This pilot offered by the Community Recreation and Culture Branch will provide creative workspace, at no cost, to selected artists from equity-deserving groups with priority given to Indigenous artists and/or artist newcomers to Canada.
This program offers studio space in select City of Edmonton-owned and operated facilities, at no cost. It encourages artists to step beyond their typical environments and provides them with a dedicated studio to explore, reflect, research, and create. It grants artists the opportunity to deepen their practice and advance their careers. Through this program artists can refine their artistic voice, enhance their skills, and potentially ignite new inspiration.
The program will run for one year starting in fall 2024. Extensions beyond one year will be considered after the artist(s) have been using the studio for nine months.
Artists will have access to a studio in one of these two facilities: Londonderry Fitness and Leisure Centre or Yorath House. Each facility offers a unique space for artists to explore and utilize.
Yorath House
Yorath House is one of the City's newest rental facilities. It is nestled against the North Saskatchewan River in Buena Vista Park, adjacent to Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park and the Edmonton Valley Zoo, in Ward Nakota Isga, meaning “the people.” Built in 1949, the two-storey family home was occupied by the Yorath family until 1992, when it was sold to the City. The redeveloped house includes an accessible, second floor multi-purpose artist studio space.
Yorath House is located at 13110 Buena Vista Road. The Studio is 28.8 square metres (267sqft) located in a multi-use facility and will not support noisy, large-scale, or environmentally hazardous work. The Studio is a secure, accessible space, with natural light, and running water. The artist is encouraged to make use of the park and public spaces surrounding Yorath House as well as the studio. Free parking is available, and there is ETS service to the Edmonton Valley Zoo; a short 7 minute walk to this location.
Londonderry Fitness and Leisure Centre
Londonderry Fitness and Leisure Centre is an incredible facility that offers a variety of aquatic and dryland experiences for all ages and abilities. It is located in north Edmonton at 14528 66 Street NW, in Ward tastawiyiniwak ᑕᐢᑕᐃᐧᔨᓂᐊᐧᐠ, meaning the In-between People. Visitors to Londonderry Fitness & Leisure Centre can work out in the large fitness centre, take a swim in the pool, enjoy a drop-in skate at the arena, or take classes in the fitness studio.
The available art space is 26.8 square metres (289sqft) and was formerly a food service venue. It is located in the lobby of Londonderry Fitness & Leisure Centre and cannot support noisy, large-scale, or environmentally hazardous work. The space is a secure, accessible room, with plenty of work surfaces and running water. The artist will be encouraged to make use of the facility as well as the studio. Free parking is available as well as ETS service to this location.
Application Process
Eligibility
The program is open to artists whose disciplines are suitable to the available facility spaces. This could include, but is not limited to, visual arts and fine craft, writing, music, and photography. Artist pairs or collectives working in different disciplines or media from one another are also encouraged to apply.
Application
Artists must submit an Artist Statement with examples of their work such as audio, video or digital images.
Deadline
The deadline for submissions is August 23, 2024 at 5pm.
Selection
A panel will review applications based on artistic vision, intent and suitability for the preferred location. Priority will be given to Indigenous artists and artists who are newcomers to Canada.
Notification
Selected artists will be notified within 3-4 weeks of the deadline. The studios will be available for use starting in fall 2024.
To be considered for the Creative Spaces Pilot Program, Artists are expected to submit an Artist Statement, maximum of 2 pages, along with 3-5 examples of their work, including but not limited to audio, video, still images.
The Artist Statement should include the following information:
- Begin with a brief introduction, including your name, pronouns, background and artistic discipline(s)
- Describe your artistic journey including any training, mentoring and/or opportunities to present your work
- Explain your artistic practice, including your preferred discipline(s), and any recurring themes or concepts in your work
- Discuss your artistic goals and what you hope to achieve during the Creative Spaces Program; why are you interested in this program and how will it benefit your artistic practice
- Tell us which location you prefer, Londonderry Leisure Centre or Yorath House, and why
- Provide 3-5 examples of your recent work
- Video or audio files should be limited to 5 minutes or less
- There are several options for sharing your work:
- Attach the files directly to the email, maximum 25MB, or
- Include a PDF with links to your work examples or
- Include a link to a file sharing site, such as DropBox
- If you are applying as an Artist Pair or Collective, please provide the name(s) of the other artist(s) who will share the studio with you
- Send the Artist’s Statement and examples of your recent work to charlene.roche@edmonton.ca
Note - Selected artists will be asked to share their experience in the program with the City of Edmonton. The information and/or pictures provided may be used at the City’s discretion to promote the program.
Hours of Operation: Artists have access to facilities during regular operating hours. Special arrangements for after-hours access can be requested; approval is required.
- Londonderry Fitness and Leisure Centre is open Monday to Friday 5:30am-10pm, Saturday and Sunday 7:30am-9:30pm, and 9am-4pm on Statutory Holidays.
- Yorath House is a rentable venue and is not open to the general public outside of booked times. Bookings may occur any day of the week. Buena Vista Park, where Yorath House is located, is open daily 5am to 11pm.
Equipment and Resources: Artists can utilize available equipment and resources located within the studio space. Any specialized needs must be communicated and approved in advance.
- The Londonderry Fitness & Leisure Centre Studio was formerly a food service venue. It is located in the lobby of Londonderry Fitness & Leisure Centre and cannot support noisy, large-scale, or environmentally hazardous work. The Studio is a secure, accessible room, with plenty of work surfaces and running water. The artist(s) will be encouraged to make use of the facility as well as the studio.
- The Yorath House Studio is in a multi-use setting and will not support noisy, large-scale, or environmentally hazardous work. The Studio is a secure, accessible space, with natural light, and running water. The artist(s) is encouraged to make use of the park and public spaces surrounding Yorath House as well as the Studio.
Studio Modifications: Any modifications to the studios must be pre-approved and returned to their original state post-residency, at the Artists’ cost.
Clean-Up: Artists are responsible for keeping their workspaces and any shared common spaces, such as the kitchen area, clean and organized.