Alberta Focus Fund to provide $25M over 5 years to province’s artists and arts organizations

Before she turned to fibre art, Saunders was a theatre artist. She was one of the co-founders of the Calgary Black theatre company Ellipsis Tree Collective

Alberta’s arts community will receive a boost of $25 million over five years.

The investment was announced Sunday in Calgary by federal minister for Canadian identity and culture and the minister responsible for official languages Marc Miller, who said the money will be distributed by the Canada Council through the creation of the Alberta focus Fund.

“The Alberta Focus Fund is the result of three years of work, including collaboration with arts funders in Alberta and on-the-ground engagement, to better respond to the realities of the province,” said Canada Council director and CEO Michelle Chawla. “Our goal is simple: to ensure that artists and arts organizations can access the support they need to do their work, connect with audiences and have a meaningful impact on the lives of Albertans and Canadians.”

The fund will benefit artists and art organizations who are Indigenous, deaf, disabled and racialized, in addition to artists and arts organizations based in rural and remote areas.

“This is a bold move by the federal government, and a huge win for everyone – in the arts community, among our stakeholders, and at the Canada Council itself – who have been working hard and long to address regional equity in federal arts funding," said Steve Schroeder, Theatre Calgary’s executive director

As someone who’s been working in this sector over three decades, I’ve seen many funding announcements, but none quite like this. It’s historic, frankly. It’s validating to be heard and scene, and Theatre Calgary couldn’t be more appreciative of the leadership the Canada Council and the federal government are showing.”

Artists and arts organizations say there is tremendous creativity and potential in the province and that the fund will provide much-needed support to create, collaborate and connect with audiences.

“The arts are central to who we are as a country. They reflect our stories, bring people together and play a vital role in our economy,” said Miller, in a media release. “Through this fund, the Canada Council for the Arts is strengthening access to funding and helping artists and organizations across Alberta create and share their work with audiences at home, in Canada and around the world.”