Arts and Culture

Call for Applicants: Creative in Residence

Now accepting applications for 2026

Call for 2026 Creative in Residence - AI Collaborative Artist (AIC Artist)

Overview

The Residency runs from June 29 – September 4, 2026.

The Calgary Public Library represents unlimited possibilities and inspires people of all ages to wonder, see, discover, and share. Calgary’s 22 libraries aim to be trusted and accessible hubs for AI literacy, helping the community understand, use, and critically evaluate artificial intelligence in an ethical and informed manner. AI literacy is an extension of the work the Library does to bridge the digital divide by providing equitable access to technology and education.

Calgary Public Library invites applications for the position of Creative in Residence – Artificial Intelligence Collaborative (AIC) Artist. We are looking for Artists working in any discipline that utilizes AI technology ethically as a collaborative partner in artistic creation and expression for a 10-week studio residency.

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.

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. 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. They will engage with the public through programs such as open office hours, interactive workshops, and/or presentations to school groups.

The program 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. 

The AIC Artist in Residence provides services including advice and support on the role and possible uses of Artificial Intelligence in the conception and creation of original artwork for interested Calgarians. The Resident also promotes public awareness and processes involved in working with Artificial Intelligence capabilities in an art practice.

The Resident has access to a designated office on the 4th floor of the Central Library and will engage with the public through online and in-person programs such as one-on-one consultations, workshops, school group tours, and live performances.   

Application deadline: April 7, 2026

Who Should Apply?

The successful candidate has a demonstrated passion for creating art through the use of and collaboration with Artificial Intelligence, which they are eager to share, and an ability to work with and inspire people of all ages.

The successful candidate will: 

Be recognized by peers as an artist who utilizes AI technology in their work.
Have experience working with diverse audiences and mentorship expertise.
Have excellent communication skills and demonstrated ability to work online and in-person with groups and one-on-one.
Wide-ranging knowledge and interest in the connection between Artificial Intelligence and artistic creation.
Knowledge and connection to the local artistic community in Calgary.
A commitment to supporting Calgary’s arts community.
Alignment with Calgary Public Library values of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.

Responsibilities

The Creative in Residence will:  

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 and may be recorded for use by the Library at a later date. The Library has the right to stream the workshops, programs and/or performances live on the Calgary Public Library’s website, social media accounts or other platforms.
Be featured in public events, if invited, including virtual community engagement events (which may be audio or video captured for future dissemination), and may be asked to engage in media coverage.
Provide a written evaluation of the Creative in Residence program at the end of the 2026 residency program.

Remuneration

The Creative in Residence honorarium is $50.00 per hour to a maximum of 160 hours per residency, for a total of $8000.00. This amount includes offsite preparation time and onsite program delivery time, including consultations.  

Evaluation of Applications

Applicants will be evaluated based on inclusion of the following:  

Artist statement/bio (250 words or fewer)  
Resume or CV (PDF) with demonstrated experience working with Artificial Intelligence and in community engagement and teaching
Samples of your work. Please link to your YouTube or social media channels, and if uploading files, please include your last name in the file name
Description of proposed public programs/workshops during the residency and how they will engage our patrons to gain hands on experience with creativity and AI - these are an opportunity to share stories through a performance or presentation, as well as to teach skills unique to your medium

If you have questions about the above requirements, please contact residencies@calgarylibrary.ca

The successful candidate will be selected by a committee of Calgary Public Library representatives and a community representative.  All applicants will be notified once the committee has made its selection in mid-April. The successful candidate will be notified, but their name will not be announced until the residency has been secured.

Please submit applications to:
Programs and Partnerships: Residencies
Central Library, 800 3 street SE
Calgary, AB T2G 2E7