Indigenous Artists in Residence Selected for 2026 Program

Five First Nations and Métis artists living in Regina have been selected for the 2026 Indigenous Artist in Residence program through an open call and review process led by a panel of Indigenous artists and art professionals from Treaty 4 Territory.

“We are pleased to welcome this year’s Indigenous Artists in Residence and support the work they will create for the City of Regina’s Civic Art Collection,” said Diana Burton, Director, Recreation and Cultural Services. “Each artist brings important perspectives, cultural knowledge and creative practices that will offer residents meaningful opportunities to connect with Indigenous art, culture and storytelling.”

The selected artists for 2026 are Brianna LaPlante, Lorne Kequatooway, Melanie Monique Rose, Phyllis Poitras-Jarrett and Torrie Ironstar.

Now in its fifth year, the program will support five First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists through a paid residency focused on artistic creation, community connection and cultural continuity. The selected artists will create artwork for the City of Regina’s Civic Art Collection and lead public workshops as part of the residency.

The 2026 residency is guided by the theme “belonging, kinship and continuity,” encouraging artists to explore connections to place, relationships and the transmission of culture across generations. The Indigenous Artist in Residence program reflects the City’s commitment to embedding Indigenous worldviews in municipal operations through kâ-nâsihcikêwin, the City’s Indigenous Framework. Rooted in the Treaty Principle of miskâsowin, finding one’s sense of origin, belonging and centre, the program creates opportunities to showcase Indigenous art and to shape spaces that honour the history and culture of the original peoples of Treaty 4 Territory.

The residency runs from June to October 2026. During this time, artists will host public workshops at the Neil Balkwill Civic Arts Centre, giving residents opportunities to learn from the artists and connect with Indigenous art and storytelling. A final exhibition will be held at the Art Gallery of Regina from November 27 to the end of December 2026, featuring artwork created through the 2026 residency alongside selected works by previous artists from the program.