The Edmonton Arts Council Society

The Edmonton Arts Council Society (business registration number 897038162RR0001) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting, promoting, and advancing the arts and culture community in Edmonton, Alberta. Operating as a charitable and non-profit society, it plays a pivotal role in shaping the city's cultural landscape by investing in artists, organizations, festivals, and community projects that enrich Edmonton's artistic environment.

Purpose and Mandate

The Edmonton Arts Council (EAC) aims to enhance the profile and involvement of the arts in Edmonton through various initiatives. Its core activities include:

• Investing in Edmonton-based festivals, arts organizations, and individual artists by channeling municipal, corporate, and private funding.

• Representing the interests of Edmonton’s arts community to government and other agencies, offering expert advice on arts-related policies and issues.

• Building partnerships and initiating projects that strengthen community ties through artistic engagement.

• Raising public awareness about the quality, diversity, and value of artistic work produced within Edmonton.

Through these efforts, the EAC fosters a thriving and inclusive arts ecosystem that reflects the city’s diverse and evolving population[1][2].

History and Development

While the Edmonton Arts Council’s specific founding date is not detailed in available sources, its activities align with a long-standing tradition of art advocacy in Edmonton dating back to the early 20th century. The city’s early art initiatives, such as the formation of the Edmonton Museum of Arts in 1924, set a precedent for organized support of visual and performing arts in the region[5].

In recent decades, the EAC has expanded its granting capacity significantly. Between 2011 and 2013, the Council’s municipal granting budget doubled from approximately $4.5 million to $9 million, following a five-year agreement with the City of Edmonton that outlined enhanced responsibilities including space management, incubation of arts organizations, investment in the arts community, and administration of the public art program. This financial growth marked a transition for the EAC into a more autonomous and strategically influential role in Edmonton’s cultural development[4].

Governance

The organization holds monthly meetings—typically on the second Wednesday of each month, except August—with council members appointed by the City of Edmonton. These members include city councillors who serve as advisors and representatives of municipal interests in arts governance[1].

Community Impact

The Edmonton Arts Council acts as a vital springboard for both emerging and established artists, supporting artistic expression from multiple communities, backgrounds, and traditions. Its investment and partnership activities enable the arts to become a pervasive part of everyday life in Edmonton, contributing to community cohesion, cultural diversity, and economic vitality[2].

By providing expert advice to government bodies and advocating for the arts sector, the EAC helps shape policies and programs that sustain a rich cultural environment in Edmonton. Its ongoing projects and partnerships generate innovative public engagement opportunities and foster a deeper appreciation of the arts across the city[1][2].

See Also

• Art Gallery of Alberta

• Arts organizations in Canada

• Edmonton Museum of Arts

External Links

Not included as per user request.