message from the ceo
To our valued community,
I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect with you and share an update on where we are today, and how we plan to continue serving you in future.
2025 has been a busy and rewarding year for the Edmonton Arts Council (EAC) and our vibrant arts community. Among the highlights of our 30th anniversary year was the installation of the 300th artwork in the City of Edmonton Public Art Collection: Piney’s Playground by AJA Louden. We also celebrated national and local recognition for UGOand A Mischief of Could Be(s) by Red Knot Studio, and we proudly welcomed our new Poet Laureate, the remarkable Medgine Mathurin. I want to take a moment to thank all of the staff at EAC who managed these projects, and many more programs, grant processes, events and relationships in 2025.
This year also brought significant achievements for many Edmonton-based organizations. Ukrainian Shumka Dancers and the Brian Webb Dance Company were inducted into the Dance Collection Danse Hall of Fame—a well-deserved national honour. Local choir Belle Canto earned the highest mark ever awarded at the International Choir Festival in Provence, France, and went on to win the 2025 Grand Prix (catch them at one of our ETS pop-ups at Churchill Station from 5–7 pm this Saturday, December 6!).
While there is much to celebrate, there is also important work ahead to ensure the long-term stability of our artists and organizations. Despite increasing demand, EAC funding has remained static in recent years. As a result, we have been unable to increase support for individuals or organizations, and our success rates have declined. You may have noticed changes to the application process for organizations this year, including requests for additional data. This information will help us make a stronger, evidence-based case for increased arts funding in the next City budget cycle. Our Economic Impact report released this summer is already helping demonstrate the strong return on investment that the arts provide. In 2026, the EAC’s board will be a crucial part of this work, and I thank them for their expertise and volunteer time in 2025. We appreciate your patience and partnership as we continue this critical advocacy.
To all of our local artists, arts and culture organizations, arts professionals, and arts supporters: we appreciate you. Our relationship with you is our top priority, and we look forward to continuing to work on your behalf in 2026.
As always, please feel free to reach out to our staff with any questions or concerns. Thank you for your contributions to Edmonton’s arts and culture landscape in 2025.
— Renée Williams
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What's on in Edmonton this weekend? Browse a selection of art from local artisans at the Alberta Council for the Ukrainian Arts’ Christmas Night Market, join the Accord Ensemble for a cozy night of music at Silver and Shadow - Winter choral concert, enjoy and evening of original Christmas songs and hidden-gem indie-folk covers at Christmas in the Gingerbread Pines, experience the eclectic lineup of performers at the Collins Studio Gallery 5th Annual benefit for Edmonton’s Food Bank, and so much more!
