Our three seasonal Artists in Residence are paid community engagement residencies that support artists, collectives, and arts organizations working in Indigenous art and placemaking, children's art and illustration, or the Newcomer experience.
Residents work in a designated space at Central Library and engage with the public at libraries across the city.
Han Sungpil, Calgary Public Library’s 2024 Newcomer Artist in Residence, strives to understand the world’s diversity by exploring nature, discovering sublime elements of beauty, and interpreting mundane worlds that have been sources of his inspiration. He was born in Seoul, South Korea and immigrated to Canada in 2020. He is a visual artist that uses photography, video, and installation to delve into environmental issues, which has always kept him exploring the Arctic, Antarctic, Amazon, Andes, Alps, Sahara and Canadian Rockies.
The Newcomer Artist in Residence program is a partnership with Calgary Arts Development. The resident is the recipient of the 2024 Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) New Canadian Artist Award sponsored by TD Bank at the Mayor's 2024 Celebration for the Arts.
Listen to songs recorded by Indigenous Artist in Residence Mackenzie Brown during her Library residency.
The songs are Asani, Sakihitowin, Crystal Kids Love Song, and Butterfly.
The Newcomer Artist in Residence is pleased to consult with emerging and established artists of all ages to discuss technique, inspirations, style, or whatever aspect of the art world would be most helpful.
Attend free programs with Han Sungpil during his residency.
In Han’s thought-provoking booklist, you will experience a variety of stories. Some will spark your imagination and take you to new places, while others are meant to inspire change.
Born and raised in South Korea, Sumin Choi has called Calgary home since 2008. She is a graduate of AUArts with experience in graphic design and mural projects, and has collaborated with a diverse range of clients, from local businesses to international corporations.
Sumin's vibrant illustrations reflect her personality. She brings a unique perspective to her work and forges a deep bond between her art and its viewers. Through her colourful creations, she hopes to create a captivating and uplifting experience for children, fostering imagination and a love for reading with messages of kindness, joy, and connection.
Through their residency, chosen artists working in any artistic discipline will bring their Indigenous identities, experiences, and perspectives to the public.
The Newcomer Artist in Residence is an artist who recently arrived in Canada (five years or less) and is the winner of the annual Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) New Canadian Artist Award at the Mayor’s Luncheon for Arts Champions.
This residency recognizes the contribution of children’s artists to literature through exhibitions and workshops for all ages.
