Empowering artists to be artists.
We envision a healthy arts community that ensures a rich cultural landscape for our city.
Elephant Artist Relief Society (EAR) is a registered charity that offers practical resources to creative professionals in the Calgary region. The society provides financial and career supports that emphasize community wellbeing and promotes artists’ livelihoods.
EAR was formed when a group came together to help a fellow artist with a medical crisis in 2007. The event created awareness of how vulnerable artists are when struck with an unexpected hardship and identified the absence of urgent supports for the creative community. By forming a society the group established a last resort relief fund to meet this broader need. In this way, the organization provides a unique service, which is not duplicated by any other agency.
Call for Volunteer Board Members – Join Elephant Artist Relief Society (EAR)
Deadline to submit expression of interest: May 20, 2025
New board term begins at AGM: May 28, 2025
Are you passionate about the arts and committed to supporting the wellbeing of artists of all disciplines in Calgary? Do you want to help shape a more sustainable and inclusive future for our creative community? Elephant Artist Relief Society (EAR) is currently seeking new volunteer board members to help guide the organization through its next chapter.
Elephant Artist Relief Society (EAR) is a registered charity based in Calgary, Alberta, dedicated to supporting artists across all disciplines (visual arts, music, literary, theatre, dance, poetry, film and more). Our mission is to provide practical resources that sustain the well-being and livelihoods of artists, thereby enriching the cultural fabric of our community.
To achieve these goals EAR offers emergency financial relief, referrals and resources on topics such as health and wellness, social service supports, and fiscal management; hosts workshops and seminars on professional development, entrepreneurial activities, and wellness issues specific to artists’ needs and hosts Studio E, our bi-monthly online peer meet-up that foster belonging, informal mentorship, and professional exchange among artists.
We are committed to equity, compassion, and advocacy, ensuring that artists can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
We are looking for thoughtful, community-minded individuals—especially those with lived experience in the arts, non-profit governance, community programming, marketing, or fundraising.
EAR is an inclusive organization and welcomes people of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities.
For more information and how to apply
EAR in the News: Pilot program offers some Calgary artists ‘lifesaver’ health insurance
Calgary visual artist Sabine Lecorre-Moore says a pilot health insurance program provides her with a safety net she didn’t have before. Carolyn Kury de Castillo/Global News
EAR’s current strategy for a thriving arts community includes ongoing fundraising to replenish an emergency relief fund. While also providing referrals to related resources EAR’s mandate has grown to include professional development activities such as workshops on health and safety, fiscal management and taxes, career advancement and entrepreneurial tools. The society also serves as a community hub by hosting occasional gatherings and multidisciplinary presentations by emerging and established artists.
The Herd
EAR’s Board of Directors represent a community of vital arts supporters, creative workers, and makers who also lead all working and adjudication committees.
Karen Begg
President
Colleen Krueger
Treasurer
Vivian Smith
Secretary
Margo (Jill) Armstrong
Director
Carolyn Connors
Director
Kayleigh Hall
Director
Suzanne Presinal
Director
Catherine Rankin
Director
Bryan McLean
Director
Elephant Artist Relief Society acknowledges the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprised of the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations), as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Wesley First Nations). The City of Calgary is also home to Metis Nation of Alberta, Region 3. Elephant Artist Relief Society acknowledges the impact of colonization on Indigenous peoples in Canada and is committed to our collective journey towards reconciliation.
