Deadline: 01-Apr-2026

The Art Acquisitions Program of Alberta supports individual artists and ensembles by purchasing their original artwork for inclusion in the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) Collection. The program promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a focus on contemporary, original artworks across multiple mediums created within the last five years.

Program Overview

The Art Acquisitions Program provides financial and professional support to Alberta artists through the acquisition of their artworks at fair market value. Selected pieces become part of the AFA Art Collection, ensuring long-term recognition and public access. The program emphasizes equitable, inclusive, and barrier-free participation for artists from diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, women, people with disabilities, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Eligibility Criteria

• Residency & Citizenship: Applicants must have resided in Alberta for at least one year and be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or Protected Persons with valid Canadian work or study permits.

• Art Training: Applicants cannot be currently enrolled in formal art-training programs. A minimum of one year must pass post-graduation. Self-directed residencies and PhD programs are eligible if they do not include formal training.

• Artist Classification: Individual artists or ensembles (all members must meet eligibility). Galleries or agents may apply on behalf of artists with proper designation. Incorporated production companies are not eligible.

• Artwork Requirements:

  • Original works created within the last five years

  • Eligible mediums: drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, fibre art, ceramics, photography, glass, mixed media, new media

  • Artworks must be in good condition and available for in-person viewing if required

  • Maximum of five artworks per artist per application

  • Excluded works: applied arts (gaming, architecture, commercial photography, graphic design), workshop/seminar pieces, unstable materials, damaged works

Application Process

• Submission: Online via the GATE Front Office system

• Required Materials:

  • Contact details and classification

  • Artistic resume

  • Labeled images of artworks

  • Artwork submission list

  • Additional materials for time-based media or new media

• First-Time Applicants: Must request login credentials in advance

Selection & Assessment Process

The assessment occurs in three stages:

1. Stage 1 – Expert Review: Evaluates artistic quality, concept, technique, innovation, career significance, relevance to the collection, and alignment with ongoing events or series. Shortlisted works proceed to depots.

2. Stage 2 – Staff Assessment: Focus on conservation, body of work significance, and potential to fill gaps in the AFA collection.

3. Stage 3 – Panel Review: In-person evaluation to finalize selections and prioritize purchases. Proof of fair market value may be requested. Unselected artworks are returned with notifications.

Post-Selection Requirements

• Upload agreements, data sheets, and invoices

• Artworks undergo conservation checks

• New Media & Time-Based Works:

  • Submit preservation masters, exhibition copies, and access copies in approved formats

  • Video submissions must meet program technical and file-type standards

Key Program Highlights

• Supports diversity, equity, and inclusion across artistic communities

• Purchases artworks at fair market value to strengthen the AFA Collection

• Recognizes both emerging and established artists in Alberta

• Provides public exposure and long-term documentation of artistic contributions

FAQ

1. Who can apply?
Individual Alberta artists or ensembles, including Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, women, people with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ artists, meeting residency and citizenship requirements.

2. How many artworks can be submitted?
A maximum of five artworks per artist, submitted in a single application.

3. Which mediums are eligible?
Drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, fibre art, ceramics, photography, glass, mixed media, and new media. Applied arts and commercial projects are excluded.

4. Can galleries or agents apply on behalf of artists?
Yes, if they meet all eligibility criteria and submit the mandatory designation form.

5. How are artworks assessed?
Through a three-stage process: expert review, staff assessment for conservation and collection significance, and in-person panel evaluation.

6. What documentation is required for selected artworks?
Agreements, data sheets, invoices, and preservation/exhibition copies for new media and time-based works.

7. Are there restrictions on artwork condition or materials?
Yes, artworks must be original, in good condition, stable, and not include materials prone to deterioration.

Conclusion

The AFA Art Acquisitions Program is a vital platform for Alberta artists to gain recognition, financial support, and long-term inclusion in a prominent public collection. By prioritizing diversity and artistic innovation, the program strengthens Alberta’s cultural heritage while celebrating the contributions of artists from varied communities.

For more information, visit AFA.