Opportunities for Artists

Richmond is home to hundreds of artists, artisans, and organizations whose mandates and activities are as varied as the populations they serve. This page is designed to be a resource for these individuals and groups.

Richmond Artists Directory – Sign up for the eBlast

Take a few minutes to sign up to the Artists Directory and receive regular updates announcing the latest artist calls for projects and grants, artist focused professional development workshops, promotional opportunities and relevant news from the world of arts and culture. The eBlast also provides a resource in case of opportunities for the City to hire local artists.

Data collected will be used to provide statistics on the number and types of artists in our midst, which will be helpful in future proposals, strategies and planning. The information provided will not be shared, nor used for any non-official City of Richmond business or communication.

Richmond Arts Strategy

What is your vision for a vibrant arts scene in Richmond? What role should the City of Richmond play to achieve this vision?

The City of Richmond launched an Arts Strategy designed to enrich Richmond's quality of life through broad accessibility and engagement with the arts. The Richmond Arts Strategy 2019-2024 serves as a guide for decision-making to empower ideas, people and resources around a shared vision and set of goals, strategies and tactics. Visit howartworks.ca for information about the Strategy and to find out other ways to get involved in the arts in Richmond.

Arts & Culture Grant Program

This program was developed to strengthen the infrastructure of arts and culture organizations, invest in arts opportunities, show support for the careers of local artists and support a wide range of artistic and cultural activity. The two types of grants offered are Project Assistance and Operating Assistance to registered non-profit arts and culture organizations.

Applications for the 2025 City Grant Programs are being accepted from Wed, Sep 11 to Wed, Oct 30, 2024 at 5:00pm.

Branscombe House Artist Residency

This residency takes place in the recently restored Edwardian-style house located in the residential area of historic Steveston. The 11-month residency program is an opportunity for artists with a community-engaged practice to create new work in exchange for the 100 per cent subsidized two-bedroom upstairs suite. During the residency, artists establish a presence in the community, spending time developing a body of work and engaging the public in programming that may include workshops, exhibitions, demos and legacy projects on the Branscombe site, community centres, schools and events/festivals. Visit the Branscombe Artist Residency page for details about the current residency. 

Writer-in-Residence Program

This program is a partnership between the City of Richmond and Richmond Public Library. It aims to deliver hands-on programming that helps local residents foster a greater appreciation for Canadian writing. Visit the Writer-in-Residence page for more information on the program and events being offered. Past writers include: Audrey Thomas, Sonya Lalli, Lindsay Wong, Andrew Battershill, Nilofar Shidmehr, Karen X. Tulchinsky, Caroline Adderson, Nancy Lee, Mark Leiren-Young and Sally Stubbs.

Richmond Arts Awards

The Richmond Arts Awards are presented through a partnership between the City of Richmond and the Richmond Arts Coalition, and are sponsored by the Richmond News. The program recognizes individuals, organizations and businesses that have had significant impact in Richmond's vibrant arts and culture community. An awards ceremony with Mayor Malcolm Brodie is held annually in May, honouring recipients in six awards categories: Arts Education, Artistic Innovation and Excellence, Business and the Arts, Volunteerism, Youth Arts, and Cultural Leadership.

For more information, visit the Richmond Arts Awards page. 

Art at Work:

Professional Development Workshop Series for Artists

This series of workshops and events is designed to provide artists with the knowledge and skills required for pursuing a professional arts practice in the fields of public art, visual art and community arts.

The workshops and events aim to provide artists with practical, inspiring and career enhancing programming; support the growth and development of the arts and culture sector in Richmond; and encourage networking and sharing within the arts and culture community. Visit the Art at Work program page to find out about upcoming Art at Work workshops.

Richmond Art Gallery Artist Salon

The Artist Salon is an opportunity for emerging and established artists to meet other artists, learn from other arts professionals, share or create work and discuss upcoming opportunities in the arts community. Each month a different guest presents inspirational art talks or professional development for visual artists and is currently happening via Zoom webinar. Visit the Artist Salon Series page to learn more.

Public Art: Call to Artists

The City of Richmond Public Art Program invites artists to participate in call to artist opportunities in Richmond. Visit the Call to Artists page to view current listings.

Culture Days

Culture Days is a national celebration of arts and culture. Each year, millions of people across the country attend participatory events and art-filled activities across the country. Join this cultural celebration featuring Richmond-based artists, groups and organizations. There is something for everyone! Visit culturedays.ca for details about arts and culture activities, online live-stream events, digital content and self-guided programs.