The Artist as Changemaker Residency is an ongoing inquiry. Since the beginning, it has been shaped by a curiosity about what becomes possible when artists are resourced and supported to facilitate meaningful social change in their communities.
This year, a cohort of eight socially engaged artists worked alongside eight community partner organizations, each pairing bringing together a different set of questions, communities, and creative approaches.
For these artists, the creative process is the change process. Artists and their partners spend the year building relationships, learning systems change tools, and exploring how the artistic process itself can shift thinking, build trust, and open up new possibilities for the communities they work with. This is work that can take time, is relational, and often uncertain. It asks artists to show up not just as makers but as listeners, collaborators, and co-creators. It asks organizations to make room for the creative process alongside the other tools they bring to community engagement.
Now in its sixth year, the residency continues to be co-designed with the artists who move through it, growing and changing alongside the communities it serves. Meet the eight artists of 2025-2026 below and explore the work they've been doing this year.
How You Can Engage
This work grows when communities show up. Whether you are an artist, an organizer, a funder, or simply someone who believes in the power of creative practice, there is a place for you here.
CELEBRATE WITH THE ARTISTS
Come to the Creative Process Celebration and connect with the people doing this work
AMPLIFY THE ARTISTS' WORK AND IMPACT
Share this work with people who need to see it
JOIN IN THE WORK
Express your interest in joining a future cohort as an artist or community partner
Celebrate With Us!
ARTIST AS CHANGEMAKER: CREATIVE PROCESS CELEBRATION
April 18, 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM, Sunalta Community Hall
You’ll have a chance to experience the creative journeys of artists as changemakers working with community partners to explore how creative processes can spark social transformation, while celebrating the 2025–2026 Artists and their community partners. Registration is free, but space is limited.
1- Listen in as artists reflect on their year and share the work they've been doing.
2- Share a meal and connect with artists, community partners, and others who care about this work.
3- Stay for open conversation and mingle with the people behind it.
Through painting, installation, and video, Adrianne explores cultural identity and urban life, creating spaces for reflection and connection.
“ How might we activate and empower Black Calgarians to build systems of support addressing gaps in opportunity, education, and representation?
Community Partner: United African Diaspora
A dancer and designer bridging Panama, Alberta, and beyond, Edward channels Hip Hop and house dance into mentorship, connection, and identity-building for youth.
“ How might we support immigrant youth at risk in building belonging, self-expression, and positive identity through creative practice?
Community Partner: Centre for Newcomers
Through photography and film, Sam tells stories of resilience and care, mentoring Black creatives and centering untold narratives.
“ How might we illuminate the journeys of mothers facing postpartum challenges to inspire empathy, policy, and healing?
Community Partner: Hands Lifting Hearts
A movement-based artist, Shandie transforms public spaces through ballroom, performance, and social innovation.
“ How might we use creative practice to create the conditions for Queer racialized youth to author, share, and be held by their own narratives?
Community Partner: Calgary Queer Arts Society
Multidisciplinary and movement-based, Sara-Maya blends poetry, dance, and visual art to create spaces for self-expression, healing, and connection.
“ How might we build confidence, community, and joy for immigrant youth through playful arts practices?
Community Partner: Canada Immigrants Association (CIWA)
Tiffany combines drama education and social work to help families navigate life through performance, literacy, and empathy.
“ How might we use drama and storytelling to build family resilience and mutual understanding in life’s challenges?
Community Partner: YW Calgary
Community Partners
Have Questions?
Learn more about the AAC Residency program here: Program Information Package
Or contact: Kelaena Maude, Program Lead at kmaude@mtroyal.ca.
