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Break//Through is an 8-month artist residency hosted by the St. Paul & District Arts Foundation. It will run from September 2025 to April 2026 and will accept 10 emerging artists based in rural Alberta.

Participants will take part in:

  • Biweekly group work sessions led by a professional local artist

  • Workshops on arts management focused on rural arts resources and needs

  • Sessions focused on understanding and developing creative process

  • Opportunities to work alongside artists from different disciplines

  • A final project to be presented at the Foundation’s Festival of the Arts in April 2026

Artists from any discipline are welcome to apply, including visual, literary, performing, and digital arts. This program is not intended to teach foundational artistic techniques. It is designed for artists who are already creating work and want to strengthen their project development, planning, and practice in a rural context.

Who Should Apply

This program is intended for emerging artists of any age who:

  • Live in rural Alberta (including the Lakeland region)

  • Have been earning income from their art for at least two years (this does not need to be their primary income)

We recognize that some artists—women, gender-diverse individuals, queer artists, artists from BIPOC communities, and artists with disabilities—face systemic barriers to opportunities in the arts. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds and identities to apply.

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Schedule

Break//Through runs weekly on Tuesdays from September 9, 2025, to April 14, 2026. The public presentation of final projects will take place on April 19, 2026. Sessions alternate between:

  • Guided group work sessions working towards a solo final project to be presented at the Festival of the Arts at the end of the program

  • Arts management workshops (topics include project planning, budgeting, marketing, and grant writing)

  • Creative process sessions (better understand how you create and complete your work)

  • Cultural mindfulness as an artist and connecting with indigenous communities 

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What You’ll Gain

By the end of the program, participants will:

  • Complete a self-directed final project with a proposal, budget, and timeline

  • Gain practical knowledge in arts management

  • Develop a better understanding of their creative process

  • Work alongside other emerging artists

  • Present their work to the public

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How to Apply

Apply by emailing info@artfoundation.ca with the subject "Break//Through Application"

  • Your full name

  • Preferred pronouns

  • A short bio (400 words max)

  • What are you hoping to get out of the program (200 words max)

  • Any access needs you think is relevant for the jury to know (this will not effect your chances of acceptance, we just want a heads up on making sure you have an awesome learning setting)
     

And include the following attachments

  • A short cover letter

  • A resume or artist CV

  • 3 Examples of past work - max total length 10 mins (please ensure links are easily accessible)​

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Support will be available for applicants who need help preparing their materials please contact Anna at anna@artfoundation.ca so your needs can be accommodated. If you are an emerging artist looking to stay and grow in rural Alberta, we encourage you to apply. Application details will be available on our website and social media in June 2025.

 

Deadline to apply is July 31, 2025. 

Like our style?

Click on the donate button below to get started. 

We are a CRA registered charity #837592393RR0001.

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CONTACT

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4822 50 Ave, St. Paul T0A 3A0

Canada

info@artfoundation.ca

780-645-2781

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© 2035 by The St. Paul and District Arts Foundation

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