This is our bi-weekly newsletter of opportunities and information for artists. Become a member of VANS and we’ll email this newsletter to you. Click on items in the index at the top of the page to visit different sections of the VANS Newsletter. Learn more about each opportunity by clicking on the colourful links to visit their website.

Want to submit something for the next newsletter? Check out the VANS Promotion Guide for details on what we need and then send us an email with your event/ program/ opportunity info. Something missing? Let us know!

VANS Newsletter #613
March 5, 2026

INDEX:

VANS Matters
Announcements
Awards and Funding
Education
Employment
Events
Residencies
Submissions
Nova Scotia Exhibition Listings

VANS Matters

Save arts and culture in NS! The NS government just gutted funding for arts, culture, heritage, and social programs. The provincial budget includes cuts that disproportionally impact the cultural sector and that will hurt artists, arts orgs, programs supporting artists working in schools and communities, and equity deserving communities. At VANS, we will be directly affected by a 20% funding cut and the complete defunding of all the Artists in the Schools programs – including PAINTS.  If you haven’t yet contacted your MLA, the Premier, the Minister of Finance, and the Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism, and Heritage. Now is the time! If you need reources to help VANS has some here including template letters to your MLA.

Previously posted:

Renew your VANS membership anytime!   You can renew your membership online here or by sending a cheque along with a Membership Form to VANS, 1113 Marginal Road, Halifax, NS, B3H 4P7.  You can also send an e-transfer to communicate@visualarts.ns.ca – just make sure you also send an email with your contact info so we can update our records. Need more info or renewal options? Email communicate@visualarts.ns.ca. Not sure if you signed up for an automatically renewing membership? Log in to the VANS website then, in the Membership Details section of your account, you can adjust your membership type and opt out of auto-renew. VANS also has membership bursaries. We understand that membership fees can be out of reach for some artists, so we have fully funded 2026 memberships.

Visual Arts News is pleased to announce our new Editor, Ross Nervig. As we enter our 50th year as a publication, we’re thrilled to have Ross join us to help us keep moving forward on our journey. Ross is a writer, editor, and communications strategist with more than a decade of experience in journalism, arts writing, and non-profit communications. In his work, he has been honoured to help make space for the voices of those in equity deserving communities. From Ross: “I’m thrilled to be joining Visual Arts News as its next editor. The magazine has long been an essential platform for reflecting and shaping the conversations that matter in Atlantic Canada’s arts community. I believe any act of creation is, at its foundation, an invitation to connect — with each other, with place, and with possibility. I feel deeply honoured to help carry that spirit of connection forward.” We welcome Ross to this new role and can’t wait to get started on our first issue with him as our Editor — Spring 2026 issue. Watch for the call for pitches to come out later in October. Our Fall issue his newsstands and subscriber mailboxes September 15th.

Visual Arts Nova Scotia is pleased to officially announce the participants of this year’s Mentorship Program. After receiving many great applications, the program will be supporting four dedicated emerging artists in Nova Scotia. Jordan Johnson, Kamila Orbegoso, Shane Keyu Song, and Jessica Steele and have been individually paired with established artists and mentors Melanie Colosimo, Margarita Fainshtein, Mathew Reichertz, and Christopher Webb.

Did you know that VANS has an Artist Emergency Fund? VANS established the Artist Emergency Fund to assist artists in financial need arising from severe illness, an accident resulting in inability to work or help with studio replacement in case of a disaster, such as fire, where there is no insurance. VANS Members are able to apply for short-term assistance, up to $500/month for three months maximum. The fund has been used in recent years to help member artists who have been injured in a car accident, had a surgery that prevented them from working, who were ineligible for benefits but could not work during the pandemic, whose studio was damaged by natural disasters, and more. There is no application deadline and applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. The fund is supported in part by donations from VANS members – and we are so grateful for their generosity! If you would like to make a donation to the Artist Emergency Fund you can do so anytime here.

You can now purchase VANS limited-edition merch! The black cotton tote bag ($25) and iridescent stickers ($5/each) are sold individually or as a bundle of all three VANS merch items ($30). The merch was designed by VANS member and artist AGLENNCO and produced by Copy Shop Books. You can buy them at the VANS office or in our online shop (and we’ll mail them to you). We are selling VANS merch as a fundraiser so get yours today and show your support! Click here for more info and to purchase: https://visualarts.ns.ca/shop-category/vans-merch/.

If you want to renew your VANS membership but find the membership fee out of reach right now, consider applying for a Membership Bursary. Membership Bursaries provide artists in need of financial support with a VANS membership (which runs from January 1 – December 31). There’s no deadline to apply and applications are confidential. Recipients of the bursary will receive a .pdf of Visual Arts News magazine instead of the print-mailed version, but other than that the bursary membership has the same benefits as any other VANS membership.

A subscription to Visual Arts News makes the perfect gift for the art-lover in your life and costs just $24. Two times a year, your gift recipients will be reminded of your generosity and good taste when you give them a year-long subscription to Visual Arts News, the magazine that is an ongoing conversation inspired by the artistic vision of artists and writers pushing the boundaries of art and culture in Atlantic Canada. Order, here: https://visualartsnews.ca/subscribe/.

Without the generosity of its many supporters, VANS could not offer such a wide range of programs and services. Last year over 30% of our total expenses were fees paid out directly to artists in Atlantic Canada and with more donations, more artists can be paid! Here are some examples of how your donation could support an artist at VANS:

• $50 supports a membership bursary
• $240 supports a three-hour PAINTS project
• $500 supports one month of Artist Emergency Funding

Donate $20 or more to receive a charitable tax receipt. Donate before December 31 to include it in your tax deductions.

At VANS, we love sharing events and news from Nova Scotian arts organizations, galleries, and our members on social media or in our biweekly newsletter. When it comes to asking for people, organizations, or media outlets to share your project or event, we find there’s a way to do it to maximize your chance of getting promoted. Check out our new Guide to Getting Your Project/ Event Promoted Digitally! Learn the things that VANS needs you to provide in order to share your event (and what NOT to do)!

ART RECESS is a new collection of short, accessible workshops that can be delivered online at times that work for teachers in the school year, or for parents and other caregivers in the summertime!  VANS’ commissioned 9 artists to create ART RECESS workshops and videos available for free to educators, students and parents. Part of the PAINTS  (Professional Artists In the Schools) Program, these workshops are made to be quick (15 – 20 minutes) and use materials that most people would have around the house. Check out all the ART RECESS videos on the VANS’ YouTube channel today!

VANS has launched a Facebook Group! This group welcomes any visual artists living in Nova Scotia. This community space can be used for exchanging opportunities, resources or news with one another. Click here to join, and invite your friends so they don’t miss out on this information hub.

We are now including an Artist Page (formerly known as an E-studio) with EVERY membership! Artists say this is one of our most valuable membership benefits, and with everyone on board it will be THE destination to find Nova Scotian artists online. The Artist Pages provide a page on our website where artists can post up to six images, an artist statement, selected biography, and contact information. It can provide an increased online presence for artists or provide an online presence for artists without a website. As members renew their membership they will get a login and be prompted to create their Artist Page. We’ve created a template to follow (that will appear when you click on Create My Artist Page in My Account) so it’s never been this easy. If you already have an Artist Page, you can still edit it, as usual. We are just a phone call away if you need help with a step.

VANS Members can now access the Arts & Entertainment health plan. ACTRA Fraternal Benefit Society (AFBS) is a Member-owned, not-for-profit, federally incorporated insurance company and financial institution operating since 1975. AFBS has proudly underwritten the Arts & Entertainment Plan® since 2011. They offer multiple types of plans and you’re eligible if: you are a VANS Member; you are a professional in the arts, living in Canada; you have a valid Provincial Health Card; and you’re under 71 years of age. See their website for details on their plans, coverage and get a free quote.

—click here to return to the index—

Announcements

Budget cuts will end Artists in the Schools! The Nova Scotia Government is proposing budget cuts that will be devastating to the arts, our natural environment, social services, mental health and equity programs. Among these heavy-handed cuts, they are proposing to eliminate 100% of the provincial support for the Artists in the Schools programs, including PAINTS. If you are an educator, a parent, or a student, you already know that schools are asked to do more with less every day, and arts programs are often first to go. Artists in the Schools programs need to grow, not end. It’s not too late. The government can do better. Click here to sign & send a letter to your MLA, the Premier and the Ministers of CCTH & Finance.

Previously posted:

Aisle 4 is pleased to announce the online launch of Silencing in the Arts, a multi-year research project that traces the extent and impact of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) on the Canadian visual arts sector. The project aims to shed light on the culture of silence that permeates the artworld, and the cycles of abuse and professional misconduct that are perpetuated as a result. They initiated Silencing in the Arts out of widespread, sectoral concerns of artists and arts workers signing NDAs without clear understanding of their rights; organizations quietly dissolving without public accountability; and the growing culture of censorship in our industry. The project examines how these compounded issues impact the personal and professional wellbeing of cultural workers across Canada, as well as reinforce power imbalances, limit transparency, and hinder growth in the sector more broadly. Through research and advocacy, they aim to expose these challenges and push for meaningful change. This includes a free online resource for artists and arts workers to better understand their rights when it comes to NDAs, and a national survey to collect vital information about the impacts and prevalence of NDAs in the Canadian visual arts sector. Have you signed, or been asked to sign, a legal agreement that prevents you from speaking about your experience working with a Canadian arts organization? Please consider contributing to this continued research through this anonymous survey. Results will serve to inform arts institutions, funders, and policymakers about the serious harm caused by silencing, advocating to end the misuse of NDAs in the arts sector.

Did you know that The Kalaman Group is now offering fine art logistics and transport services throughout the Maritimes?  Alongside their ongoing work in collection management, cataloguing, and appraisals, their team now provides in the Maritime region:

• White-glove fine art transport for art and objects;
• Expert handling and installation services;
• Custom packaging for delicate and high-value pieces;
• Emergency support for last-minute or time-sensitive packing and moves; and
• Flexible, short leg rural route coverage

Whether you’re preparing for an exhibition, relocating a collection, or need help moving a single piece — The Kalaman Group is here to support with care, discretion, and precision. If you would like to learn more or discuss an upcoming project, feel free to reach out anytime via email (contact@kalamangroup.ca) or fill out their intake form here.

Kiley Brown is a therapist, artist, and founder of The Living Room Therapy. They recently launched a therapy clinic for creatives (artists, writers, performers and so on). It is a cozy, integrative space where artistry and mental health meet. Their work is rooted in the belief that creative people hold a deep capacity to transform pain into meaning, but that process can often feel isolating without the right kind of support. Kiley focuses on working with artists, makers, and creative professionals who are navigating burnout, identity shifts, or the emotional ups and downs that come with a life of expression. As both a therapist and creative, they understand how personal and vulnerable the creative process can be and how mental health care tailored to that experience can make all the difference. Accessibility is really important, so they also offer a sliding-scale fee structure and options for artists without insurance or those experiencing financial strain. The goal is to make mental health care feel approachable, affirming, and genuinely supportive for those doing creative work in the world.

Arts Consultants Canada / Consultants canadiens en arts (ACCA) have released the results from the 2025 feasibility study for a Canadian network for cultural management. This 2025 study assessed the appetite and requirements for a ‘Canadian Network for Cultural Management’—a community of practice that would fill an identified gap and facilitate knowledge sharing, professional development, and collaboration among cultural management professionals and post-secondary educators. They are pleased to share the Executive Summary of the study’s final report with you, along with the detailed full report attached as a PDF. You may read the Executive Summary, and there is also a download link for the full 50-page report.Thanks to the many people in Canada’s cultural sector who participated in this feasibility study.

Andrew David Terris, arts advocate and former Director of Visual Arts Nova Scotia, passed away in 2025. A special award has been established by the Nova Scotia Talent Trust to honour Andrew’s contribution to the arts in Nova Scotia. If you would like to make a donation to support this award, please visit their website and select “Andrew David Terris Legacy Award” from the drop-down menu.

Creative Homes Halifax has studio openings coming up on Kempt Road. The studios are available to rent starting in January, with rates ranging from $300 to $550/month. A list of available studios is kept here. More details and photo can be found on their website: creativehomeshalifax.mailchimpsites.com/.

Join 2b at the Video Difference Arts Hub on Quinpool Road in Halifax. They currently have a private 105sqft office available for long term lease that could be perfect for your organization’s office or as a studio for an individual artist.  They’ve been so thrilled to host several pop-events in the Video Difference Lobby.  Whether it’s an afternoon, or a full weekend takeover- it’s the perfect space for a thrift shop, art market, etc! They also have artist housing available. The process and policies for housing have been evolving, and they’ve been making changes/adjustments to better suit the incoming inquiries, schedules, etc. If you are interested in any of these spaces, please send an inquiry to bookings@2btheatre.com. 

NYC podcast History UnErased chooses a local Nova Scotian artist’s graphic novel for inclusion in LGBTQ school curricula. Lynette Richards’ book Call Me Bill (Conundrum Press) reveals the life of ‘the mysterious female sailor’, who died in the 1873 wreck of the SS Atlantic. Listen to the podcast here.

The Gail and Stephen A. Jarislowsky Institute for Studies in Canadian Art at Concordia University is pleased to present Craft & Craftivism: A Biographical Dictionary of Contemporary Ceramic, Fibre, and Glass Artists in Canada, a free, three-volume e-publication co-edited by Loren Lerner, Janice Anderson, Shannon Stride, and Karine Antaki. This publication features professional biographies of nearly 350 artists, with an emphasis on the artists’ works in relation to materials, techniques, processes, creative inspiration, and artistic vision. Also featured are artists who blend craft with activism, using their works to convey social and political commentary, challenge the status quo, and advocate for change.

Gallery on Lincoln, a contemporary fine art gallery owned and operated by 11 respected Nova Scotia artist-entrepreneurs, officially opened its doors on April 3, 2025. Gallery on Lincoln is located at 167 Lincoln Street, in the very heart of “Gallery Row” in Lunenburg, NS – one of Canada’s most-loved UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The gallery features a dynamic collection of contemporary landscape, figurative, still life, and abstract works created by a talented and professional group of artists whose work is held in public and private collections around the world. Gallery artists include Catherine Bagnell Styles, Michelle Darwin, MJ Dominey, Lynn Ellis, Janet Griffen, Mary Kersell, Paulette Melanson, Mary Morey, David Shimp, Katy Maria Shimp, and Sharon Wadsworth- Smith.

Creative Pictou County is thrilled to have an artist studio in the new deCoste Culture Hub at 99 Water Street in Pictou. This beautiful open space is ready for artists to teach their craft to the community. Artists can rent on an hourly basis. For full details including rental rates and how to apply, please visit their website.

There are many things to consider when shipping art abroad. Each country has its own requirements for temporary and permanent imports. Prepare in advance to avoid unexpected travel delays! Make sure you have your paperwork in order ahead of time. Check out CARFAC’s tips on taking artwork over the border. Due to ongoing tariff discussions between Canada and the United States, there may be changes affecting the movement of artworks across the border. They strongly recommend consulting a customs broker and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for the most up-to-date and accurate information on current regulations and potential costs. If you want to know more about the ever changing situation with tariffs, they have a note on that as well.

The Canadian government has passed Bill S-202 which will create Canada’s first parliamentary visual artist laureate (like the poet laureate). The visual artist laureate position will be a two-year term, with a mandate to promote, foster, develop and bring awareness to the visual arts in Canada. The visual arts laureate will produce art or “cause to be produced artistic creations at the request of the Speaker, especially for use in Parliament on occasions of state,” as well as sponsor artistic events, including exhibitions, and give advice on the collection and acquisitions for the Library of Parliament. Details are still being finalized, but the position will be open to all Canadians and the primary official language will alternate.  Applications for the new position will be made to the Library of Parliament. The Speaker of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Commons will select the parliamentary visual artist laureate from three names submitted in confidence by a committee that includes the Parliamentary Librarian of Canada, the director of the National Gallery of Canada, the commissioner of Official Languages for Canada, the chairperson of the Canada Council for the Arts and the president of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts or designates.

Nova Scotia based Caribou Loft Art Prints is a growing e-commerce retailer specializing in large format giclée art prints with a Canadian influence. They’re currently seeking up-and-coming Canadian artists, painters, photographers and digital creators to partner with them in an endeavour to bring Canadian inspired art to the home decor market. Artists represented at the loft will remain full copyright holders of their work, receive a 30% commission on sales and rentals, and receive a 10% discount at their print lab. They’re also waiving all fees associated with the digital scanning of any artwork under contract with the loft where applicable. All styles are encouraged to submit. Please be sure to tell them about yourself and include links to your work. They’re also happy to answer any questions you may have. Visit www.caribouloft.art or e-mail your submissions directly to: submissions@caribouloft.art.

ArtSeen is a digital venue that showcases contemporary art programming, creators and practices from a variety of artist-run and community arts organisations. In spring of 2020 ARTSPLACE, located in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, was awarded funding through the Canada Council Digital Strategy Fund to develop capacity to run hybrid (digital and in-person) programming and to develop a strategy to amplify its programming impact. After a period of consultation with various stakeholders, it was decided creating a website designed as a digital venue would best serve our shared initiatives. ArtSeen first went live in Fall 2022 and officially launched December 2023. The project continues to recruit partners to work collaboratively, broaden contemporary art audiences and amplify the work of artist-run and community-led initiatives and the artists they present. Would your gallery or organisation like to be an ArtSeen collaborator?
ArtSeen is managed and maintained by ARTSPLACE. They are always looking to add to our community of contributing partners. If your organisation is interested in learning more about how to join ArtSeen, please contact admin@arcac.ca.

Therapeutic Arts Practitioner Gerard McNeil MEd, BEd (VAS), BFA,TAPC is excited to offer a new therapeutic arts service. This service is designed for those who want new ways to explore personal growth, stress reduction and overall mental wellness. To facilitate these therapeutic services a range of media from drawing to digital imaging will be utilized with a focus on personal development and wellness for individuals and community wellness for organizations and groups. McNeil is offering Personal Development and Wellness sessions (including Creative Wellness Through the Lens, and Creative Wellness One–to–One) as well as Community Wellness (Creative Wellness Through Connections). For more information about this therapeutic arts service, you can check out the website www.gerardmcneil.com/creative-wellness.html, contact Gerard by phone at 902-456-0861 or by e-mail at gmcneiltap@gmail.com.

Do you like to sketch? Want to share your passion for urban sketching with other like minded artists? Why not join the Urban Sketchers Halifax Facebook group.  Here you can share your urban sketches with other members and you will have the opportunity to attend a weekly sketchout.  Each week, they meet at a different location and sketch that location on-site in your medium of choice.  You are not obligated to attend each week, but the opportunity is there.  They are a very friendly, helpful group that love to share their passion for urban sketching.  They would love to have you join.  No fees of any kind.

Plein air painting/sketching immerses you in your surroundings. Artists often find their outdoor work is more spontaneous and vibrant than studio work. To succeed you need simply need to be persistent, and patient. Painting with others builds camaraderie and self-confidence. We recommend you join in group critiques. They are educational and act as social contact. Several plein air groups exist in Nova Scotia. Of those listed here, the groups meet weekly, rain or shine. You decide whether to come or not. No event is canceled or rescheduled due to weather. PAAHRM and PAAAV (Plein Air Artists HRM and Plein Air Artists Annapolis Valley) meet Thursdays with an optional date on a weekend. Some prefer weekdays. Some prefer weekends. Some like to go twice to each paint-out site. There are no fees involved with any of these groups. All artistic levels are accepted.

AFCOOP is proud to begin streaming 50 selected works from their nearly 50 years of helping members and the greater community make great films! There is so much work in the basements and closets of Atlantic filmmakers that is in danger of being lost to time. The AFCOOP Archives seeks to address this imminent loss by providing digital storage and an online streaming portal for the preservation and dissemination of AFCOOP members’ and community films.

Artists in Canada has a fixed pension plan for visual artists. Started in 2016. This Pension Plan is for all Canadian Artists (Visual Artists, Musicians, Writers, Performance, Graphic, Web development and Film Artists). Commercial, Public Art Galleries and Art Resource businesses and their staff are also eligible.

ART= WORK T-Shirts Available! VANL-CARFAC is excited to be re-launching the ART=WORK campaign in partnership with the Mary MacDonald Foundation. This joint fundraiser will support visual artists, curators, and art workers living in Newfoundland and Labrador through programs and awards distributed by their organizations. The T-shirts are $20 each and come in sizes include, XS (ladies S), S, M, L, XL, 2XL.

—click here to return to the index—

Awards and Funding

Tourism Nova Scotia is offering the Tourism Digital Assistance Program for Communities which will provide up to $15,000 in services from a qualified digital expert to help communities bridge the digital gap and improve their online marketing and services to attract visitors and encourage spending. The pilot program expands on the successful Tourism Digital Assistance Program for businesses and will also be delivered in partnership with Digital Nova Scotia.

—click here to return to the index—

Education

Sign up for a Drawing Workshop with Angela Henderson on March 14, 1 – 4 pm at Immaculata Hall, room 002 at St FX in Antigonish. This artist-led drawing workshop begins with participants meeting at Immaculata Hall. Weather permitting, Angela will take people on a walk outdoors, followed by studio time where participants will create drawings based on what they observed. Working with a variety of drawing materials – that will be provided – participants will draw from memory, intuition, and image association, allowing careful observation to shape how the image unfolds. This workshop is limited to 20 people.

Previously posted:

Creative Pictou County is offering a half-day Locations PA Fundamentals Workshop, which provides a practical introduction to working on set as a Production Assistant in Nova Scotia’s film and television industry. Taught by a current working Location Manager, the course is grounded in real on-set experience and reflects current industry standards. Participants will learn the core expectations of a Production Assistant, including set etiquette, communication, gear, reading an callsheet and how to work effectively within a fast-paced production environment. The workshop offers insight into how film sets are structured, how departments interact, and what a day working on productions can look like. The course also introduces participants to the professional landscape of the Nova Scotia screen industry, including an overview of union pathways. This workshop is ideal for individuals who are new to film and television. Workshop Details: March 28, 10am – 4pm. Cost: $75 plus tax. To register: Email Carissa@creativepictoucounty.com.

Have you seen all the great workshops going on at Makers Studio and Art Market in Windsor? They have classes in pottery, loom weaving, needle felting, rag rug making, arranging dried flowers, and more. They have options at various levels of experience and the workshops are very reasonably priced. They also have drop-in days for pottery if you want to book a session on the wheel.

Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design has five state of the art studios in pottery, metal and glass, printmaking, weaving and multi-purpose where courses are offered to the public. Their winter courses are available for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced — explore the lineup of courses and workshops and find your creativity today! They have upcoming courses on embroidery, quilting, pottery, jewellery, hand stitching, etching, knitting, oil painting and more! Winter semester courses and workshops will begin the week of January 26.

Lunenburg School of the Arts offers workshops led by professional art educators and working artists. Their Winter/Spring courses are filling up quick — don’t delay, register today! The small and intimate class sizes allow students to work closely with instructors and each other, fostering self-expression in a supportive atmosphere. LSA offers courses in a wide variety of mediums, our programs encourage exploration, discovery and development of skills and ideas. Join them for a quilting workshop Patchwork Shortcuts: Log Cabin Quilt with Marilyn Smulders this winter starting January 31. Learn simple tricks to make quilting faster and easier while creating a beautiful double-size quilt top (or a quilt top in the size of your choice). Most projects can be finished in class, though Marilyn will provide all the knowledge needed to confidently complete any unfinished work at home.

Deanne Fitzpatrick Rug Hooking Studio in Amherst has just finished creating something they’re really proud of: Create Beauty Everyday an 88-page, ad-free magazine all about art, creativity, and rug hooking. It’s filled with beautiful imagery and heartfelt stories from artists and makers from across Canada and the US, people who find beauty in the everyday. They are excited to connect with new artists and craftspeople to feature in future issues. Check out their magazine here and all their online courses here.

Wondering what a tariff is, how it’s collected, and how it affects Canadian artists? With so much uncertainty in our trade relations with the US, Canadian artists who sell art in the US or rely on American materials could be facing rising costs and new export challenges. Staying on top of changes to export rules can be frustrating and stressful. With this in mind, CARFAC has compiled some resources to help you navigate this challenging environment. Check out their resources on what Canadian artists need to know about US tariffs.

—click here to return to the index—

Employment 

Spindrift Gallery in Peggy’s Cove is hiring a seasonal Gallery Attendant. The gallery showcases historical exhibits and fine art by Atlantic Canadian artists and they are seeking an enthusiastic, curious, and dedicated person to assist with orienting diverse visitors, making them feel welcome, and helping them engage with the exhibits and collections. Reporting to the Gallery Coordinator and Schoolhouse Coordinator, this position will involve performing all required POS transactions, both cash and credit card transactions efficiently and accurately; receiving, handling, replenishing, and processing incoming products; assisting with additional programming and set-up for events; supporting gallery functions such as opening and closing the gallery, sales (artwork and merchandise), and more. The preferred candidate will enjoy working with the public; have a passion for the visual arts and history through demonstrated experience or education; be comfortable working independently as well as with a team; be an energetic self-starter; be responsible, organized, and professional. This is a seasonal/ part time, 6 months contract position paying $18 per hour. Expected start date: May 15, 2026. No deadline posted.

Confederation Centre in PEI is hiring a Curator. Reporting to the Director of Confederation Centre Art Gallery (CCAG), the Curator directs the gallery’s exhibition and public programming initiatives and oversees collecting, research and publications. The Curator is the public face of the artistic direction of CCAG, mediating between the work of Canadian artists and publics. The Curator plays a key role in cultivating and sustaining strong, long-term relationships with artists, donors, Board members, staff, volunteers, and other CCAG stakeholders, including a variety of engaged publics. The ideal candidate is a creative, self-driven professional with exceptional interpersonal and organizational abilities. They possess a well-established network and a strong knowledge base in Canadian and contemporary art. The Curator is expected to travel for studio visits, research, and relationship-building opportunities. They encourage applications from the BIPOC community, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Where requested, they will provide accommodations to candidates for all aspects of the recruitment and selection process. This position is represented by The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local B906. The starting annual salary as of April 1, 2026 (0-6 months) is $69,574. This is a full-time, permanent position for 37.5 hours per week.

Previously posted:

Antigonish Culture Alive is offering a 5-month contract for a Festival Coordinator to manage Antigonight, Antigonish’s annual arts festival. They are looking for a leader who is flexible, organized, effective in verbal and written communication, enthusiastic about supporting local artists, and can be in Antigonish, NS, several days a week for the duration of the contract (preference for a resident of Antigonish town or county). Organization: Antigonish Culture Alive/Antigonight. The contract is 5 months (May 5 – September 30), approximately 15 hours a week, and the wage is $7000. Deadline: March 20. 

Come to work at Summer Camp at Ross Creek! They have great camp jobs for youth between 19-30 who love the arts, care about making great experiences for kids and who want to spend the summer in a fabulous and beautiful location surrounded by artists and nature in a beautiful campus with forest, fields and ponds, all overlooking the Bay of Fundy. They welcome applications from across Canada. If you don’t have prior camp experience, that’s not a problem! All camp staff go through an extensive Staff Training which includes the ins and outs of working at camp, including recreational activities meant to build their team for the summer. Deadline: April 15.

Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design is looking for screen printing and printmaking instructors to lead engaging, hands-on workshops in their studios in Sydney. They’re seeking creative individuals who love sharing their skills and inspiring others. If you’re passionate about teaching and enjoy working with makers of all experience levels, they’d love to connect! What you’ll do: Create fun, informative lesson plans; Demonstrate screen printing/printmaking techniques;   Guide participants through their projects; Ensure safe and proper use of tools and materials. Know someone who’d be a great fit? To apply, please email your resume and a brief overview of your teaching experience to tammy@capebretoncraft.com.

A list of presenters/galleries that pay the CARFAC/RAAV Minimum Fee for artist exhibitions was compiled by CARFAC Maritimes to guide the membership in their search for paying venues. You will find public galleries, galleries in other establishments, artist cooperatives and artist run centres. They will update the list on a regular basis. Should you find any information missing or incorrect, kindly let them know at anna.rail@carfacmaritimes.org  with the pertinent information and they will make the necessary changes immediately. Here is the link to the list:  http://www.carfacmaritimes.org/en/exhibition-opportunities-maritimes/

—click here to return to the index—

Events

Harvest Gallery in Wolfville presents WOMEN’S WORK, a now-annual exhibition. WOMEN’S WORK is a striking and inspiring celebration of creativity, talent, and the women who enrich our lives. As the gallery’s first exhibition of the new year, this show sets the tone for the months ahead, ushering in a fresh season of artistry and leading us beautifully into spring. Opening on Saturday, March 7, 1 – 3pm (just one day ahead of International Women’s Day), WOMEN’S WORK highlights new works from the 31 distinguished female artists on the gallery’s roster. Including: Jeanne A. Smith, Bonnie Baker, Diana Baldwin, Poppy Balser, Marla Benton, Terry-Lee Bourgeois King, Berkeley Brown, Marianne Brown, Holly Carr, Cecil Day, Leya Evelyn, Doretta Groenendyk, Sheri Hancock, Naomi Beth Hill, Debra Kuzyk, Sydney Lancaster, Mary-Jane Lundy, Laura Macdonald, Dawn MacNutt, Shelley Mansel, Joyce Martin, Angela Melanson, Mindy Moore, Sanna Rahola, Mary Reardon, Rachel Reeve, Julie Rosvall, Kath K. Rutherford, Lynda Shalagan, Anna Syperek & Melissa Townsend. Guests are invited to meet the artists, enjoy light refreshments, and spend time celebrating.

Previously posted:

Antigonish Culture Alive is having a Community Session for Antigonight 2026 at The People’s Place: Antigonish Town and County Library. They want to hear from you as they plan Antigonish’s annual arts festival! The art world is changing in many ways, and ACA is committed to evolve with it. This year, they’re exploring a more dynamic and interdisciplinary format with workshops, artist talks and community gatherings. They’d love to hear from the community to learn what you’d be interested in learning, leading or seeing at the upcoming Antigonight festival! ACA will be hosting an in-person session at the Antigonish Town and County Library’s Community Room from 6-8pm on Thursday, March 5th. Can’t attend in person? Complete the questionnaire here.

You’re invited to the opening of Conversation Threads at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, presenting works by Atlantic Canadian weavers, sculptors, quiltmakers, basket makers, and storytellers. Enjoy music, light fare, and conversations on Friday, February 27, 6 – 9pm.

—click here to return to the index—

Residencies

Call For Applications: Artist-in-Residence Program at the Lunenburg School of the Arts. The Artist-in-Residence program provides a space for emerging artists, including recent graduates, to enable them to develop and enhance their practice in their chosen medium and who are interested in placing Lunenburg at the core of their submitted project. The program will host two artists each year, one in each of their two terms (Fall and Winter); each term will be followed by an artist talk & exhibition of completed works. The Artist-in-Residence will receive a stipend of $500.00 (CDN) per month and is responsible for their own material costs and sourcing. This program is a studio only residency; the Artist-in-Residence is responsible for their own living and travel arrangements and expenses. Deadline for the Fall Term: March 31.

The Sable Island Institute and Sable Island National Park Reserve invite proposals for their 2026-27 Artist in Residence program. The Artist in Residence program is an opportunity for artists to spend up to two weeks on Sable Island immersed in its landscape, history, and ecology, engaging in research to inform their artistic practice. This year they are offering three artists this unique opportunity. Two residencies will take place in Fall 2026, and one in Spring 2027. The artists’ residency will lead to the creation of original works of art that embody and interpret Sable Island’s cultural and natural features. Applications are welcome from artists in all disciplines.The full terms of reference and application form can be found at https://sableislandinstitute.org/artist-in-residence/. Deadline: March 17, 11:59pm AST.

Previously posted:

Call for Applications: Diefenbunker 2026 Artist-in-Residence Program at Canada’s Cold War Museum, Ottawa, Ontario. The Diefenbunker is seeking artists working in all media to apply to be the Diefenbunker’s 2026 Artist-in-Residence. Bring new perspectives and stories to Canada’s Cold War Museum, an impressive four-storey underground facility that operated as the country’s central communications headquarters during the Cold War. Today, the Diefenbunker is a one-of-a-kind museum and national historic site. Since 2014, the Diefenbunker’s Artist-in-Residence Program has fostered connections between the museum, local artists, and the wider Ottawa-Gatineau community. The program offers a unique and meaningful public platform for emerging and established artists. The 10-month program is open to artists of all ages, working in all media, and living within 100 km of Ottawa. The residency is not a live-in opportunity, and artists must have their own means of transportation (there is no public transportation to the Diefenbunker). The artist will receive a CARFAC project fee, divided into two payments contingent upon completion of project milestones. Deadline: March 6, at 11:59pm ET.

Call for Applications: Kluane National Park Artist Residency. The Kluane National Park Artist Residency provides an opportunity for established visual artists to pursue work that brings together science and art through connection with the spectacular landscape of Kluane National Park and Reserve in the southwest Yukon. With the support of the Yukon Arts Centre, Parks Canada and the Arctic Institute of North America’s (AINA) Kluane Lake Research Station (KLRS), artists are given valuable time to retreat, reflect, and focus on their work with access to researchers and scientists. The residency is the perfect setting to explore the interplay between science, conservation, and art, and give artists a chance to share and connect with people from all over the world. This residency is open to Canadian applicants (one Northern Artist and one Artist from Canada). There are two separate 2-week residencies between late June to August of 2027. The residency includes a $3000 CAD honorarium from the Yukon Arts Centre, accommodations and meals for two weeks in a cabin at the Kluane Lake Research Station which is located 220 km northwest of Whitehorse, Yukon, on the south shore of Lhù’ààn Mânʼ (Kluane Lake).  Artists are responsible for their own transportation to and from the residency. A vehicle is strongly recommended during the residency. Basic art supplies for participants attending public programs will be provided. Deadline: March 15, 5pm Yukon Time.

La Napoule Art Foundation and Fondation David R. Graham are pleased to bring together Canadian artists of all genres to a new residency program in which artists will receive inspiration, support, and opportunities for career growth, while strengthening the intercultural connection between Canada and France. Twenty Canadian artists per year will enjoy a cultural experience to practice their art in the company of other artists in a castle in the South of France. Acceptance into this residency includes a generous travel and material stipend, room and board, studio space and time and space to create in an awe-inspiring locale. Established and emerging Canadian artists from any discipline are encouraged to apply. Download the informational sheet here. The call for Fall 2026 residency applications (November 10 – December 12, 2026) is currently open. Deadline: March 6.

Bareneedstudios Artist Retreat and Residency is located in Bareneed on the Port de Grave Peninsula, a one hour drive west from St. Johns, Newfoundland. The year-round dual studio space offers artists, curators and creative types a getaway from their everyday existence – an experience framed within a unique geographic and cultural context. Bareneedstudios encourages cultural exchange through local, provincial, national and international artists-in residence for durations of one to six months. It will accept artists of all kinds, but with some exceptions based on the materials used. Art modalities sustained by Bareneedstudios but not limited to include: visual arts, small scale sculpture, writing, film-making, theatre arts, music, craft, dance. The residency costs $600 CAN per studio per week and applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Ou Gallery is a warm and beautiful space curated to support creatives in their artistic journey on Vancouver Island; a stunning, nature-filled place. Come to decompress, gather new inspiration alongside like-minded artists and writers, and devote space and time to create. The Ou-telier is an independent and process based residency; a place for you to decompress, experiment, research and play. They love hosting folks who are self-directed, focused and kind, and our hope is that you will leave the residency feeling rested, renewed and inspired. They welcome applications from emerging and established writers, painters, photographers, textile and 2D artists. Artists have 24/hr access to their own designated studio in a shared space. Each studio is approx. 250 square feet in a historic boatbuilding workshop with open rafters and original fir floors. Fees: 2 weeks $1,250 CAD, 4 weeks $2,500 CAD. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

A Position on Retreat focuses on creating experiences of connection to the natural world, personal well-being, and self-actualization to cultivate creative expression and flow. They aim to create experiences between the natural world of Lake Cowichan on Vancouver Island and the curated groups of artists that reorient us to the collective goals of peace, acceptance, and wholeness. The program welcomes all media of artistic expression, including painting, drawing, digital photography, video, film, 3D animation, AI, creative coding, game development, XR, emerging digital practices, web3, creative and academic writing, and more. They aim to balance digital/emerging practices with traditional practices. Residents can select whether they would like individual/self-directed time or if they would like to participate in skill and conceptual development. They also offer thematic residencies throughout the year. Two-week residencies cost $1300. There is no deadline to apply.

Studio H Canada International Artist Residency and the Northern Women Arts Collaborative are excited to announce a new textile residency in honour of artist, activist, and social worker Irene Borins Ash (1952-2020). Irene was passionate about weaving and art in all its forms. She gifted the studio her Leclerc Tapestry Loom and to honour her memory and her art, we are now offering a partially funded, one-month intensive textile residency. This residency is open to proposals of experimental to traditional and hybrid approaches to weaving. Textile artists interested in tapestry weaving using the Leclerc Loom (Tissart model pre-1990), are invited to apply for this special residency to undertake new work and research in Metchosin, BC Canada – the unceded territories of the Sci’anew First Nation. The selected artist may choose a one-month period for the residency, but some months may be more relevant in the local community. The selected artist is welcome to propose a longer period for the residency which may not be fully funded. $1,500 CAD stipend. January 2024-April 2024.

Studio H Canada art residency and exchange is hosted in Metchosin, a rural municipality of Victoria, BC. Artists from around the world and Canada, in all disciplines and media, are invited to engage in collaborative projects or to develop new work on their own in this creative and inspiring setting. The vision of the Studio H Canada Art Residency program is to create meaningful, collaborative connections between artists from around the world and Canada, in all media and walks of life, that will result in new art, opportunities, friendships, and supportive circles of creativity. Artists can create, exhibit, do public presentations and workshops, research, and network. Fees for the art residency average $40 – $60 per day. There is no deadline to apply.

The Ross Creek Centre for the Arts in Canning offers residencies to professional artists working in one or more of the following media: visual art, writing, theatre, dance, film, music, performance art, photography, fibre arts and video. Their residencies provide a spectacular rural environment free from distraction. Each season offers a unique and changing landscape guaranteed to inspire artists of all disciplines. Apply individually or as a collaborative team looking to make some creative explorations in a safe and welcoming space. Ongoing submissions are welcome.

Apply to be an Artist-in-Residence at the Caetani Cultural Centre (a historic heritage house) in the small town of Vernon, BC. The residency is open to emerging and established artists and writers in most mediums: installation, earthworks, sculpture, painting, drawing, photography, digital media, printmaking, etc. Fees range from $10 – $35 per day, depending on the room, studio and season. There is a minimum two week stay. Applications for Caetani Cultural Centre’s Self-Directed Artist-in-Residence Program are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Looking for artist residencies? Res Artis: Worldwide Network of Arts Residencies is a 26 year old network of arts residency operators from around the globe. Their easy to navigate website has tons of listing of open calls from organizations around the world, or you can search their list of residencies by location, disciplines, fees, and more. They also link all the residency descriptions back to the individual arts organizations websites.

The 360 Xochi Quetzal Artist and Writer’s Residency Program is located in Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico on the shores of the largest lake in the country where the perfect year-round climate and stunning lake and mountain views have long established the region as an international artist mecca. They now offer four live/work spaces. Residents will be inspired by the natural beauty, history and culture of this special part of central Mexico. They offer a personal residency that can be applied for throughout the year.

—click here to return to the index—

Submissions

Inkwell Modern Handmade Boutique in Halifax is seeking to consign handmade products for their retail and online stores! Do you have work you’d like to see featured at Inkwell? Or maybe you know a maker who produces great handmade items? The talent of the local and international maker community is infinite. They believe representation matters and those who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, Disabled and any minority groups are encouraged to apply. Know a maker who might be interested in working with Inkwell? They look forward to seeing what you’ve been making!

The J. Franklin Wright Gallery in Port Hawkesbury welcomes submissions from visual artists at all stages of their career for their 2022 season. Submissions must include; CV, Biography – 100 words max, Project Proposal – 500 words max (please note in your proposal whether there are any special requirements), 5- 10 images relevant to your project (Image list – artist’s name, title of work, medium, dimensions and date). Please see their page for more information and floor plan of the gallery. There are no hanging fees; however, a 25% commission from sales arranged directly between the artist and the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre is charged. Please forward submissions to: ryansharon2012@gmail.com. There is no deadline for submissions.

The CSARN Mentoring Program. CSARN (the Canadian Senior Artists Resource Network) offers emerging and transitioning professional artists the guidance of a mentor with a lifetime of talent and experience to share. Their award-winning mentors have inspired and empowered and they want to empower the next generation of artists so that they also can change the world. There is no cost to our program. In fact, mentors for their time and cover mentees’ expenses. Mentors and mentees must be professional artists. If you are not sure you qualify, read the Canadian Artist Code. For more information see their website. 

The Clay and Glass Gallery in Waterloo is looking to build a database of artists who work with glass, clay, and ceramics. This database would be for research purposes with the intention of finding artists to potentially work with in the future- whether that is through exhibition opportunities or otherwise. Interested artists are encouraged to visit the following link: https://forms.gle/cnxk3rob6yZp19uS8 or contact Cheyenne Mapplebeck directly at Cheyenne.mapplebeck@gmail.com.

C Magazine is seeking to expand their pool of writers. Do you want to write for C Magazine? If yes, enter yourself in their Writer Directory. The purpose of this directory is to allow writers at all experience levels to express interest in working with C Magazine, and to tell them a bit about themselves, without pitching a specific piece. By completing this form, you are consenting to the possibility that you could be contacted by C’s editorial team for an assignment at any time. They pay all contributors a minimum of 35 cents/word (CAD).  If you’d like to pitch something specific, please visit the submissions page to read about C Magazine’s sections, style, and submission guidelines.

Artwork Archive just published their Complete Guide to Artist Grants and Opportunities. They’ve compiled a list of artist grants, residencies, and calls-for-entry in the upcoming year and although some of them are US specific, there are several international opportunities as well. You can download a free copy of the guide and start submitting your applications!

The Teichert Gallery at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is currently accepting submissions. New works are juried biweekly by their volunteer accessions committee who meet every other Monday. The deadline for submission is every other Sunday before 3pm. Artists may submit up to five works at a time. Please have your works titled (title should be written on the back of the work along with your name) and attach or email your biography, CV, or both. You will need to determine the sale price for you work. The gallery’s commission rate is 35%. If you are unsure about pricing your work they encourage you to browse around the gallery and look at comparable works. Works may be dropped off anytime during gallery hours, no need to set up an appointment. For more information see their submission guidelines.

—click here to return to the index—

Nova Scotia Exhibition Listings

ANNA LEONOWENS GALLERY (NSCAD), HALIFAX: Gallery 1: Arts & Witchcrafts, Kai Hogan Leung, March 3 – 7. Gallery 2: BURNOUT, Bianca McDonald, February 24 – March 7. Gallery 3: All the Time I Am Returning, A. Banko,  March 3 – 7. Gallery 1: The Enigmatic Ecuador, Doménica Guevara; Gallery 3: Shape Where, Ezra Saad, March 10 – 14. Gallery 2: A Map of Sensations: The Courage to Rebuild My Life, Yuting Song, March 10.

ART GALLERY OF NOVA SCOTIA, HALIFAX: Conceptual Art and the Camera, January 24 – November 30. Nova Scotia Spotlight: Cecil Day, until May 1. Mi’kma’ki Artists’ Spotlight: Gordon Sparks, until September 13. Jawbone Corner: Watercolours of Henry M. Rosenberg, ongoing. Blacklight, May 3 – ongoing. From One to Many Natures, ongoing. Oluseye: Negro Crossing, until March 29. TA’N A’SIKATIKL SIPU’L | CONFLUENCE, ongoing. Léopold L. Foulem: Reshaping Function, ongoing. Maud Lewis, ongoing. Conversation Threads, February 28 – May 3. Conversations With Jipijka’m, Diane Langevin, until May 4.

ARTSPLACE, ANNAPOLIS ROYAL: Main Gallery: I Am Torn & I Am Mended, Julie Rosvall, February 21 – April 11. Library Gallery: Simple Joys, Barbara Brown Conrod, February 21 – March 21; Chapel Gallery: Duality, Sarah Reesor & Ray Mackie, February 21 – April 11; Mym Gallery: Invitation to Our Journey, Carolle LeBlanc, Jacquie Savoie, Corinne Drapeau, February 21 – April 11.

CAPE BRETON CENTRE FOR CRAFT & DESIGN, SYDNEY: Shift Canada,  Andrea Tsang Jackson, Cally Booker, Kiersten Holden-Ada, Louise Barrington, Mengnan Qu, Susan O’Byrne, Jennifer Green, Sarah Paramor, Rebecca Hannon, and Carol Sinclair, February 2 – March 31.

CHESTER ART CENTRE, CHESTER: Hooking Goes Pop, Terri Whetstone & Rose Wilson, February 26 – March 15.

THE CRAIG GALLERY, DARTMOUTH: Main Gallery: Broken Windows – Abandoned Nova Scotia In Miniature, John Eaton; Case Gallery: Mundane Objects, Gavin Snow; and Mote, Kevin MacLean, March 3 – 29.

DALHOUSIE ART GALLERY, HALIFAX: It’s About Time: Dancing Black in Canada 1900–1970 and Now, curated by Seika Boye, January 23 – April 12.

DECOSTE CULTURE HUB, PICTOU: The Art of Mi’kmaw Culture, Dr. Gerald R. Gloade, until March 14. Held in the Wake, Jennifer Coveyduc, until March 14. Faces of the Forest, until March 14. Into the Forest: Where the Future Grows, Christine Whelan, until May 17.

ELTUEK ARTS CENTRE, SYDNEY: Sailing, Paulina Osorio, February 7 – June 27.

14 BELLS GALLERY, HALIFAX: Echoes of Diaspora, Gloire Aelfaz, February 21 – March 13.

HARVEST GALLERY, WOLFVILLE: WOMEN’S WORK: Celebrating Female Artists, opening March 7, 1 – 3 pm.

HERMES, HALIFAX: The Feast, Sara Hartland-Rowe, February 6 –  March 8.

LUNENBURG SCHOOL OF THE ARTS, LUNENBURG: THE STORY … is in the making, Kate Church with Students Works from November 2025 Workshop, March 5 – 29.

MARY E BLACK GALLERY, HALIFAX: TABU, Tyshan Wright, opens March 5 at 6 pm.

MSVU ART GALLERY, HALIFAX: Plato’s Goon Cave, Hannah Epstein, February 7 – May 17.

STFX ART GALLERY, ANTIGONISH: mouth them like words, Angela Henderson February 25 – April 4. Artist talk: March 12, 7 pm.

SMU ART GALLERY, HALIFAX: What A Sin, Ali Nickerson and Leesa Hamilton, January 24 – March 29.

THE SUNROOM (HALIFAX CENTRAL LIBRARY), HALIFAX: we don’t have much in common anymore, Christie Melville, March 2 – April 12.

TIDES CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY, KENTVILLE: The Path, Ofelia Arzate, March 4 –  29.

TREATY SPACE GALLERY (NSCAD), HALIFAX: Best of Two Worlds, Leonard Paul, March 2 – 21.

LE TRÉCARRÉ, CHURCH POINT: Beneath the Snow: Winter Stories/ Sous la Neige: Histoires d’hiver, Members’ Exhibition, until March 20.

VIEWPOINT GALLERY, BEDFORD: Main Gallery: Infinite Perspectives, Laszlo Podor; Fresh Eyes Guest Artist: Caspian Reid; March Featured Member: Boundaries of Development, Graeme Coxon, March 5 – 29.

—click here to return to the index—

You can subscribe to the VANS Newsletter here.

Visual Arts Nova Scotia makes every effort to provide information which is relevant and as complete, up-to-date and accurate as possible. However, neither Visual Arts Nova Scotia (nor any of its employees) can be held responsible to users of the information or any other person for any errors or omissions, or for any losses, costs or claims which arise as a result of relying on such information or advice. The publication of information does not imply an endorsement.

To have your notice or current Nova Scotia exhibition included, please complete this form or email communicate@visualarts.ns.ca. All Gallery and Group members of Visual Arts Nova Scotia, will be linked to their individual web pages for exhibition listings, VANS does not include links for other exhibition listings.

—click here to return to the index—