Alberta Foundation for the Arts – Art Acquisitions 2026

This program provides support for individual Alberta artists or an ensemble of artists through the purchase of their artwork as a permanent part of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) Art Collection.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: April 1, 2026
2. Value: Funding for artwork purchase (amount varies)
3. Sponsor: Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA)
4. Course to Study: Visual Arts / New Media / Indigenous Arts
5. Eligible Country: Canada

Eligibility Criteria for Alberta Foundation for the Arts – Art Acquisitions 2026

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Artwork Requirements:
5. Original works created within the last five years
6. Eligible mediums: drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, fibre art, ceramics, photography, glass, mixed media, new media
7. Artworks must be in good condition and available for in-person viewing if required
8. Maximum of five artworks per artist per application
9. Excluded works: applied arts (gaming, architecture, commercial photography, graphic design), workshop/seminar pieces, unstable materials, damaged works

Application Date and Process

1. Submission: Online via the GATE Front Office system
2. Required Materials:
3. Contact details and classification
4. Artistic resume
5. Labeled images of artworks
6. Artwork submission list
7. Additional materials for time-based media or new media
8. First-Time Applicants: Must request login credentials in advance

Benefits of Alberta Foundation for the Arts – Art Acquisitions 2026

The Art Acquisitions Program:

1. 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.
2. 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.

How to Apply

View details of AFA Art Acquisitions Program

Apply for AFA Art Acquisitions Program

Application Deadline

1 April, 2026

Application Link(s)

• Apply for Alberta Foundation for the Arts – Art Acquisitions 2026