Arts Council Wood Buffalo Web Image
FORT MCMURRAY, Alta. — Indigenous artists from across Canada are being invited to apply for the Suncor Indigenous Artist in Residence Program, which will run alongside the Artist in Residence Program offered by Arts Council Wood Buffalo in 2026.
The residencies are open to emerging and established professional artists living in Canada and working in any artistic discipline. Selected artists will be given dedicated time and space to create new work inspired by the environment, culture and people of the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo region, while also engaging with the community through workshops and public events.
Both the Artist in Residence Program and the Suncor Indigenous Artist Program will run for 3 to 4 weeks, with residencies scheduled for spring and summer 2026. Final dates and residency lengths will be confirmed in consultation with the selected artists.
During their residency, artists will be expected to take part in up to 2 community workshops or engagement sessions and present their newly created body of work at a final showcase event. Arts Council Wood Buffalo estimates each residency will result in 5 to 10 new works.
The programs are designed to support artistic creation, foster mentorship opportunities for local artists, and encourage innovation through exposure to new perspectives and techniques. Another goal is to raise awareness of the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo region among non-local artists by encouraging creative reflection on its landscape, infrastructure, culture and heritage.
Resident artists are paid for their mentorship and engagement work, while Arts Council Wood Buffalo provides administrative, marketing and promotional support for the final showcase. The organization also acts as host, arranging accommodation, studio or creative space, venue bookings, workshop registration, and covering some material and supply costs as needed. Consultative support is also provided to ensure artists have the resources required during their stay.
Applications for the 2026 residencies are being accepted through Arts Council Wood Buffalo’s online opportunity portal. Artists may also contact programs@artscouncilwb.ca for assistance or to coordinate accommodations.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to present their residency proposals to Arts Council Wood Buffalo staff, with successful artists notified following the assessment process.
To reduce barriers to access, Arts Council Wood Buffalo is offering alternative application options, including mail-in applications using a printed template with a self-addressed return envelope, and oral applications submitted as recorded audio files. Artists may also book in-person or virtual appointments with the programs team for additional application support.
More information about the 2026 Artist in Residence Program and the Suncor Indigenous Artist in Residence Program is available through Arts Council Wood Buffalo.
Comments