Closed
AFA — Art Acquisitions by Application
AFA purchases artworks for permanent collection from Alberta artists
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Closing date : April 1, 2026
Location
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Overview
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Raise awareness or mobilize a population
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Closing date : April 1, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Edmonton
- Alberta
Legal structures
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Other Racialized Persons
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Women
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- The sale of original artworks for acquisition into the AFA Art Collection.
- The submission of new media and time-based media art for potential purchase as part of the permanent collection.
- The proposal of artworks including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, fibre art, ceramics, photography, glass, mixed media, and audiovisual works for collection consideration.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Individual Alberta artists
- Ensembles of Alberta artists (all members must meet individual eligibility requirements)
- Commercial galleries or artist agents submitting on behalf of eligible Alberta artists (with proper designation form)
Who is not eligible
- Incorporated production companies.
- Applied arts businesses such as those focused on gaming, architecture, interior design, commercial photography, graphic arts and design, or fashion design.
Eligible expenses
- Purchase of original artworks at their fair market value for inclusion in the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) Art Collection.
Eligible geographic areas
- Alberta
Additional information
- Artists whose artworks are not advanced to Stage 2 will be notified within three months of the application deadline.
- All applicants receive written notification of the grant decision within six months of the deadline.
- General comments from the expert panel are shared publicly, but no individualized feedback is provided to applicants.
- No final report is required after the acquisition process is complete.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the AFA — Art Acquisitions by Application Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the AFA — Art Acquisitions by Application. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the AFA — Art Acquisitions by Application?
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.
Who is eligible for the AFA — Art Acquisitions by Application program?
To be eligible for the AFA — Art Acquisitions by Application program, you must:
Incorporated production companies are not eligible to apply.
Sole proprietorships must apply as a gallery/agent; owner must complete a Designation form.
What expenses are eligible under AFA — Art Acquisitions by Application?
The sale of original artworks for acquisition into the AFA Art Collection.
The submission of new media and time-based media art for potential purchase as part of the permanent collection.
The proposal of artworks including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, fibre art, ceramics, photography, glass, mixed media, and audiovisual works for collection consideration.
Who can I contact for more information about the AFA — Art Acquisitions by Application?
You can contact Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) by email at AFA.artacquisition@gov.ab.ca or by phone at 780-638-2850.
Where is the AFA — Art Acquisitions by Application available?
The AFA — Art Acquisitions by Application program is available the province of Alberta.
Is the AFA — Art Acquisitions by Application a grant, loan, or tax credit?
AFA — Art Acquisitions by Application is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the AFA — Art Acquisitions by Application?
AFA — Art Acquisitions by Application is funded by Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA)