Lauren Crazybull,
TSIMA KOHTOTSITAPIIHPA, 2020.
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The Alberta Focus Initiative is a two-year commitment that aims to strengthen engagement and collaboration with Alberta’s vibrant arts community, as well as to deepen the Council’s understanding of the community’s unique realities.
Two Alberta-based arts liaison consultants will establish an on-the-ground presence for the Canada Council in Alberta. The consultants will engage with communities across the province to increase awareness of and access to funding opportunities and provide the Council with field intelligence.They will ensure that meaningful support is accessible to a diverse range of artists and arts organizations, particularly in communities that have been historically underserved.
Arts liaison consultants
Francine Cunningham, Arts Liaison Consultant
Francine Cunningham is an award-winning writer, artist and educator and is a member of the Saddle Lake Cree Nation, in Alberta, but grew up in Calgary, Edmonton, and 100 Mile House, British Columbia. Francine is also Métis and has settler family roots stretching from as far away as Ireland and Belgium. She currently resides in rural southern Alberta where she spends her days writing and mentoring emerging artists.
As part of her role with the Canada Council, Francine will have a special focus on rural Albertans, Indigenous communities both on and off reserve, and those needing extra support with understanding the granting process at the Canada Council, both virtually and in person through information sessions, webinars, and one on one visits. She looks forward to providing information on granting programs, funding opportunities, creating greater connections in the Alberta Arts ecosystem, and looking for ways to make Alberta artists voices heard.
Photo: Francine Cunningham
Michelle Schultz, Arts Liaison Consultant
Michelle Deanne Schultz is an art consultant, strategist and curator who has worked in public and private institutions in Canada, the US and the UK for the last 15 years. Since moving back to Edmonton in 2015, her focus has been on Prairie-based artists and institutions. She is often on the road, believing in the importance of building connections for artists nationally and internationally.
In her role as arts liaison consultant, she will work with artists and organizations throughout Alberta, with a focus on metropolitan centres, and build an on-the-ground presence for the Canada Council.
Photo: Zachary Ayotte
Local engagements
Activities and events will be taking place across Alberta and will be shared below as they are confirmed. Francine and Michelle will work closely together to support all communities in Alberta.
Coming up: Information sessions
These in-person information sessions provide the opportunity to learn more about the Canada Council, meet program officers and engage with the Alberta-based liaison consultants.
Each session will include a 45-minute presentation about Canada Council programs, and a 30-minute question-and-answer period. Canada Council employees will be available afterwards for one-on-one conversations.
Please note that spaces are limited. To register, click on the RSVP link for the session of your choice.
|
Session |
Date |
Time |
Registration link |
Location |
|
Calgary |
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 |
5 p.m. – 8 p.m. |
cSPACE (Studio Theatre) 1721 29th Avenue Southwest Calgary, Alberta T2T 6T7 |
|
|
Calgary |
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 |
12 p.m. – 3 p.m. |
The Edison (3rd floor) 150 9th Avenue Southwest Calgary, Alberta T2P 3H9 |
|
|
Edmonton |
Friday, October 17, 2025 |
12 p.m. – 3 p.m. |
ArtsHub Ortona 9722 102nd Street Northwest Edmonton, Alberta T5K 0X4 |
Featured artwork
Photo: Blaine Campbell
For more information
Francine Cunningham
Francine.Cunningham.consultant@canadacouncil.ca
Michelle Schultz
Michelle.Schultz.consultant@canadacouncil.ca