Deadline: 19-Jun-2026
The Arts Leadership Residency is a paid, 6–12 month professional development opportunity offering up to $25,000 to support racialized arts leaders through mentorship, leadership training, and hands-on experience with a Canadian arts organization.
Designed for Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour in Calgary and the Treaty 7 Region, the residency emphasizes co-creation, equity, and long-term leadership growth within the arts sector.
Overview
The Arts Leadership Residency is a structured, equity-driven funding program that supports emerging and mid-career arts leaders through a customized residency with a host arts organization.
The program provides up to $25,000 in flexible funding to support a residency lasting 6 to 12 months, during which the Resident and Host Organization jointly design the learning objectives, workplan, and mentorship framework.
The residency is not a one-size-fits-all placement. Instead, it is intentionally tailored to the Resident’s leadership goals, artistic or administrative practice, and long-term career trajectory, while also aligning with the Host Organization’s mission and capacity.
Key Goals and Focus Areas
The Arts Leadership Residency is built around leadership development, equity, and sustainable career growth in the arts sector.
Core Focus Areas
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Leadership skill development in arts administration, management, or artistic leadership
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Meaningful mentorship under senior artistic or executive leadership
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Advancing racial equity by supporting Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour
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Co-creation of a collaborative workplan between Resident and Host Organization
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Building long-term professional relationships beyond the residency period
The residency is designed to complement, not replace, the Resident’s existing artistic or professional practice. Residents are encouraged to continue independent work outside the Host Organization during the residency.
Funding Details and Duration
Residency Funding
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Maximum funding amount: $25,000
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Funding is flexible and may support salary, professional development, and related residency costs
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Funds are administered through the Host Organization as part of employment
Residency Length
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Minimum duration: 6 months
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Maximum duration: 12 months
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Hours, timelines, and scope must be clearly defined and mutually agreed upon
Both parties must establish realistic expectations regarding workload, mentorship time, and available organizational resources.
Who Is Eligible?
Resident Eligibility Criteria
To qualify as a Resident, applicants must meet all of the following conditions:
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Identify as Indigenous, Black, or a Person of Colour
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Reside in Calgary or the Treaty 7 Region of Southern Alberta
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Be legally eligible to work in Canada
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Not currently be employed by, contracted with, or serving on the board of the Host Organization
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Not have previously completed an Arts Leadership Residency
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Commit to submitting interim and final reports
Host Organization Eligibility Criteria
To qualify as a Host Organization, the organization must:
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Be a registered Canadian charity
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Be arts-focused in mandate and programming
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Hire the Resident as an employee, not a volunteer or contractor
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Cover all mandatory employment costs (e.g., CPP, EI, benefits if applicable)
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Provide active mentorship from senior artistic or executive leadership
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Submit required interim and final reports
How the Arts Leadership Residency Works
Step-by-Step Process
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Resident and Host Organization identify a partnership aligned with shared leadership goals.
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Residency objectives, timelines, and responsibilities are co-designed, ensuring clarity and feasibility.
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The Host Organization hires the Resident as an employee for the residency duration.
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The residency begins, combining hands-on leadership experience with structured mentorship.
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Both parties submit interim reports to document progress and learning.
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A final report is completed at the end of the residency, reflecting outcomes and future directions.
The program prioritizes intentional design, transparency, and mutual accountability throughout the residency period.
Why This Residency Matters
The Arts Leadership Residency addresses long-standing equity gaps in arts leadership by investing directly in racialized leaders.
Program Impact
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Strengthens leadership pipelines for Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour in the arts
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Builds organizational capacity through diverse leadership perspectives
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Encourages sustainable, long-term relationships between arts professionals and institutions
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Supports leadership growth without requiring residents to pause their independent practice
This residency is not only professional development—it is a strategic investment in the future of the arts ecosystem.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Unclear expectations around hours, workload, or mentorship responsibilities
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Treating the residency as an entry-level internship rather than a leadership-focused role
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Insufficient mentorship access to senior leadership
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Applying with a Host Organization where a conflict of interest exists
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Failing to plan for mandatory employment costs in the residency budget
Clear communication and intentional planning are essential for a successful residency experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much funding does the Arts Leadership Residency provide?
The program offers up to $25,000 to support a residency lasting between 6 and 12 months.
Is the Resident considered an employee?
Yes. The Host Organization must hire the Resident as an employee, not a contractor or volunteer.
Can the Resident work on independent projects during the residency?
Yes. The residency is designed to complement existing artistic or administrative practices, not replace them.
Can someone who previously completed this residency apply again?
No. Individuals who have already completed an Arts Leadership Residency are not eligible.
Where must the Resident live?
Residents must live in Calgary or the Treaty 7 Region of Southern Alberta.
What kind of organizations can host a Resident?
Only registered Canadian charities with an arts-focused mandate are eligible to host.
Are reports required?
Yes. Both the Resident and Host Organization must submit interim and final reports.
Conclusion
The Arts Leadership Residency is a purpose-built, equity-centered opportunity that supports the next generation of arts leaders through funding, mentorship, and real-world leadership experience.
By prioritizing co-creation, clarity, and long-term impact, the program creates meaningful pathways for Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour to shape the future of the arts while strengthening the organizations they work with.
For more information, visit Rozsa Foundation.
