« The Edmonton Arts Council is inviting artists residing in Edmonton to submit a proposal to become the artist-in-residence hosted by the Youth Empowerment & Support Services (YESS).

The successful artist will commence duties in the spring of 2017, for an anticipated eight-month period (terms negotiable/flexible).

YESS is an Edmonton-based not-for-profit agency dedicated to empowering youth from difficult realities. Since 1981 they have helped to fill the gap in government services for youth ages 15-24. The youth who utilize the services at YESS come from varied cultures, economic backgrounds, races, religions, communities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. The YESS main office is located at 9310- 82 Avenue, and they provide services at other locations in the City, including the Conaught Armoury in Old Strathcona.

The artist-in-residence will develop a body of work while interacting with the staff and the youth at YESS. The artist will ideally reflect their residency experience through their work, and mentor the artistic interaction and expression of interested youth and staff members. The artist is expected to be visible in their artistic work, and will produce and present several public showings of work over the course of the project.

The available studio space is similar to an office, and other transient workspaces for the residency are potentially available. This opportunity is likely best suited for candidates who practice in a combination of visual art and other forms, such as storytelling, media art, photography or similar. Small scale sculptural work is possible.

This is a near-full-time opportunity, with the artist expected to commit to regular working hours over the course of approximately eight months. Final schedules are subject to negotiation.

A panel that includes representatives of Edmonton’s arts community, the Edmonton Arts Council and from YESS will review the proposals and select the artist-in-residence following an interview process. Emphasis will be placed on finding an individual with strong artistic work, the potential to succeed in producing a strong body of artwork in the available space/time, and solid interpersonal skills.

Additional factors may influence the choice of artist, such as experience working with youth, with marginalized communities, or with non-artists generally. The Edmonton Arts Council is committed to equity in all aspects of its work, and invites proposals from all interested artists. »

For more information about this call and how to apply, please visit: edmontonarts.ca/artists_in_residence
Deadline is February 1st, so please apply ASAP!

-submitted by Edmonton Arts Council