Artist opportunities
Artist Opportunities
Grants and programs to spark creativity
Discover grants, residencies, public art and youth programs that help build a vibrant and inclusive arts scene in Kelowna.
Community Art Grant
Open June 1 to Sep. 7, 2026
Have an idea that brings people together through art? Get funding to lead a community project and showcase it at Culture Days.
Artist in Residence
Open June 1 to Aug. 3, 2026
Become our 2026-27 Artist in Residence. The theme, Arts on Prescription, explores creativity, mental health and community well-being.
Youth Panel Member
Open until July 30, 2026
Are you 15–24? Help choose the next Artist in Residence, gain experience and connect with local artists.
Rutland Transit Exchange Mural
Closed June 8, 2026
Design a mural for the Rutland Transit Exchange that reflects its agricultural roots and vibrant, diverse community.
Creative Youth Opportunity
Open until June 30, 2026
Showcase your work and get paid. Selected youth artists will be featured in the City’s Cultural Services newsletter.
Art @ KCT Exhibition
Closed for 2026
Exhibit your work at the Kelowna Community Theatre. Two gallery spaces offer a chance to showcase your art to the community.
Major Events Artist Grants
When big events hit Kelowna, public art makes a splash. Explore opportunities as they pop up.
Public Art in Kelowna
Discover public art installations, from major landmarks to emerging new talent.
Call for artists: Rutland Transit Exchange Mural
APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED | The Rutland Transit Exchange has been revitalized—and now it’s your chance to be part of it.
The City is seeking one artist to design artwork for 6 mural panels at the site. The selected artist will create a piece that reflects and celebrates Rutland’s unique story, from its agricultural roots to today’s vibrant, diverse community. Themes may include orchards, irrigation, farm life, harvest seasons, community gatherings and the area’s growth over time.
- Location: Rutland Transit Exchange, located at Shephard Road and Asher Road
- Payment: $5,500 including all aspects of creation.
- Application Deadline: Monday, June 8, 2026 by 3:00pm
Before you apply, review the program guidelines.
APPLY NOW
Ready to apply? You'll need to provide the following information:
- Name, address, contact information and any website or social media that highlights your work.
- An attached written statement about your proposed design, and how it supports the mural theme (up to 350 words).
- An artist biography (up to 250 words).
- A draft of the artwork that displays form, colour and character of the proposed work. This does not have to be a final design however it should give an opportunity for those making the selection to understand the general composition and direction of the future finished work. The artist, if selected, will have the opportunity to develop drafts into a completed product. The City reserves the right to the final approval on content.
- Prior completed works that further illustrate the direction, style, and form of art that will be used for this mural project (optional)
Be sure to review the full program guidelines.
If you have questions, contact Sara Thirnbeck at [email protected].
Supporting local artists is our mission
Providing valuable opportunities for local artists to grow is imperative to keeping talent in our community. The 2020-2025 Cultural Plan outlines many ways to support local artists, such as, Strategy 1.3: promote fair wages for arts professionals and support strategies aimed at attracting skilled creative workers and enterprises to Kelowna, Strategy 6.5: increase the number of new and innovative artistic experiences offered in Kelowna, and Strategy 9.1: expand the role of youth in the creative sector.
*Links are dormant in this document. Contact us at [email protected] to receive an active copy of this document.
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