INDIVIDUALS MUST:

• Have an existing and committed practice in one or more artistic disciplines. This may include, but is not limited to, Indigenous and other cultural customary and/​or contemporary practices, community-based arts, visual arts, literary arts, performance, and/​or multi-disciplinary works.
• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Be a resident of Edmonton / amiskwacîwâskahikan at the time of application and for the duration of the residency. This includes the City of Edmonton, and the communities of Enoch Cree Nation, Alexander First Nation, Paul First Nation, and Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation (artists may be asked to provide proof of residency).
• Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) or GST Number – funding is considered taxable income.

Collectives also must:

• Have eligible individuals as described above.
• Have one individual (the primary applicant) apply on behalf of the collective.

Individuals or collectives with overdue Edmonton Arts Council final reports will not be eligible for this residency.

The Artist-in-Residence at Boyle Street Community Services (BSCS) opportunity welcomes artists working across all disciplines, including but not limited to visual arts, literary arts, performance, and traditional and contemporary Indigenous practices. The residency encourages proposals that centre cultural connection, healing, and collaboration with marginalized communities, especially those with lived experiences of houselessness or social exclusion.

Artists who have not previously worked with BSCS or in similar settings are welcome to apply and encouraged to demonstrate relevant experience or a strong interest in working with marginalized communities through a commitment to community-driven, collaborative artmaking.

RESIDENCY PROPOSALS SHOULD:

• Provide up to the equivalent of four seasons’ full-time work based on the needs of the artist and community. Project elements are not required to be continuous or consecutive. Applicants may outline a timeline with goals or milestones that align with natural and community rhythms (e.g., Pow Wow season, other cultural events).
• Clearly benefit the development of the artist(s) while aligning with BSCS’s goals of healing, cultural connection, and community empowerment.
• Consider if mentorship will be required or provided; whether through guidance from BSCS staff, Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, Elders, or other experienced individuals.
• Consider if guidance is needed for mental health strategies for working with individuals who have experienced trauma, ensuring the residency process is emotionally supportive. The artist is encouraged to incorporate trauma-informed practices into their residency. At all times, the artist should contribute to the dignity and respect for the community.
• Consider the level and scope of engagement from BSCS community members, staff, and other potential collaborators. Community engagement could focus on building trust, respect, and connection through artistic practice.
• The artist is encouraged to collaborate with BSCS to create spaces and opportunities where community members feel empowered to voice their needs, concerns, and ideas, to inform the creative process.
• Include a public-facing component during or at the completion of the residency, which could include community exhibitions, collaborative art projects, workshops, or presentations that involve the community in both creation and reflection.

WHAT IS NOT SUPPORTED

• Direct spending on capital projects or acquisitions.
• Academic or other for-credit educational opportunities.
• Activity that is already supported by the Edmonton Arts Council and/​or City of Edmonton through other sources.
• Any expenses paid before the application deadline.

For this initiative, the EAC will fund one residency of up to 12 months of full-time work. The maximum budget for this residency is $100,000, which would include:

• Materials
• Fees for collaborators
• Funds needed for community engagement activities
• Honorariums for Elders or Knowledge Keepers
• The artist(s)’ full-time wage(s)

CONTRACT PROCESS

To facilitate the success of the residency, the EAC will enter into an agreement with the successful primary artist. 

For assistance determining eligible expenses, contact an EAC Program Advisor at grants@​edmontonarts.​ca or call 780−424−2787.

Funds will be distributed monthly across the period of the residency, by the EAC, to the artist in alignment with the details of the contract and application.

APPLICATION RESOURCES

Please visit the Resources section of our website for more information on profile and application expectations:

• Video Resources: https://​www​.edmon​tonarts​.ca/​r​e​s​o​u​r​c​e​s​/​w​o​r​k​shops
• Funding FAQ: https://​www​.edmon​tonarts​.ca/​r​e​s​o​u​r​c​e​s​/​f​u​n​d​i​n​g‑faq

ACCESS SUPPORT

Those facing barriers while completing their application may be eligible for Access Support. A barrier can include but is not limited to, language, culture, physical or cognitive limitations, or any inequity that may complicate completing an application. This support provides funding for specialized assistance in conveying the artists’ ideas. This could include hiring a typist, interpreter, translator, or other type of support worker to help with submitting a clear application that accurately reflects the artist’s ideas and intentions.

Normally, professional grant writers are not supported by this program unless they are assisting the artist with a specific barrier. Access Support prioritizes qualified Edmonton-based resources when available and appropriate. However, recognizing that each artist’s needs are unique, applicants are free to select the support that best fits their specific requirements. If a non-local resource is selected, a brief explanation of the choice is requested to ensure transparency. Applications for Access Support must be received no fewer than two (2) business days prior to the application deadline.

Requests for funding made after this time may not be possible. Eligible assistance will be supported up to $500.

DRAFT APPLICATION ASSISTANCE

The EAC offers the opportunity for applicants to have their draft application reviewed before the application deadline. The review process could include:

• Help to define the intentions of your residency.
• Reviewing budgets and support materials.

If you would like someone to review your draft application with you, please email grants@​edmontonarts.​ca or phone 780−424−2787. Appointments are available the week of February 24 — 28, 2025 during our office hours between 9:00 — 4:30 pm.

MENTAL HEALTH AND EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING SUPPORT

The emotional and mental well-being of both the artist and BSCS community members are priorities throughout the residency. Due to the potentially challenging nature of working with vulnerable populations, mental health resources, including counselling or other wellness services, may be required by artists. The artist is encouraged to incorporate trauma-informed practices into their residency and may request mental health support for themselves as needed. At all times, the artist should contribute to the dignity and respect for the community.

FEEDBACK

Applicants can request feedback on their applications after the assessment process is complete and decisions are finalized. We encourage all applicants, successful or not, to get feedback, especially if you are working on an application for a similar project.

Email grants@​edmontonarts.​ca and ask for assistance about any of our support for applicants.

The deadline for submissions is 11:59 AM (noon) on March 14, 2025.

Apply through the EAC’s online portal SmartSimple:

Complete (or update) an individual profile in the online portal eac​.smart​sim​ple​.ca. This is required by whomever is submitting the application (the primary applicant).

If the application is for a collective, all named members of the collective based in the City of Edmonton and/​or the Indigenous communities of Enoch Cree Nation, Alexander First Nation, Paul First Nation and Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, are required to have individual profiles in SmartSimple by the application deadline.

Once a profile has been made, the residency program application form is made available in SmartSimple under the ​“Open Opportunities” icon. If the applicant already has a profile, the residency application will be visible a minimum of 30 days before the application deadline.

Once a residency application has been submitted, EAC will internally review the proposal to examine:

• The eligibility of the artist(s).
• The completeness of mandatory elements of the application.
• The residency’s potential overall impact on the BSCS community.
• The proposal’s alignment with the aims of this program.

The success of the residency will be measured by the depth of engagement in the artistic process and with the BSCS community. An Advisory Committee of subject matter experts will provide assessment, context and recommendations to the EAC.

ASSESSMENT PROCESS

An Advisory Committee composed of diverse, knowledgeable members, including representatives from the BSCS community and experts from the broader Edmonton arts ecosystem, will review and assess the applications. The committee will evaluate applications based on the criteria outlined in the residency guidelines, prioritizing cultural relevance, community engagement, and the potential for healing and capacity building through the arts.

The selection and support of an artist-in-residence is at the sole discretion of the EAC, with input from BSCS.

This process may take 12 to 16 weeks to complete. Thank you for your patience!

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Assessment will be based on what is outlined in these guidelines as well as:

• Artistic Merit: The artist’s prior work, their artistic intentions with the residency, as well as their demonstrated commitment to excellence throughout their career.

• Feasibility: The residency plan, timeline, and budget must be realistic, attainable, and demonstrate adaptability across seasons, which are not required to be continuous or consecutive. Artists should articulate how they will commit their time to achieve the goals of their proposed residency activities.

• Impact: Advancement of the artist’s practice, as well as impact to the BSCS community. Depth of the residency’s contribution to the artist’s practice, the cultural and social relevance of the work to the BSCS community, and the potential for long-term benefit.

• Alignment: The proposal should align with the residency program’s intentions, highlighting potential growth and learning opportunities for the artist(s), BSCS, and the broader community.

REPORTING

Artists who receive funding through the residency program will be required to submit a report once their proposed timeframe has ended. The artist will be expected to assess their experiences during the residency in respect to the goals that they articulated in their application, articulate what work has been completed to date, and confirm that the budget was spent as submitted in their application.

Final reports are found under the My Action Item section of your SmartSimple homepage and are due six (6) months after the stated residency end date.

Boyle Street Community Services (BSCS) is a non-profit organization local to Edmonton, Alberta with the mission of ending chronic homelessness. BSCS has been providing supports and services supporting individuals and families to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness since 1971. Our organization offers over 40 programs and services across 15+ locations, each centred on the inherent belief that every person is deserving of dignity, respect, and healing, regardless of their circumstances. BSCS works with everyone from pregnant parents, children, youth, families, adults and seniors, all in ways that prioritize relationship-based practice and innovative approaches. At the heart of our work, we listen, care, and empower our clients in order to assist them to find solutions to their challenges. Our clients are as diverse as the challenges that they face, and we welcome everyone. 

The residency will provide time, space, and resources for the lead artist to pursue their creative goals. There are dedicated studio spaces within BSCS sites. The primary work location is at the Mercer Building (104 Street and 104 Avenue) but access to other sites operated by BSCS can be arranged with staff. There will be a dedicated workspace for the lead artist. The artist will have access to a private office (9 ft. by 8 ft.) with a locked door and power supply, which can be collaboratively furnished based on needs. The artist will also have access to all common space areas across sites and programs, including access to boardrooms, large shared spaces, cultural supports spaces, and other spaces with access to more robust ventilation and sinks/​water. Please note: some types of art creation, development and presentation may be limited by spaces available at BSCS. The primary work location may not support some art forms. 

The artist must be respectful of the needs and strengths of the community, while also positively contributing to the environment of BSCS. The artist in residence will develop a body of work, ideally reflecting their residency experience.

In addition, the artist will have access to engage with relevant staff to engage the BSCS community as they transition into their new facility, okimaw peyesew kamik (King Thunderbird Centre).

The Artist-in-Residence can collaborate with BSCS community members, staff, and cultural advisors to ensure that the residency is integrated into the life of BSCS, with the goal of supporting artistic growth and promoting community-led initiatives.

For this initiative, the EAC will fund one residency of up to 12 months of full-time work. The maximum budget for this residency is $100,000, which would include:

• Materials
• Fees for collaboration(s)
• Funds needed for community engagement activities
• Honorariums for Elders or Knowledge Keepers
• The artist’s full-time wage

WHAT IS A GOOD FIT?

These are examples and should not limit the creative ideas of an artist:

• An Indigenous artist will collaborate with community members and Elders to create murals that reflect the histories and stories of Indigenous peoples and those experiencing houselessness in Boyle Street. The project will use oral histories for healing and empowerment, with the final works displayed at BSCS’s King Thunderbird Centre.
• A multidisciplinary artist will lead a project at BSCS focused on healing through art therapy for individuals who have experienced trauma. The residency will include workshops blending storytelling, theatre, and visual arts. With support from social workers and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, participants will create artworks that culminate in a community exhibition or performance.
• A Métis beading artist will engage Boyle Street community members in traditional beading techniques, highlighting the cultural significance of beadwork. The project will involve workshops for all BSCS clients and culminate in a large communal installation.
• A filmmaker and photographer will create a visual documentary project highlighting the lived experiences of the BSCS community, focusing on Indigenous perspectives and houselessness. The residency includes photography workshops for community members to learn camera skills. The final multimedia exhibition will combine photography, film, and personal narratives, ensuring ethical storytelling.
• A traditional Indigenous dancer and spoken word poet will collaborate on a performance exploring themes of displacement and belonging related to houselessness and cultural loss. Community workshops will focus on movement and poetry as self-expression. The residency will culminate in a public performance at BSCS, showcasing the community’s voices and stories.

GENERAL INFORMATION REQUIRED

• A project title;
• A short description of the project (30 words);
• Amount requested (up to a maximum of 100,000); 
• Residency start and end date.*

* Residency start date must be after the application deadline and timelines for the equivalent of 12 months full-time work.

ARTIST BACKGROUND

The information in this section will be directly imported into your application from the Primary Applicant’s individual profile in SmartSimple. Please ensure your profile is up-to-date and submitted before completing your application.

• Artist name – the name that you use publicly as an artist if different than your preferred name;
• Artist primary and secondary discipline – these will be the primary applicants’ main artistic disciplines in which they have the most experience. This may be different than the artistic discipline(s) of the project that this application is for;
• Artist statement – a description of your existing artistic practice which may include major influences, disciplines, cultural practices and/​or lived experience;
• Artist biography – a summary of your life and career highlights, and education relevant to your practice;
• Artist CV/​Resume – artistic work history or comparable (PDF, recommended maximum of 4 pages);
• Online presence – these links, such as social media and web links, are used by assessors as additional information on your professional artistic practice. Please only include public links to information that will support your application.

PROJECT DETAILS
(In SmartSimple, the residency will be referred to as the ​“Project”)

• Primary discipline (drop down menu);
• Secondary discipline (check all that apply);
• Contact details for collective member(s) if applicable (fillable table);
• Collective member(s) artist CV/​resume* if applicable;
• Mentors, Elders or Knowledge Keepers role descriptions;
• Additional information from mentors, Elders, Knowledge Keepers which may include a biography, personal narrative, CV/​resume or comparable;
• The names and role descriptions of residency collaborators NOT LISTED as collective members, mentors, Elders, or Knowledge Keepers.

* Which may include artistic work history, biography, personal narrative, or comparable (PDF, recommended 2 pages)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
(In SmartSimple, the residency will be referred to as the ​“Project”)

The Artist-in-Residence at Boyle Street Community Services (BSCS) is an opportunity for the artist to immerse themselves in a process of creative exploration, community engagement, and cultural reflection. This project invites the artist to engage with the BSCS community, allowing for shifts in artistic direction, meaningful connections, unexpected discoveries, and ongoing development of their practice. The outcome of the project may be a deeper connection to the community’s lived experiences, new artistic skills, an expanded cultural approach to creation and/​or outcome that reflects the community’s stories and resilience. Consider this context when describing your residency activities and outcomes.

• Provide an outline of the artistic vision for the residency, emphasizing the learning, development, exploration, experimentation and/​or creation process the artist aims to pursue. Focus on how the residency will serve as a platform for creative growth and discovery within the activities proposed. (250 words)
• Provide an anticipated timeline for the residency. The 12-month duration of the residency (or equivalent of four seasons of full-time work) is not required to be continuous or consecutive. However, a non-consecutive seasonal structure should support the residency objectives proposed by the artist and any relevant community and/​or cultural rhythms. (700 words).
• Describe the intended process-oriented goals of the residency, highlighting how the artist plans to engage in the activities proposed for the residency, as well as with the BSCS organization and community. This may include the plans for experimentation, research, new approaches to their practice and/​or working towards a final completed work. (250 words)
• Provide relevant technical and logistical details about the residency (e.g. schedule to ensure full-time work, materials required, proposed collaborations with other artists or agencies), ensuring that these elements support the process proposed. (500 words)
• A residency plan that includes a clear and feasible timeline, allowing for the development of ideas, exploration and/​or creation throughout the residency period. If the residency includes a public-facing component, please provide clear details on when and how this would be achieved. (250 words)
• Explain how the residency will influence your artistic work, the BSCS community, and/​or contribute to the broader arts ecosystem in Edmonton. Emphasize how the shared experiences and activities will lead to mutual growth where possible. Consider the impact on the community of BSCS, including but not limited to the staff, volunteers and community members. How will the residency foster relationships, cultural resilience, and healing while advancing the artist’s own creative practice. (500 words)
• Any other relevant details that may assist in the decision-making process, focusing on how the residency will support artistic exploration, process and development. (250 words)

PROJECT BUDGET

The budget should support the residency’s process, which may include (but not limited to) exploration, research, rental fees, professional wages for artists, collaborators and/​or arts professionals, honorariums, rehearsal and/​or production expenses. A balanced budget shows:

• Revenues (including the amount requested in this grant application).
• Expenses to pursue the residency.

This information will be entered directly into the online form. Use the ​“notes” section of each line to identify or explain each revenue and expense.

If you incorporate in-kind expenses and revenues, they should be labelled as such and must balance.

Please also upload supporting documents for this budget in PDF form, including but not limited to:

• Quotations from suppliers.
• Standard fee schedules.
• Correspondence that confirms rates.

* Do not upload a spreadsheet of your complete budget – this must be filled in through the table in the application form.

ALLOWABLE EXPENSES
An artist may request up to $100,000 in support through this program.

Expenses eligible in this opportunity may include:

• Paying the artist(s) at a professional rate for their time and creative contributions.
• Paying artists, mentors, collaborators, and technical staff at professional rates for their involvement in the project, ensuring that cultural and artistic contributions are compensated.
• Expenses related to following Indigenous cultural protocols, such as providing honoraria to Elders, offering traditional gifts, or covering costs related to ceremonial participation.
• Expenses related to mental health and emotional wellbeing support. This includes accessing mental health professionals, counselors, or wellness practitioners who may assist the artist in processing difficult emotions and trauma that arises during the project.
• Production of any anticipated community-facing presentation, exhibition, performance, or educational event, based on the work created during the residency, including costs related to materials and logistics.
• Expenses related to marketing, communications, and dissemination of the anticipated community presentation or public-facing event, based on the work done during the residency. This includes materials or platforms needed to share the residency’s outcomes with both the BSCS community and the broader Edmonton community.

SUPPORTING MATERIAL
Supporting Material is required and important for the accurate assessment of your application.
Supporting material should reflect your ongoing creative journey and the creative processes inherent in your artistic practice. The materials should focus on demonstrating your capacity to complete the activities outlined for the residency. To support your residency application, you may upload up to 10 audio/​visual/​PDF files and up to 5 direct links to external websites related to your proposed residency.

• Supporting materials may emphasize examples of past explorations, collaborations, in-progress creations and/​or completed and presented works. Select examples that best reflect your creative and artistic practice, as well as demonstrate your ability to complete the residency as proposed.
• You may also include letters of support, reviews, interviews, or other documentation that provides context for your project proposal.
• For each supporting material uploaded, provide a description that includes relevant details such as the creation date, location, participating artists (if applicable) the reason why you want assessors to review this material in relation to your project and application.
• Uploaded video or audio files should total no more than 10 minutes in length, and all files should be less than 2GB in size. Uploads are preferable to links whenever possible, so that access for accessors is as simple as possible.
• Links must be direct and public. These links should go directly to the support material specified, rather than to a landing page or home page requiring further navigation by assessors.

It is encouraged that you do not provide links that go through file sharing sites, such as Spotify, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc., or online portals that require an account to access. Not all assessors may have access to these sites and may not be able to assess the materials you have provided. It is encouraged that you provide direct links or upload your materials directly to the application for all assessors to view.

Please do not submit images as PDF files, rather directly upload images in JPEG or PNG format.

Assessment will be based on what is outlined in these guidelines, as well as: 

• Artistic Merit: The artist’s prior work, their artistic intentions with the residency, as well as their demonstrated commitment to excellence throughout their career.
• Feasibility: The residency plan, timeline, and budget must be realistic and attainable.
• Impact: To advancing the artist’s practice, as well as to the BSCS community. Depth of the residency’s contribution to the artist’s practice, the cultural and social relevance of the work to the BSCS community, and the potential for long-term benefit
• Alignment: The proposal should align with the residency program’s intentions, highlighting potential growth and learning opportunities for the artist(s), the BSCS, and the broader community.