Calgary Public Library represents unlimited possibilities and inspires people of all ages to wonder, seek, discover, and share. Calgary’s 22 libraries are community hubs that ignite learning, discussion, innovation, and action and our patrons are curious, creative, and resilient. This is accomplished through the Library’s commitment to empowering community by connecting you to ideas and experiences, inspiration, and insight.
Calgary Public Library invites applications for the position of Creative in Residence – Textile Artist. Creating with natural fibers or commercially produced materials, whether using traditional techniques and practices or contemporary interpretations, to make work that is abstract, decorative, functional, conceptual, or a combination — textile and fibre artists play a significant role in Calgary’s arts and culture community.
Textile arts are one of the oldest forms of artistic expression. Traditionally functional, utilitarian and considered to be “women’s work” associated with domesticity, textile and fibre artists have been continually reinventing the artform. Textile and fibre arts, and those who make the art, are no longer easily defined or categorized. Textiles and fibre arts can reflect stories, traditions, and beliefs, making them an important form of cultural expression historically and today. They can also prioritize artistic expression, reflecting an aesthetic or conceptual purpose rather than a narrative or functional one. Textile and fibre arts are dynamic and evolving. Calgary Public Library wishes to celebrate this exciting art form and build awareness of fibre artists and artwork in the City through this unique community-based residency opportunity.
The Textile Artist in Residence works with the Library to create collaborative and inclusive environments where all community members are welcome to participate and learn. This position invites a resident to share their talents and knowledge in areas that may be underrepresented in the Library. The programming and mentorship offered through this residency will provide unique opportunities for learning and creating that meet the diverse needs of the community. They will engage with the public through programs such as open office hours, interactive workshops, and/or presentations to school groups.
The program is a 10-week community engagement residency that supports emerging and established Textile Artists working in any genre or format, with any media or technique, be that traditional or contemporary.
The Textile Artist in Residence provides services including advice and support on textile and fibre arts, particularly in the techniques of which they work, for interested Calgarians. The Resident also promotes public awareness and processes involved in the textile making process.
The Resident has access to a designated office in Central Library and will engage with the public through online and in-person programs such as one-on-one consultations, workshops, school group tours, and live performances.
The successful candidate has a demonstrated passion for textile art which they are eager to share, and an ability to work with and inspire people of all ages.
The successful candidate will have:
The Textile Artist in Residence will:
The Textile Artist in Residence honorarium is $50.00 per hour to a maximum of 160 hours per residency. This amount includes offsite preparation time and onsite program delivery time, including consultations.
Applicants will be evaluated based on inclusion of the following:
If you have questions about the above requirements, contact design@calgarylibrary.ca .
The successful candidate will be selected by a committee of Calgary Public Library representatives and a community representative. All applicants will be notified once the committee has made its selection at the end of June. The successful candidate will be notified, but their name will not be announced until the residency has been secured.
Please submit applications to:
Service Design: Textile Artist in Residence Program
Central Library, 800 3 Street SE
Calgary, AB T2G 2E7
Or electronically to Design@calgarylibrary.ca
