Edmonton, AB – November 6, 2025 – The Edmonton Arts Council (EAC) has announced the recipients of its 2025 Equity & Access in the Arts grants, awarding a total of $579,950 to 45 artists and collectives. This significant investment underscores the EAC’s commitment to fostering a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive arts community by supporting individuals and groups from Indigenous and equity-seeking communities who often face systemic barriers to access.
The Equity & Access in the Arts program is a cornerstone of the EAC’s strategy to nurture a thriving arts ecosystem in Edmonton. It directly addresses the goals outlined in “Connections & Exchanges: A 10-Year Plan To Transform Arts & Heritage in Edmonton,” aiming to increase support for artists and arts professionals from underrepresented backgrounds. The program replaces and expands upon previous initiatives, reflecting a deepened dedication to redressing historical inequities within the arts sector.
A Commitment to Equitable Artistic Expression
The EAC’s Equity & Access in the Arts program is designed to empower artists by providing financial support for creation, experimentation, skill development, and project realization. It recognizes that systemic barriers based on Indigenous heritage, racialized backgrounds, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and immigration status can hinder artistic growth and participation. By investing in these artists, the EAC actively works to ensure that Edmonton’s cultural landscape is a true reflection of its diverse population.
In its 2025 cycle, the program recommended 45 applications for funding, totaling $579,950, demonstrating a broad reach across various artistic disciplines and community needs.
Spotlight on 2025 Recipients and Their Vision
The funded projects showcase a remarkable array of artistic exploration and innovation. Among the recipients is Angela Welch, who will delve into the rich traditions and folklore of Caribbean cultures surrounding death and the afterlife. Her research aims to deepen her understanding of cultural narratives and practices, enhancing her skills as a storyteller and researcher, and contributing vital stories to the broader understanding of heritage.
Other artists are pushing boundaries in their respective fields:
* Aidan Collins will explore trans and queer embodiment through experimental dance, using sound composed entirely from the dancers’ own bodies.
* Alexis De Villa is researching and creating puppets specifically designed for Deaf theatre, investigating how American Sign Language (ASL) expression can inform puppet forms for Deaf-led performances.
* Amy Fox is developing skills in modern lifecasting materials for the lost wax bronze process, merging contemporary techniques with traditional sculpture.
* Braxton Garneau is exploring the art of carbonizing natural materials, likely for sculptural or mixed-media applications.
* Dali Mwanza is examining Zambian and South African pottery traditions, aiming to expand their art practice and cultural connection.
* Jeannette Sinclair is undertaking a book project that will draw on family histories, community voices, poetry, and song, guided by Elders and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers.
These examples highlight the program’s dedication to supporting diverse forms of artistic inquiry, from tangible material exploration to the preservation and retelling of cultural stories.
Three Streams, Unified Purpose
The Equity & Access in the Arts grant is structured into three distinct streams, each catering to different stages of artistic development:
* Stream 1: Exploration & Experimentation supports individual artists in creation, experimentation, and research. These grants are fixed at $5,000, providing dedicated time and resources for artistic work.
* Stream 2: Skills & Career Development offers support for artists and arts professionals to pursue mentorships, attend residencies, or engage in other forms of professional development. Grants in this stream can be up to $10,000.
* Stream 3: Artist-Driven Major Projects provides substantial funding, up to $25,000, for artistic projects that are ready for implementation, production, and presentation. These grants enable artists to bring ambitious visions to fruition.
Collectively, these streams provide a comprehensive framework for supporting artists at various points in their careers, from initial concept development to full-scale public presentation.
Strengthening Edmonton’s Cultural Fabric
The impact of the Equity & Access in the Arts grants extends beyond individual artists. By investing in artists from equity-seeking communities, the EAC is directly contributing to a richer, more resilient, and more representative arts sector in Edmonton. These grants empower artists to tell their unique stories, explore diverse perspectives, and contribute to the collective cultural narrative of the community. The program’s success lies in its ability to unlock creative potential that might otherwise remain untapped due to systemic disadvantages, ensuring a more dynamic and equitable future for the arts in the city.
The Edmonton Arts Council continues to champion arts accessibility and inclusivity, empowering artists to share their work and enrich the cultural landscape for all residents.