Artist opportunities

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Artist Opportunities are open!

These grant funding opportunities are now accepting applications. Learn more and see which grant fits your next project!

Artist in Residence

Amount: $12,000
Due: July 14th 

This grant supports artists to produce an artistic experience that engages the community in arts and culture and address the topic of the environment and/or climate change.

Learn more

Community Art Grant

Amount: 2x $5,000 grants
Due: August 22nd

This grant supports artists to animate community spaces and engage residents in a collaborative artistic endeavor.

Learn more

Creative Youth

Amount: $600 for 6 submissions (two positions open)
Due: June 30th 

Successful artists showcase a piece of their creative discipline monthly in the City of Kelowna’s Cultural Services e-newsletter.               

Learn more

Once you've decided the grant you are interested in, signup to attend one of the Grant Information Sessions coming in June. Two dates to choose from: 

· June 4th, 5:30-6:30 pm
· June 10th, 5:30-6:30 pm

SIGN UP FOR A GRANT INFORMATION SESSION


Learn more in the Idea to Installation resource guide about how temporary community art projects are planned and placed.


 

Artist in Action - Shawn Smith

Meet the Artist in Action, June 2-5

Over the past four days, four amazing 3D chalk art installations were created by Shawn Smith right here in Kelowna’s Cultural District! These eye-catching pieces are part of a fun way to spread the word about the City’s Artist Opportunities program, which distributes grant funding for artists.

About the artist: 

Shawn Smith is a passionate chalk artist from the Okanagan Shuswap area, known for his custom chalkboard menus, murals, signs, and vehicle graphics through his business, Shawn Smith Art + Design. With over 20 years of experience, he combines creativity and craftsmanship to design unique, eye-catching pieces for businesses and special events like weddings. Raised in Kelowna and now living in the Shuswap, Shawn draws inspiration through outdoor adventures while enjoying the region’s natural beauty. 

Learn more about Shawn and his work at chalkart.ca

 

June 2 - Break Dancer located on the walkway in front of Kings Tap.

   

June 3 - Paint pallet located on the walkway between Stuart Park and the marina.

June 4 - Instruments located at RCA at the Prospera Place crosswalk.

June 5 - Digital camera located across from the Sails on Bernard Avenue.


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Stay up to date on the latest arts, culture and heritage news and events by subscribing to our monthly e-newsletter.


 

Supporting local artists to strengthen Kelowna's Creative Sector

Providing valuable opportunities for local artists to grow is imperative to keeping talent in our community. The 2020-2025 Cultural Plan outlines many ways to support local artists, such as, Strategy 1.3: promote fair wages for arts professionals and support strategies aimed at attracting skilled creative workers and enterprises to Kelowna, Strategy 6.5: increase the number of new and innovative artistic experiences offered in Kelowna, and Strategy 9.1: expand the role of youth in the creative sector.