AFA Art Acquisitions Program 2026

The Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) is now accepting applications for its Art Acquisitions Program 2026. This program supports Alberta artists by acquiring their artworks as part of the AFA Art Collection.

🖌️ About the AFA Art Acquisitions Program

This program provides support for individual Alberta artists or ensembles by purchasing their artwork to become a permanent part of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) Art Collection.

💡 Benefits of the AFA Art Acquisitions Program

The Art Acquisitions Program offers the following benefits:

• Financial and professional support: Alberta artists receive fair market value for their artworks, which are added to the AFA Art Collection, ensuring long-term recognition and public access.
• Inclusive participation: The program emphasizes equitable, inclusive, and barrier-free participation for artists from diverse backgrounds, including:
  • Indigenous peoples
  • Racialized communities
  • Women
  • People with disabilities
  • 2SLGBTQIA+ community

✅ AFA Art Acquisitions Program Requirements

General Eligibility

• Residency & Citizenship:

  • Applicants must have resided in Alberta for at least one year.
  • Must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or Protected Persons with valid Canadian work or study permits.

• Art Training:

  • Applicants cannot be currently enrolled in formal art-training programs.
  • A minimum of one year must pass post-graduation.
  • Self-directed residencies and PhD programs are eligible if they do not include formal training.

• Artist Classification:

  • Open to individual artists or ensembles (all members must meet eligibility).
  • Galleries or agents may apply on behalf of artists with proper designation.
  • Incorporated production companies are not eligible.

Artwork Requirements

• Eligible Works:

  • Original works created within the last five years.
  • Accepted mediums: drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, fibre art, ceramics, photography, glass, mixed media, and new media.
  • Artworks must be in good condition and available for in-person viewing if required.
  • Maximum of five artworks per artist per application.

• Excluded Works:

  • Applied arts (e.g., gaming, architecture, commercial photography, graphic design).
  • Workshop or seminar pieces.
  • Artworks made from unstable materials or damaged works.

📅 Application Date and Process

Submission

• Applications must be submitted online via the GATE Front Office system.

Required Materials

Applicants must prepare the following:

• Contact details and classification.
• Artistic resume.
• Labeled images of artworks.
• Artwork submission list.
• Additional materials for time-based media or new media (if applicable).

First-Time Applicants

• First-time applicants must request login credentials in advance.

⏰ Application Deadline

• 01 April, 2026

🌐 Application Portal

• View detailed information about the program on the AFA Art Acquisitions Program page.
• Submit your application via the GATE Front Office system.

This is a fantastic opportunity for Alberta artists to gain recognition and support for their creative work. Don't miss the chance to have your artwork become a part of the prestigious AFA Art Collection!

• Provides financial and professional support to Alberta artists through the acquisition of their artworks at fair market value. Selected pieces become part of the AFA Art Collection, ensuring long-term recognition and public access.
• Emphasizes equitable, inclusive, and barrier-free participation for artists from diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, women, people with disabilities, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.