Strathcona County invites artists to shape public spaces through 2026 Annual Art Acquisition Program

Strathcona County is now accepting applications for its 2026 Annual Art Acquisition Program. Submissions will be accepted online from February 9 to April 26, 2026, inviting artists to be considered for inclusion in the County’s Permanent Art Collection – a diverse body of work displayed throughout civic spaces.

Founded in 1987 by Strathcona County Council to encourage and support local artists, the Permanent Art Collection has grown from an inaugural acquisition of seven works to more than 400 artworks today. The collection represents a wide range of artistic practices, including watercolour, oil and acrylic painting, pottery, handmade paper, sculpture, photography, fabric and fibre arts, ink drawing, serigraph, glass, monotype and mixed media.

Each year, the Art Collection Advisory Committee oversees a juried selection process to recommend artworks for purchase, supporting artistic excellence and reflecting the community’s creative diversity.

Eligible applicants include:

· artists who are residents of Strathcona County
· artists with a meaningful connection to the County
· equity-seeking artists living on Treaty 6 Territory
· artists who have participated in a juried exhibition at Gallery@501 or a Strathcona County public art project

All applicants must submit artworks through the online application form, available from February 9 to April 26, 2026. Full program details, eligibility requirements and submission guidelines will be available when the call opens at strathcona.ca/ArtAcquisition.

Strathcona County invites artists to contribute to this growing constellation of public artworks – works that speak across generations, materials and communities, shaping how art is encountered in everyday life.

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Contact:
Strathcona County Communications
780-410-6595