Being a visual artist takes a little bit more than just making art. Finding and applying for opportunities as an artist can sometimes feel like a daunting task, but knowing where to look can make all of the difference. Keep reading for where and how to start your search.
Looking for a one-stop shop on artist calls, jobs, residencies and volunteer work? Akimbo and Work In Culture are two of the biggest opportunity/job boards for artists in Canada, although not always local, these listings are often southern Ontario focused.
For more local artist opportunities, look no further than Guelph Arts Council’s Opportunities Board where you can find opportunities from Guelph and surrounding areas, updated weekly. Although the Waterloo region does not have a specific artist opportunity board, there is a well organized Calls for Artists Facebook Group where organizations from Kitchener/Waterloo region and surrounding areas can connect with local artists. Looking more in the GTA? Why not sign up for the Instant Coffee email list and get arts classified’s sent to your inbox monthly, this opportunities newsletter is a long-time staple of the Canadian art world.
Don't forget to check out the jobs and calls found on local arts/cultural organizations’ websites. Not sure which ones to check regularly? Not to worry, here’s a list of where to start:
Cambridge Idea Exchange (Cambridge Art Galleries)
Although artist residencies are mostly on a hiatus due to covid-19, some are still taking place safely. For local residencies, the websites listed above will be the most useful but outside of Ontario, Res Artist is an amazing resource for finding artist residencies all over the world.
These days social media can be one of the best resources for visual artists to find calls and jobs. Most galleries and cultural organizations have their own social media accounts to share opportunities through, but make sure you are following Instagram accounts that share other organizations’ opportunities like CARFAC Ontario (@carfacontario.ca) and GAC (@guelpharts). It is a great way to see a wide array of Jobs and Calls on a regular basis through their stories.
Don’t forget, you are part of a creative community; make sure to share awesome opportunities with your fellow artists as you find them! Have an opportunity you would like shared on GAC’s website? Contact [email protected]. Happy searching!
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