Creative in Residence: Call for Applications
Calgary Public Library
Application deadline: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Program Dates: June 29 – September 4, 2026
Overview
The Creative in Residence – AI Collaborative Artist (AIC) 2026 at Calgary Public Library is a 10-week community engagement residency, from June 29 – September 4, 2026, that supports emerging and established AIC Artists working in any genre or format, with any media or technique, be that traditional or contemporary. They engage with the public through delivering free programs and individual consultations and curate a final exhibit at Central Library.
The AIC Artist in Residence works with the Library to create collaborative and inclusive environments where all community members are welcome to participate and learn. AI literacy is an extension of the work the Library does to bridge the digital divide by providing equitable access to technology and education. This position invites a resident to share their talents and knowledge in Artificial Intelligence and other areas that may be underrepresented in the Library. The programming and mentorship offered through this residency will provide unique opportunities for learning and creating that meet the diverse needs of the community.
New technologies have long influenced and informed artistic practice and the same can be said for AI. We are seeking artists who through their practice and use of AI are both trying to answer and are answering the questions that this technology raises in relation to creativity and art. Any artistic discipline will be considered in which AI has been used as a tool, collaborator or partner in the querying, ideation and/or creation of the final original works. The successful candidate as well will have a genuine interest in explaining and demystifying the machine/human collaborative process in everyday language to patrons in order to facilitate understanding and responsible use. This is considered to be an essential piece of this residency.
Participants will receive:
- A resident office on the 2nd floor at Central Library for the duration of the Residency, available during operating hours of the Central Library.
- Access to Library collections, resources and support.
- The opportunity to engage with Calgarians interested in the role of Artificial Intelligence in a creative practice.
- $50/hr up to a total of 160 hours over the 10 weeks for a total of $8000 – this amount includes offsite preparation time and onsite program delivery time, including consultations and time to work on their stated project.
Requirements
The Creative in Residence will:
- State a creative project to be completed during the residency and exhibited at the Library at the end of the residency.
- Host regular office hours during which the Resident will have scheduled or drop-in open-studio consultations with aspiring and established Artists who are working with or seeking to work with AI capabilities and interfaces.
- Develop and deliver a minimum of three workshops, programs and/or performances of interest to the arts community and general public that integrate art and the use of AI – the workshops and programs should appeal to a diverse audience.
- Have a resume that clearly demonstrates experience working with Artificial Intelligence in a creative practice and in community engagement and/or teaching.
- Have samples of work that can be included in application with links to Social media platforms and/or YouTube channels.
- Be recognized by peers in the artistic community as an Aatist that is exploring Artificial Intelligence in their practice.
For more information see the attached file and visit the Calgary public library website at calgarylibrary.ca or email Residencies@calgarylibrary.ca.
