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Work of the Week showcases Harry Kiyooka

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The AFA has loaned 8 artworks to be included in The Nickle Galleries exhibition of Harry Kiyooka, curated by Mary-Beth Laviolette.

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This week’s Work of the Week spotlights the exhibition HARRY MITSUO KIYOOKA – Artist. Educator. Activist., on now at the Nickle Galleries in Calgary. 

A 70-year retrospective of abstract art, portraiture and early abstract landscapes!
 

The AFA has loaned eight artworks to the gallery for inclusion in the exhibition. The exhibition is curated by Mary-Beth Laviolette and runs until April 27, 2024.

Learn more about the exhibition: nickle.ucalgary.ca/exhibition/harry-mitsuo-kiyooka/

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Work of the Week showcases Harry Kiyooka
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The AFA has loaned 8 artworks to be included in The Nickle Galleries exhibition of Harry Kiyooka, curated by Mary-Beth Laviolette.

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Work of the Week showcases Harry Kiyooka
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The AFA has loaned 8 artworks to be included in The Nickle Galleries exhibition of Harry Kiyooka, curated by Mary-Beth Laviolette.

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Harry Kiyooka art
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Art discipline
Location
Collections Database Image
Image
Title
Red Contiguous
Year
1972
Medium
acrylic on canvas
Collections Images Slideshow
Harry Kiyooka
H K Self Portrait
2019
oil on board
Harry Kiyooka
High Yellow
n.d.
silkscreen on paper
Harry Kiyooka
Red Contiguous
1972
acrylic on canvas
Tuscania
c.1962-1966
oil on canvas

Spotlight on Arts Audiences - Wave 2 Results

The AFA is supporting a two-year research project conducted by Stone-Olafson on current engagement of arts audiences in Alberta. We are pleased to share the second set of results ("Wave 2").

This work was developed for the arts sector exclusively and is designed to provide specific, relevant, and reliable facts to support the leaders in the arts sector as they seek to understand their audiences and grow attendance.

Key topic areas for Wave 2 include:

  • Exploring arts audiences' engagement and general perceptions
  • Understanding audiences’ preferences for content, programming, and ticket purchasing
  • Understanding opportunities for increasing support and engagement through fund development

Results

Watch the team from Stone-Olafson report on the findings from the first wave of research in the Spotlight on Arts Audiences project

Download the reports:

About the project

The AFA has partnered with the Rozsa FoundationCalgary Arts DevelopmentCalgary FoundationEdmonton Arts Council, and Edmonton Community Foundation, to support the Spotlight on Arts Audiences research project. The work will survey arts-inclined audiences in Calgary, Edmonton, and across the province to provide data that is useful and timely for arts leaders and organizations three times per year over the next two years.

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Second set of results of a long-term study on understanding Alberta arts audiences. Watch a presentation of the report.

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Spotlight on Arts Audiences - Wave 2 Results
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Second set of results of a long-term study on understanding Alberta arts audiences. Watch a presentation of the report.

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Spotlight on Arts Audiences - Wave 2 Results
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Second set of results of a long-term study on understanding Alberta arts audiences. Watch a presentation of the report.

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International Women's Day 2024

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Inspire inclusiveness and celebrate women in the arts.

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In celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD), we are proud to share artwork from Alberta based artist Karrie Arthurs

About the Artist

Karrie Arthurs received her B.F.A. with distinction from the Alberta University of the Arts in 2000. She had her first solo show entitled “Paper Weight” at the Christine Klassen Gallery in 2012. She continues to exhibit locally and internationally participating in solo and group shows. Her work is found in numerous private collections such as that of Paul Hardy Design, in Calgary.  
 

Karrie currently resides in Airdrie with her two children. She is a practicing tattooer since 2001, and has a shop in Calgary, Karrie is currently represented by the Christine Klassen Gallery. 

Watch Karrie talk about her artistic practice and her work in the AFA video "Diversifying the Collection":

IFrame

About IWD

International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8 around the globe. IWD has been celebrated globally since 1911 and is an important day that highlights the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

This year’s IWD theme focuses on inspiring inclusion. We encourage you to take part in an IWD event within your community and continue supporting women in the arts throughout the year.

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International Women's Day 2024
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Inspire inclusiveness and celebrate women in the arts.

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International Women's Day 2024
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Inspire inclusiveness and celebrate women in the arts.

Art discipline
Collections Database Image
Image
Artist
Karrie Arthurs
Title
Revenant Portrait No. 3 Family Revenants
Year
2016
Medium
ink, charcoal, conte
Collections Images Slideshow
Karrie Arthurs
Revenant Portrait No. 3 Family Revenants
2016
ink, charcoal, conte

Women's History Month: Celebrating the diversity of women through the arts

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Celebrate women's history month by visiting local exhibitions curated by women and featuring artwork from the AFA Art Collection.

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click the arrow icons ( < or > ) above to scroll through images
 

Women's History Month
 

October is Women's History Month: a time to celebrate the achievements of the women and girls from our past and present. We encourage Albertans to celebrate women in the arts by engaging with local organizations and artists.

To celebrate this month, we are pleased to highlight three current Alberta-based exhibitions curated by women, and featuring a few artworks from the AFA's very own collection. 

Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery - Shirley Rimer: A Chronicle in Clay 
Curated by Mary-Beth Laviolette
On now until December 2, 2023

Installation view of Shirley Rimer: A Chronicle in Clay.
Images provided by Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery.

About the exhibition

A longtime Red Deer resident, Rimer is one reason why the city shines as a centre for ceramic art. A Red Deer College (Polytechnic) graduate, as an instructor, curator and cultural community builder, Rimer’s own artistic accomplishments are the highlight of this special exhibition of ceramic sculpture.

Featuring over 30 artworks made in the past 40 years, a chronicle about their making and Rimer’s personal discovery of clay traditions in other countries: Greece, Turkey, Mexico, India, France, Italy, China and America. They are about handbuilding in clay, reinterpreting the vessel, communicating with colour and reflecting on subjects like family, culture and heritage here in Alberta and abroad.

This exhibition features four Shirley Rimer artworks from the AFA Art Collection:

  • Body Language
  • Village Life
  • Red Fish
  • Purple Flowers

Calgary - Nickle Galleries - The Art of Faye HeavyShield
Curated by Felicia Gay
On now until December 9, 2023


Photo credit: Andy Nichols, LCR PhotoServices., courtesy of the MacKenzie Art Gallery.

Red Dress, 2008, nylon, cotton, metal and paper tags, glass beads.
Collection of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts
The Art of Faye HeavyShield, organized and circulated by the MacKenzie Art Gallery.
Financed by the Government of Canada. Curated by Felicia Gay.

About the exhibition

The Art of Faye HeavyShield will present work that spans forty years of her practice. The exhibition situates HeavyShield as a major contributor to contemporary Indigenous art through her creation of a new aesthetic vocabulary. While bearing a resemblance to conceptual installation, her work is rooted in the deep art history of the Canadian prairies and in personal/communal experience.

This exhibition features Faye HeavyShield's artwork Red Dress, which is from the AFA Art Collection. 

Edmonton - Art Gallery of AlbertaSecond Skin 
Curated by Lindsey Sharman and Danielle Siemens
On now until December 31, 2023 


Photography by Charles Cousins, courtesy of the Art Gallery of Alberta

Left: Caitlin Thompson, Rhizome (Hot Gossip), 2017, Fabric, thread, fake nails, decoy eyes, rhinestones, tassels, cording, buttons, plastic, paint, Velcro. Collection of Alberta Foundation for the Arts. Installation view of Second Skin, Art Gallery of Alberta, 2023.
Right: Pamela Norrish, Outfit for the Afterlife, 2015. Glass beads, nylon thread. Collection of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. Installation view of Second Skin, Art Gallery of Alberta, 2023

About the exhibition

The works in this exhibition trace the boundaries of the body and reference garments and adornment in many forms. These literal and symbolic objects of attire allow their ‘wearer’ to explore a myriad of issues including identity and representation, objectification and empowerment, mythology and history, imagined futures and the afterlife. 

This exhibition features two artworks from the AFA Art Collection: 

  • Outfit for the Afterlife - Pamela Noorish
  • Rhizome (Hot Gossip) - Caitlin Thompson

 

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Women's History Month: Celebrating the diversity of women through the arts
Facebook description

Celebrate women's history month by visiting local exhibitions curated by women and featuring artwork from the AFA Art Collection

Twitter title
Women's History Month: Celebrating women
Twitter description

Celebrate women's history month by visiting local exhibitions curated by women and featuring artwork from the AFA Art Collection

Collections Database Image
Image
Artist
Pamela Noorish
Title
Outfit for the Afterlife
Year
2015
Medium
Glass beads, nylon thread
Collections Images Slideshow
Shirley Rimer
BODY LANGUAGE
1991
earthenware
Shirley Rimer
Village Life
2007
porcelain
Pamela Noorish
OUTFIT FOR THE AFTERLIFE
2010-2015
glass beads and nylon thread
Faye HeavyShield
Red Dress
2008
nylon, cotton, metal and paper tags, glass beads
Shirley Rimer
Red Fish
2007
porcelain
Shirley Rimer
Purple Flowers
2007
porcelain

Happy International Dance Day!

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Today's International Dance Day! Established in 1982 by UNESCO International Theatre Institute, International Dance Day falls on April 29 every year.

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Today is International Dance Day! Established in 1982 by UNESCO International Theatre Institute, International Dance Day falls on April 29 of every year, commemorating the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre, a distinguished choreographer that brought about significant reforms in ballet production.
 

Stages across Alberta have been empty for the past year as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has continued to shutter performance venues here and around the world. But dance is still taking place in our province! Resourceful dance companies have turned to performances broadcast online, and if you haven’t tuned in to one of these online performances, we highly encourage you to do so.  Alberta Dance Alliance has a calendar of dance-related events – check it out: abdancealliance.ab.ca/dancelink-calendar/.

Read inspiring messages from International Dance Day Ambassadors here: cda-acd.ca/en/programs-services/international-dance-day/2021.

We'd like to share an image from our art collection that depicts a dance style that seems almost synonymous with Alberta - Ukrainian dance! – as seen here in Carole Bondaroff’s Performance Suite – Shumka Dance.

Happy International Dance Day!

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International Dance Day
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International Dance Day
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AFA Virtual Museum
Art discipline
Collections Database Image
Image
Artist
Carole Bondaroff
Title
A PERFORMANCE SUITE - SHUMKA DANCE
Year
1988
Medium
coloured etching on paper
Collections Images Slideshow

Celebrating Asian Heritage Month

May is Asian Heritage Month, a time to celebrate and recognize the achievements and contributions of Asian and South Asian communities across the country, and throughout the province.

The AFA is pleased to recognize a few individuals that have enriched, supported and diversified the arts within our province.

Artists featured in Here & Now

We are pleased to share artist profiles of two of the 12 artists featured in the AFA exhibition, Here & Now, at the Royal Alberta Museum. 

Raeann Kit-Yee Cheung

Born in Hong Kong and raised in Canada, Raeann Kit-Yee Cheung is a photographer who leans on a dual heritage to create work that is both personal and universal. Having immigrated almost five decades ago, Raeann has come to accept she is neither Chinese nor Canadian, but rather someone who embodies a rich ambiguity that helps her confront melded identities to resolve inner complexities.

Wei Li

Wei Li is a Calgary-based emerging Chinese Canadian visual artist, whose experience as an immigrant to Canada, provides her with crucial inspiration in her artistic practice. Her dual cultural background challenges her to integrate different cultural perspectives in her works and creates tensions through the contradictions inherent in forming a new hybrid cultural identity.

Get to know Wei as she shares the stories behind her new digital series, Vessels, and a bit about herself in her AFA Artist Spotlight.

AFA Board Directors

The AFA Board of Directors includes arts champions from across the province, appointed by the Government of Alberta.

Le Bo

Le Bo is the Vice Chair of the AFA's Board of Directors. He has a passion for learning and volunteerism.He actively organizes and leads community events and participates in cultural events and exhibits. Le Bo is a successful entrepreneur who founded and served as the CEO and Chairman of an oil and gas company that was eventually listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange after 15 years of operation. In addition, Le Bo has founded multiple private companies in IT, robotics, and software.

Hear Le Bo speak on the importance of creating diversity in the arts. 
Watch

Nabil Malik

Nabil Malik a Member of the AFA's Board of Directors. A resident of the Wood Buffalo region, Nabil is a progressive and creative contributor to the cultural fabric of his community.  In his work as a community development planner by day and an active volunteer by night, he advocates for the vital role the arts play in placemaking, creating vibrant communities, and fostering a sense of identity and belonging. 

Hear from Nabil on the importance of the arts and the role of the AFA.
Watch

Shana Yang

Shana Yang is a Member of the AFA's Board of Directors. She is a passionate and active member of Calgary’s music and arts communities. Shana received the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, and has over 20 years of experience in vocal training and choral conducting. She is currently the Artistic Director of an Alberta registered non-profit choral organization she founded in 2004, and a music instructor at the Mount Royal Conservatory. Shana looks forward to helping local art communities strengthen and flourish.

Hear from Shana as she shares how the arts can grow in Alberta.

Watch

As we celebrate those that have supported and enriched the arts in Alberta, we encourage you to take part in any and all events recognizing and honouring Asian Heritage Month.

Learn more about how the AFA is addressing equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility in and through the arts. 

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Celebrating and recognizing the achievements and contributions of Asian and South Asian communities throughout the province.

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Celebrating Asian Heritage Month
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Celebrating and recognizing the achievements and contributions of the Asian and South Asian communities throughout the province.

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Celebrating Asian Heritage Month
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Celebrating and recognizing the achievements and contributions of the Asian and South Asian communities throughout the province.

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Recognizing 15 years of curation

Curator, Collector, Educator, Artist.

After serving for 15 years as a Traveling Exhibition (TREX) Curator and Manager, Shane Golby retired in December 2023. During his tenure, he curated more than 60 exhibitions, showcasing over 120 artists in over 500 venues. The AFA interviewed Shane as he bid farewell, discussing his experiences with TREX, his artistic career, and his aspirations for the arts in Alberta.

Shane also featured in, Episode 3: Sharing the Collection, part of the five-part series highlighting the history of the AFA Art Collection.

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The AFA conducted a farewell interview with former TREX Curator/Manager, Shane Golby.

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Recognizing 15 years of curation
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The AFA conducted a farewell interview with former TREX Curator/Manager, Shane Golby.

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Recognizing 15 years of curation
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The AFA conducted a farewell interview with former TREX Curator/Manager, Shane Golby.

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Budget 2024

A Message from AFA Board Chair Paul R. Baay

On February 29, the Alberta government announced Budget 2024. I am pleased to share that funding for the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) was increased by $4.5 million, or by 18 percent from last year, to $30.1 million for 2024-25.

In addition to this year’s increase, the government has committed to incrementally increasing funding to the AFA so that it will reach nearly $40 million by 2026.

The AFA board is incredibly pleased with the government’s increased investment in the arts, and I know this will be good news for those in our arts community. We look forward to utilizing additional resources to continue to support the development of the arts in all corners of the province by funding artists, arts activities that engage audiences, and the organizations that bring them together. 

As usual, the AFA board will work on a plan for allocating its budget amongst our programs and services that will best utilize resources including the budget increase. Once that plan is approved, we will communicate our funding approach to the community. At this time, the AFA has not made any decisions related to program funding allocations.

The AFA board will work to ensure our spending plan is reflective of community priorities and continues to be informed by engagement with the sector. In line with our mandate, we will continue to prioritize and invest in artists, art, and cultural materials. 

As the government’s approach is incremental, the AFA’s will be as well: we will carefully and responsibly plan for increased resources as they are allocated to the foundation.

The board acknowledges the valuable feedback received from Alberta’s arts community over the past year. Alberta’s arts community is ready to thrive, not just survive, in a healthy and vibrant creative environment. Increased investment will help but we also recognize that collaboration and information sharing will be vital to support the sector to redefine success in a post-pandemic world.

We appreciate your continued engagement and look forward to sharing further updates with you soon.

Paul Baay
Chair, Alberta Foundation for the Arts 

Budget 2024 information

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In Budget 2024, funding for the AFA is increasing to $30.1 million. Read our full statement on the AFA budget.

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Budget 2024
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In Budget 2024, funding for the AFA is increasing to $30.1 million. Read our full statement on the AFA budget.

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Budget 2024
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In Budget 2024, funding for the AFA is increasing to $30.1 million. Read our full statement on the AFA budget.

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Patch Portraits at TREX Space

Patch Portraits

February 3, 2024 to April 6, 2024

Patch Portraits showcases the work of Michelle Sound and Raneece Buddan, two artists who employ fabrics and materials of cultural heritage to explore the genre of portraiture and identity.

Stitching, patching and collaging together found and fabricated textiles, the resulting bodies of work by each artist showcase multiple ways in which threads and fabrics can be deployed in contemporary art practices. 

TREX Space is located in downtown Medicine Hat, #2 - 516 Third Street SE

www.esplanade.ca/esplanade-exhibitions-programs-and-shows/patch-portraits

Curated by Genevieve Farrell

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Patch Portraits showcases the work of Michelle Sound and Raneece Buddan.

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Patch Portraits at TREX Space
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Patch Portraits showcases the work of Michelle Sound and Raneece Buddan.

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Patch Portraits at TREX Space
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Patch Portraits showcases the work of Michelle Sound and Raneece Buddan.

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Cat's Cradle at TREX Space

Cat's Cradle

February 3, 2024 to April 6, 2024

The travelling exhibition Cat's Cradle features work by Alberta artists Sondra Meszaros, Jane Ash Poitras and Angeline Simon.

Work by each artist employs photomontage, a collage technique involving the collecting, organizing, arranging and fixing of photographs and other media into new arrangements.

The resulting artwork can be understood as attempts to dissect and reveal hidden or peripheral histories of identity, emotion, social norms and other cultural-political arenas of both personal and civilizational significance.

TREX Space is located in downtown Medicine Hat, #2 - 516 Third Street SE

www.esplanade.ca/esplanade-exhibitions-programs-and-shows/cats-cradle

Curated by Genevieve Farrell

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The travelling exhibition Cat's Cradle features work by Alberta artists Sondra Meszaros, Jane Ash Poitras and Angeline Simon.

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Cat's Cradle at TREX Space
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The travelling exhibition Cat's Cradle features work by Alberta artists Sondra Meszaros, Jane Ash Poitras and Angeline Simon.

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Cat's Cradle at TREX Space
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The travelling exhibition Cat's Cradle features work by Alberta artists Sondra Meszaros, Jane Ash Poitras and Angeline Simon.

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