Strathcona County seeking artwork from local artists

Each year, Strathcona County purchases artwork through its Annual Art Acquisition Program and Salon Exhibition. Local artists and those with a significant connection to Strathcona County are encouraged to submit their artwork for consideration. The application deadlines are April 14 for those living outside Strathcona County, and April 29 for artists residing within the County.

Strathcona County is seeking submissions that represent the diversity of this community, including representation from artists who identify as Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities and people with disabilities.

Submissions will be displayed through the Strathcona Salon exhibition at Gallery@501 from May 14 to June 24. From this exhibit, a jury of practicing artists and County residents recommend artworks to join the County’s permanent art collection. The Strathcona Salon also features artwork by 10 promising youth artists selected by a jury during the Art Society of Strathcona County’s annual youth exhibition.

Artwork selected for the County’s permanent art collection will be announced during the celebration event at Gallery@501 on June 16 at 7 p.m. Artists, guests and members of the Council are invited to attend the celebration event, during which a $100.00 People’s Choice Award will also be awarded.

The Annual Art Acquisition Program is hosted by the Art Collection Advisory Committee, a group of citizen artists, curators, and professionals who guide Strathcona County’s permanent art collection and provide feedback on public art projects.

Since its inception in 1987, the Annual Art Acquisition Program has facilitated the purchase of 279 artworks, investing $164,579 in local artists. 2022 marks the 35-year anniversary of the program. Strathcona County’s permanent Art Collection comprises 376 interior and exterior artworks, including 42 major public art commissions.

For more information, visit strathcona.ca/ArtAcquisition or call 780-242-3227.

Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595