City of Regina | Artist Calls

2025 Indigenous Artist in Residence

The call for the 2025 Indigenous Artist in Residence Program is now open.

This program creates a part-time residency for an Indigenous artist to explore their practice, facilitate free and accessible community engagement, and create work(s) of art to be included within the City's Civic Art Collection.

The theme for 2025 will explore “Indigenous Futurism.” The artist may work in any medium including but not limited to 2D, 3D, Indigenous traditional arts, dance, music, spoken or written word, public art or installation.

This opportunity is open only to First Nations, Métis, or Inuit people residing full-time in Regina during the residency, from June to October 2025.

The Indigenous Artist in Residence Program celebrates and amplifies the voices of Indigenous artists and the Indigenous artistic and cultural presence in our community. The program demonstrates the City’s ongoing commitment to the representation and visibility of Indigenous artists, and the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action.

Indigenous Artist in Residence - Application

The application deadline is March 24, 2025, at 4 p.m.

Neil Balkwill 2025 Artist in Residency: Regina's Oldest Tree

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The City of Regina is excited to announce the 2025 Neil Balkwill Civic Arts Centre Artist in Residency. The residency offers the opportunity for mid-career and established artists to transform the wood from the trunk of Regina’s oldest tree into a piece of art.

Regina’s oldest tree, an American Elm, has stood witness to over a century of the city’s history. From its place in downtown Victoria Park, this tree was present for the Regina Cyclone in 1912. It was cut down in August 2023 for safety reasons.

The City of Regina invites artists to submit proposals for concepts that honour and preserve this tree’s rich history while also fostering awareness of Regina’s urban forest. The selected artist will use the wood from the trunk of the tree to create a work of art and mentor an emerging artist, ensuring that the Neil Balkwill Center’s legacy of fine art and craftsmanship continues.

Artists interested in this residency should make note of the following important dates:

Viewing of the tree trunk (at 1430 4th Avenue): Wednesday, September 11 from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Proposal Application Deadline: Wednesday, October 9 by 4:00 p.m.
Project Completion Deadline: by April 30, 2025

Artists with a connection to Regina and Treaty Four territory will be given preference. The project aims to reflect the city’s cultural diversity and support the professional development of local artists. This project also represents a promise kept by the City to ensure the preservation of the tree as a critical part of Regina's history.

Download the Call for Artists Information Package for full details.

For more information, contact Marah Mattison at mmattison@regina.ca.

City of Regina Announces Cat Haines as 2024 Neil Balkwill Artist in Residence

August 14, 2024

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The City of Regina is pleased to announce that local artist and activist Cat Haines has been selected as the 2024 Neil Balkwill Artist in Residence. Haines, a transdisciplinary artist, will develop an experimental documentary focusing on the often-overlooked histories of trans spaces and communities in Regina. Haines' work will involve extensive research, including archival explorations and oral history interviews, culminating in a documentary.

"My goal is to showcase the rich past, present, and future of trans communities in Regina, highlighting their resilience and contributions," says Haines. "This project aims to foster dialogue and raise awareness about our city's diverse cultural fabric."

During the residency, Haines will organize events such as a public artist talk on their work and a creative workshop. These activities are designed to involve the community and honour the stories and experiences of Regina’s trans population.

Haines' background includes a master's degree in Women’s and Gender Studies from the University of Regina, various artistic residencies, and numerous exhibitions and performances.

The selection panel, which comprised members from the art and culture community, chose Haines based on project merit, community engagement, and alignment with the City of Regina’s Cultural Plan. Haines’ residency will conclude in October 2024.

This residency supports the professional development of the artist and contributes to the City’s 2SLGBTQIAP+ Action Plan. The plan aims to increase the representation of 2SLGBTQIAP+ art within City facilities and to host more 2SLGBTQIAP+ specific programming.