We’re happy to welcome Edmonton Arts Council (EAC) as one of the newest sponsors of arts and culture coverage on CKUA.
We spoke with Edmonton Arts Council CEO Renée Williams about the EAC’s work and mission. We also asked her about this new partnership with CKUA.
“We are a funding organization, and we also support our community and our city with community animations,” says Williams. She mentions winter weekend activities and special events in Churchill Square as examples of initiatives that the public can enjoy.
She adds, “We also oversee the public art program for The City of Edmonton. We work with artists on the new public art projects and installations. Everything we do supports the arts sector and the cultural community here in Edmonton.”
One program that Williams is proud to mention is the Edmonton Artists’ Trust Fund (EATF), which began in 1997. The fund recognizes an artist’s work and contribution to the community. The $15,000 awards provide financial stability for artists to renew, develop, create or experiment. These awards are supported by the proceeds from the trust fund, which is held by the Edmonton Community Foundation.
In December 2025, fifteen artists were announced as the recipients of the awards. The group of winners includes actors, musicians, authors, composers, visual artists, and dancers.
“It’s so important to us as a funder and a granting organization, that we are constantly celebrating the incredible talent we have in our city,” says Williams. “It helps people realize that they can build a beautiful career in the arts. It also contributes to the vibrancy of our city. Arts and culture help us demonstrate the personality of who we are as a city. We are always happy to promote emerging artists in Edmonton.”
Williams invites people to learn about the Edmonton Arts Council’s programs. “To learn about the breadth of what we offer Edmonton, check out our website. It’s about more than granting. Learn about the work we do to bring vibrancy and celebrate art in the community.”
Williams also mentions EAC’s commitment to public art, inviting people to visit the organization’s website as a great starting point. “Create your own public art tour!” she laughs. “Go experience the beautiful pieces of public art you can find around the city!”
The Edmonton Arts Council encourages people to get in touch with ideas and questions. “We always want to hear from the community,” says Williams. “We love to engage with people, whether it’s at a workshop or through other opportunities we offer. And people can learn about the investment streams and grant opportunities we have, and apply accordingly.”
Looking forward, Williams sees the partnership with CKUA as another great way for arts organizations to align.
“CKUA was a natural consideration for a partnership for us. CKUA celebrates emerging artists, and you can see it in the partnerships that exist in the community. Look at the partnerships with music festivals, for example. It’s about the local narrative and the local story. It was such a natural fit.”
Tune in for Arts and Culture coverage on CKUA. You just might hear an interview with one of the newest recipients of the Edmonton Artists’ Trust Fund awards:
Edmonton Arts Council | Celebrating local artists!
We’re grateful to the Edmonton Arts Council and all CKUA sponsors for their support.
We asked Renée Williams for a song choice, and she suggested something by Celeigh Cardinal.
