Supporting Emerging Visual Artists in Calgary
The Calgary Allied Arts Foundation (CAAF) is a not-for-profit organization which has maintained a strong voice for the promotion of arts and culture for many decades. Our mission is to promote the visual arts in Calgary by providing direct support to emerging artists. We do this by supplying studio space, financial aid and mentorship.
CAAF’s residency programs are designed to assist visual artists in advancing their careers and obtaining exhibition opportunities and publicity. CAAF is the only organization in Calgary dedicated to providing studio residencies for visual artists, and many of our previous residents are now successful artists and acknowledge their CAAF Residency as part of their success. We value a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community and commit to creating non-discriminatory residency and exhibition opportunities for artists.
By providing space, mentorship and funding, CAAF is a hub for artists to further explore their creative practice and develop new opportunities.
Apply Now for CAAF’s Residency Program!
Deadline: Sunday, November 1, 2026 at 11:59pm
The Calgary Allied Arts Foundation (CAAF) Studio Residency gives emerging artists the space and funding to develop their creative practice and connect with the community.
Residencies are offered in 2 or 3 month durations with a stipend of $700 per month paid to artists upon completion of the residency. All residents are required to purchase an annual membership to CAAF; $20 will be taken from the stipend to pay for the membership.
Selected artists work out of one of two CAAF studios: a 280 sq ft fully accessible studio at cSPACE Marda Loop, or a 250 sq ft studio in the Elveden Centre in downtown Calgary.
All applications are reviewed by an impartial committee, evaluated on the project proposal, artistic merit, need for studio space, and quality of past work. CAAF is unable to provide any additional funding or assistance for travel to and from Calgary, nor for accommodations during the residency. Preference will be given to artists residing in Canada.
For questions or support with your application, contact caafresidency@gmail.com.
Apply Now for CAAF’s Fuse33 Makerspace Residency!
Deadline: Sunday, November 1, 2026 at 11:59pm
The Calgary Allied Arts Foundation (CAAF) Fuse33 Makerspace Residency gives emerging artists the space and funding to develop their creative practice and build new skills using the equipment at Fuse33.
Residencies run for 6 months and include a Standard Monthly Membership to Fuse33 for the full residency, plus a $3,000 stipend to be used for materials and the training required to use the equipment at Fuse33. All residents are required to purchase an annual membership to CAAF; $20 will be taken from the stipend to pay for the membership
Selected artists work out of a 100 sq ft studio/office at Fuse33 Makerspace in southeast Calgary. Residents have access to laser cutters, 3D printers, UV printers, sewing machines, and metal and wood shops.
All applications are reviewed by an impartial committee, evaluated on the project proposal, artistic merit, need for studio space, and quality of past work. CAAF is unable to provide any additional funding or assistance for travel to and from Calgary, nor for accommodations during the residency. Preference will be given to artists residing in Canada.
For questions or support with your application, contact caafresidency@gmail.com. Note that the CAAF studio is on the second floor and reachable by stairs only - please contact us to discuss accessibility needs.
Gallery 505
In addition to CAAF’s multiple residency opportunities each year, through Gallery 505, we provide 3 to 4 previous artist residents solo exhibitions of their work. Gallery 505 is open to the public and accessible to Calgarians working and visiting the downtown core.
Located at 505 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB.
CAAF’s Window Gallery
Join our Board of Directors!
CAAF is seeking volunteers to join our Board of Directors to help us contribute to the visual arts community in Calgary! We are looking for those with experience in the arts and culture sector, non-profit governance, policy development, legal expertise, finance and accounting, fundraising and resource development, and more, to fill a few different roles within the board.
