RBC Emerging Visual Artists Program

RBC Emerging Visual Artists Program (RBC EVAP)

Becoming a successful artist is about more than innate ability; it is a purposeful combination of opportunity, meaningful hard work, and mentorship.

The RBC Emerging Visual Artists Program (RBC EVAP) provides an opportunity for emerging visual artists in Calgary to develop their artistic practice; to showcase their work to the public through exhibitions, open studio, and speaking engagements; and hone their professional skills in order to build a solid foundation for a successful career.

RBC EVAP artists will participate in the following sessions:

• Four professional development sessions (such as financial planning, grant writing, how to improve online presence, marking, networking, etc.)
• One-on-one mentorship opportunities with Werklund Centre’s Senior Curator, Visual and Media Arts
• Group mentorship sessions and engagements with established artists and curator
• Panel discussion, portfolio review, and networking events that connect emerging artists with local art leaders, galleries, and arts professionals

RBC EVAP artists will be featured in the following Werklund Centre Galleries spaces:

• Ledge Gallery
• Lightbox Studio
• Window Galleries (including individual exhibitions in one or more of the seven Window Galleries)

Who is this program for?
The RBC Emerging Visual Artists Program at Werklund Centre focuses on supporting visual emerging artists across all art forms who generally:

• Self-identify as an emerging artist of any age.
• Are in the early stages of their career, in their art form, usually within the first few years.
• Are demonstrably committed to devoting more time to their artistic activity or currently devote approx. 24 hours per week to their art.
• Are involved in their creative community.
• Make a financial commitment to their practice and seek their primary income from their artistic work.
• Have little presentation or publication history, Including showcases outside their primary country of residence.
• Please note the program is based in Mohkinstsis (Calgary) and requires some in-person attendance.

Learn more about artist opportunities with Werklund Centre program.

Submissions are accepted year-round. We are currently accepting applications for the 2026-27 season. The deadline for the 2025-26 season was June 30, 2025.