be produced with the intention for a non-commercial, non-industry audience and the artist must maintain ownership and creative control.
Incorporated production companies are not eligible to apply.

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Applicants for this grant opportunity must be individual Alberta artists or an ensemble of artists who meet specific criteria. Firstly, they must be residents of Alberta, which includes Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or Protected Persons residing primarily within Alberta for at least one full year prior to application. Eligible individuals or ensembles should not be currently enrolled in formal art-training programs, with at least one full year having passed since graduation. Submissions must represent a diverse community, including Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, women, people with disabilities, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Additionally, galleries or agents may submit on behalf of artists, provided all individual eligibility criteria are met. Applications from incorporated production companies are not eligible, but sole proprietorships must apply via gallery/agent classification with the required submission forms.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

The grant is specifically designed for individual artists or ensembles and excludes certain entities based on their status or activities that do not align with the program's aims. Organizations that fall outside the specified eligible categories are not able to apply.

Incorporated production companies.
Sole proprietorships unless applying as a gallery/agent classification.
Entities currently enrolled in formal art-training programs.
Projects involving applied arts such as gaming, architecture, interior design, commercial photography, graphic arts and design, and fashion design.
New media works produced for commercial purposes.
Published books of photography images.

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The grant focuses on the purchase of artworks to be included in the AFA’s permanent Art Collection.

Purchase of eligible artworks at fair market value.

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This grant is specifically for artists who are residents of Alberta, Canada. Eligibility is restricted to Alberta residents to support local artists and enhance the province's cultural heritage.

Resident artists within the province of Alberta, Canada.

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The evaluation and selection of artworks for acquisition by the AFA Art Collection under this grant focus on elements of artistic merit, with no specific point scores allocated to the criteria mentioned.

Strong elements of principles and design.
Strong idea or concept.
Excellent technique or craftsmanship.
Representation of a medium, practice, or concept that is cutting-edge, new, or emerging.
Challenges and extends the medium.
Importance in terms of the artist’s overall exhibition record and achievement.
Importance in terms of the artist’s overall career.
Creation in celebration of or to mark important events or anniversaries within the visual arts community and/or the province.
Integral piece in a series or composite work.
Strong example of the artist’s work from a particular period.
Reflection of the pinnacle of a transition or paradigm shift in an artist’s practice.
Relation to artworks already held in the AFA collection.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: GATE Front Office Registration
Email registrationafa@gov.ab.ca to obtain your GATE Front Office username and password at least five business days before the application deadline.
Provide the contact name of the individual responsible for the application, legal name of the organization (if applicable), and contact email address.
Step 2: Prepare Application Materials
Gather and prepare all required application materials, including the completed application form, artist statement, artwork submission details, and necessary attachments.
Prepare an artistic resume (maximum four pages) with your current mailing address.
Ensure all artworks are correctly labelled as per specified format.
Convert any supplementary material that exceeds the upload size limits into hardcopy format for mailing if necessary.
Step 3: Complete and Submit Online Application
Log into the GATE Front Office system with your credentials.
Fill out the online application forms completely, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
Upload all required attachments following the provided guidelines.
Submit your application through GATE Front Office before 11:59 pm Mountain Time on the deadline date.
Step 4: Mail Supplementary Materials (if necessary)
Mail any supplementary materials that cannot be uploaded to the stated address, ensuring they are postmarked by the deadline.
Label all mailed materials with your name and project number.
Step 5: Application Review Process
The expert panel will review submissions based on the provided criteria and notify artists if they progress to Stage 2 of the adjudication.
Arrange for delivery of artwork to designated depot if required for Stage 2 review.
Step 6: Notification and Agreement Completion
Receive notification about the result of your application within six months of the deadline.
If successful, complete the Reproduction/Exhibition Agreement, Acquisition Data Sheet, and invoice.

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Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Selected artworks will be evaluated for conservation concerns before being accepted into the AFA Art Collection.
Artworks must be in good condition and free from inherent vice for selection.
For new media or time-based media artworks, various formats are required, including a lossless master copy and an access copy suitable for playback in Windows/PC environments.
Artists whose artworks are not requested for Stage 2 will be notified within three months of the application deadline.
All applicants will be notified in writing of the result of their applications within six months of the application deadline.
An exhibition loan will need to be arranged if the work is booked for an exhibition and purchased by the AFA during the second stage adjudication.

grant_single_labels|contact

AFA.artacquisition@gov.ab.ca

780-638-2850

Apply to this program

An Invitation to Enrich the Alberta Art Collection

The Art Acquisition by Application Program is an invaluable opportunity for Alberta artists to have their work integrated into the permanent collection of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. This initiative celebrates artistic diversity, supporting artists from an array of backgrounds by purchasing artworks to enrich the cultural tapestry of the province.

Exploring the Depth and Reach of the Art Acquisition by Application Program

The Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) launched the Art Acquisition by Application Program as a means to enhance their already substantial art collection with new works from resident artists. This program not only aims to preserve Alberta's rich artistic heritage but also to support and uplift individual artists by providing them with a platform to showcase their creativity on a provincial scale. By purchasing artworks to integrate into its permanent collection, the AFA underscores its commitment to championing artistic diversity and expression across the visual arts spectrum including drawing, painting, sculpture, and new media.

One of the most significant aspects of this program is its inclusivity, offering a distinctive opportunity for artists from diverse demographic backgrounds, including Indigenous and racialized communities, women, individuals with disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. By focusing on such diversity, the AFA ensures a wide representation of artistic voices, capturing the multifaceted culture and heritage of Alberta.

Eligibility for this program demands that applicants be residents of Alberta, with a requisite one-year residency prior to submission, ensuring that both new and established Alberta artists have the opportunity to contribute to the province's cultural fabric. To apply, artists must also be out of formal art-training programs for at least a year, allowing them time to develop a distinctive style and body of work that they can present for consideration.

The process is meticulous and spans several stages but ultimately aims at acquiring works that exhibit outstanding artistic merit, innovative concepts, and technical proficiency. To this end, the program not only offers a platform for recognized artists but also provides an avenue for emerging talents to gain acknowledgment and support. For the artists, this program does not just offer financial gain; it establishes their works as integral components of Alberta's historical and contemporary art narrative.

Moreover, by fostering a sustained relationship with various creative communities, the AFA's initiative offers artists a chance to enhance their visibility and gain broader exposure through integration into a prestigious collection. This program provides an important mechanism for artists to attain recognition, bolster their career achievements, and contribute significantly to Alberta's thriving arts culture.

Apart from the acquisition benefits, the program encourages professional growth by requiring artists to deliver works of high quality, catering to specific artistic principles and design elements. This endeavor ensures that selected artworks are not only a testament to the artist’s vision and skill but also resonate with the broader art community and public audiences. By showcasing such works, the program enriches the public's access to high-quality art, fostering art appreciation and cultural dialogue.

In conclusion, the Art Acquisition by Application Program affords a unique and empowering opportunity for Alberta artists. By integrating their artwork into the AFA's collection, artists are offered a platform for lasting visibility and engagement. This initiative not only supports individual artists but enriches the cultural landscape of Alberta by presenting diverse perspectives and artistic expressions to the public. Aspiring participants are encouraged to apply by meeting the outlined criteria and submitting their applications by the respective deadlines to embark on a journey of artistic recognition and contribution.