AB: Artists in the province will benefit from a new $6 million grant fund, the Alberta Creative Development Initiative, which was created by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) and the Canada Council for the Arts.

Grants, which will be available over a 3 year period, will be given to artist based on an individual assessments and their artistic merit.

“Through the Alberta Creative Development Initiative, artist and arts organizations can apply for grants for projects that they identify as growth opportunities,” said Keltie MacPherson, Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Recreation & Culture spokesperson. “All Alberta professional artists, collectives, arts administrators and small and medium-sized arts organizations are eligible to apply.”

Full details on the application process and grant amounts are currently being developed by the Calgary Arts Development Authority and the Edmonton Arts Council.

“The details of the actual programs within the Alberta Creative Development Initiative – including the criteria, size of grants, eligibility – are still being worked out, and details will be available in the fall,” said Donna Balkan, Senior Communications Manager Canada Council for the Arts. “I would suggest checking the Canada Council and/or Alberta Foundation for the Arts web site for more information in the fall.”

Over the past two years (2005-06) grants totaling $7.4 million were given to Alberta artists and organization through the Canada Council for the Arts. This new grant will provide more funding for small Alberta-based arts organizations and individual artists.

"This is a significant achievement for the AFA, the Canada Council and Alberta's arts community," said Audrey Luft, Chair of the AFA. "I am excited about the partnership's potential to boost Alberta artists and arts organizations to the next level of their development."

According to MacPherson the new Alberta Creative Development Initiative will try to create more opportunities for arts in Alberta to be successful.

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