Annual Art Acquisition Program
Since 1987, in support of our arts community, Strathcona County has issued an annual call for submissions from local artists. Submitted work is juried and pieces selected are purchased and added to the Art Collection.
Donations to the Collection are also accepted, but they are juried to determine their suitability.
In 2003, high school artists became eligible to submit to the Collection. Since many young artists do not wish to sell their work, they have the option to submit their work for purchase, donation or for loan for one year. For these artists, this is an opportunity to profile their work, gain recognition and to build a portfolio for college or university.
Selected work is displayed in the Artrium of the Strathcona Community Centre for one year. After one year, work is distributed to public areas in Strathcona County buildings.
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1. Call for submissions Permanent link to Call for submissions
Dates and information for the next acquisition program will be available in March 2020.
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2. Submission procedures Permanent link to Submission procedures
2020 dates will be posted in March.
Submit your forms and artwork to Gallery@501 at: #120, 501 Festival Avenue, Sherwood Park.- Read the appropriate Program Submission Package.
- Complete the Submission Form.
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3. Information for non-residents Permanent link to Information for non-residents
If you are a non-resident with strong ties to Strathcona County and would like to submit work for consideration, you must first complete a non-resident application – Application, Non-Resident . Your application will be reviewed by the Art Collection Advisory Committee. Application deadline: TBA.
If you are declared eligible to submit, you can then follow the regular submission procedures and bring your work and completed forms to Gallery@501 by the deadlines listed above. Once you have received approval to submit as a non-resident, you do not have to re-apply for approval in future years.
Annual Art Acquisition FAQs
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1. What is the budget for the Annual Art Acquisition Program? Permanent link to What is the budget for the Annual Art Acquisition Program?
The budget is $10,000.
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2. Why do you only purchase from Strathcona County artists and artists with a close tie to Strathcona County? Permanent link to Why do you only purchase from Strathcona County artists and artists with a close tie to Strathcona County?
This program is our way of encouraging and supporting the artists who live in our community and contribute so much to our County’s cultural development.
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3. Why hasn't my work been selected? Permanent link to Why hasn't my work been selected?
Every year there are different jurors and every year there are different artists who participate. We encourage you to keep trying. It’s also a great opportunity to show your work.
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4. If my work is not chosen can other people who see the show buy my work? Permanent link to If my work is not chosen can other people who see the show buy my work?
Yes, with your permission, we are happy to give out your contact information to potential buyers.
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5. Why are so many youth artworks chosen? Permanent link to Why are so many youth artworks chosen?
High school students can loan their work to the County for one year. Because we want to encourage the creativity of our youth, we select up to 10 loans. In terms of purchases made, only a few youth pieces are purchased.
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6. What are the framing requirements? Permanent link to What are the framing requirements?
All artworks must be appropriately presented and ready for gallery display. Where applicable, artists are encouraged to adhere to museum standards for matting and framing artwork (acid free materials, conservation glass). Be sure to include framing costs in your pricing. Art on three dimensional canvasses does not have to be framed but the sides must be painted.
If your work is framed, but not to museum standards, please note this on your submission form as the cost of reframing will need to be added to our budget calculations.
More details on framing can be found in the Submission Packages.
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7. How are the jurors selected and from where? Permanent link to How are the jurors selected and from where?
A different jury is selected each year. All of the members are arts professionals and non-residents of Strathcona County. Names are suggested by the Art Collection Advisory Committee and by members of the Recreation, Parks & Culture Cultural Services Branch. We also contact organizations such as the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, who also have a juried art selection process for adding to their collection.
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8. What does the jury look for? Permanent link to What does the jury look for?
- authenticity and originality
- quality of materials, and the impact on future conservation or maintenance needs
- presentation
- aesthetic quality
- technical excellence and craftsmanship
- overall success and effect
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9. Where are the selected artworks placed? Are these locations known to the public? Permanent link to Where are the selected artworks placed? Are these locations known to the public?
For the first year after purchase, the art is placed in the Artrium of the Community Centre. After that, it is distributed to various County buildings. You can view our collection here. The locations are "tagged."
Questions?
780-449-1139
barbara.chapman@strathcona.ca
