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 340 artworks today. The collection spans watercolour, oil and acrylic painting, pottery, handmade paper, sculpture, photography, fabric and fibre arts, ink drawing, serigraph, glass, monotype, and mixed media.

You’ll find these works across civic facilities, in outdoor and urban spaces, and through special projects—woven into everyday County life. Together, they reflect our community’s creativity and care, nurturing a sense of place for residents and visitors while honouring our past, animating our present, and imagining our future.

Each year, the Art Collection Advisory Committee invites submissions for purchase. Eligible artists include Strathcona County residents; artists with a meaningful connection to the County; equity-seeking artists living on Treaty 6 Territory; and artists who have participated in a juried exhibition at Gallery@501 or a Strathcona County public art project.

Submissions for 2026

All applicants can submit their artworks through the online form which will be available February 2026 - May, 2026. 

General guidelines

    • Artists residing within the municipal boundaries of Strathcona County  who are 18 years of age or older.   

    • Artists who identify as being from an equity deserving group residing within Treaty 6. Equity deserving groups are: Women, Indigenous peoples, visible/racialized minority persons, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ2S+ persons. 

    • Artists who have been part of a juried art exhibition (Gallery@501) or public art opportunity with Strathcona County

    • Artists living in Canada with a significant connection to Strathcona County who are 18 years of age or older.  

    Strathcona County is committed to equity in the arts. With the intention of building a permanent art collection that is representative of our diverse community, the Art Collection Advisory Committee are committed to addressing bias and improving diversity within our collection efforts. We encourage and welcome 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. We recognize there may be barriers for some when applying. If you require accommodations please contact the Public Art curator by email at public.art@strathcona.ca

  • Artists who do not live in Strathcona County but have a significant connection to the area are welcome to apply to participate. These participants are asked to provide a brief description of their relationship to the area within their application. Applications from non-Strathcona County Residents will be reviewed by the Art Collection Advisory Committee.

    The Art Collection Advisory Committee will review and evaluate responses with equal consideration given to: 

    • The overall impact of your contributions to Strathcona County: 

      • Have you ever worked or volunteered in Strathcona County? If so, for how many years? 

      • Have you made any artistic contributions to Strathcona County?  

      • Have you exhibited your artwork in Strathcona County? 

      • Does your artistic practice have a considerable focus on Strathcona County?  

    • The significance Strathcona County holds for you personally: 

      • Have you ever lived in Strathcona County? If so, how many years?

      • Are you an active member of a community organization in Strathcona County? 

    Artists are encouraged to contact the Public Art curator prior to applying, especially if their connection to the County is not covered through the examples above.

  • Contact Strathcona County Recreation, Parks and Culture for assistance:

    780-467-2211 

    artacquisition@strathcona.ca 

      

Artwork requirements

Artwork sales and donations

Jury and selection process


View artwork selected for purchase in 2025

Thirteen arworks were recommended for purchase in 2025. These artworks will be on display in the Community Centre through August 2026. Click on an image below to view the gallery. 


Direct questions and concerns to Strathcona County Recreation, Parks and Culture:

Phone: 780-467-2211
Email: artacquisition@strathcona.ca

Receive timely updates on artist calls, exhibition opportunities, and Gallery@501 programs

Subscribe to the Gallery@501 e-newsletter

Personal information is collected under the authority of section 4(c) of the Protection of Privacy Act and will be used to manage and administer Strathcona County's eNewsletters.  If you have questions regarding the collection, use or disclosure of this information contact Curator, Gallery@501, Strathcona County, Recreation, Parks and Culture, at 780-410-8585 or artgallery@strathcona.ca.
 

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Last updated: Friday, September 19, 2025
Page ID: 38811