Rozsa Foundation

06/01/2026

As part of the Rozsa Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting arts leaders and helping them on their journey, we are offering two convening opportunities for 2026/2027 under ROZSA GATHERINGS IN ARTS LEADERSHIP: RETREAT and NOURISH.

Now in its third year, RETREAT provides an opportunity for leaders tasked with the management of business operations for Alberta-based arts organizations (Executive & Managing Directors, VPs, General Managers, Directors, etc.) to convene, converse, learn, reflect, and rejuvenate at a seven-day retreat that prioritizes their individual needs and takes place amidst the restorative and replenishing backdrop of the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, with whom we are also excited to be partnering in the design and delivery of the program. Retreat will take place Saturday, August 22 to Friday, August 28, 2026. Thanks to the generous support of the Flanagan Foundation, all costs are covered for all participants for the retreat, including travel, accommodation, meals and activities. Participants must be available to attend all dates.

Returning for a second year, NOURISH is a supper gathering and group coaching opportunity for experienced arts leaders to connect and collectively break down the challenges of the moment. Jennifer DeDominicis, Rozsa Foundation Organizational Strategy Advisor and Certified Organizational Coach, will lead the sessions with support from Director of Training, Samantha MacDonald. Resources will also be shared to support learning and ongoing development.

NOURISH will consist of four Monday-evening meals over the next year: September 28, 2026, November 23, 2026, January 25, 2027, and March 22, 2027. Participants must be available to attend all dates. All costs for these meals, which will take place in Calgary at a single centrally located restaurant, will be covered for all participants.
We invite you to apply for either or both of these convenings at the link on our website or in our bio before Friday, June 19, 2026.

Learn more here: https://www.rozsafoundation.com/gatherings

06/01/2026

As the use of artificial intelligence continues to impact the arts sector, Carfac Alberta would like to hear from community about the involvement of AI in the arts and creative process.

Your feedback and input will help develop an AI policy for CARFAC Alberta and may contribute to broader conversations with arts organizations across the province.

The questionnaire consists of questions on topics such as transparency in AI use, the role of AI in written work, such as grant applications and artist statements, AI-generated artwork and copyright and the protection of artists’ work.
Complete this short, anonymous survey and share your insights, perspectives, and points of view with us.
Take the survey by following the link: AI Questionnaire Survey

We would like to know how you feel about the use of AI in the arts. This information is anonymous and will be used to create an AI policy for CARFAC Alberta and may be shared with other organizations.

05/29/2026

We are sharing a letter from our Executive Director, Simon Mallett, reflecting on the current conversation around Alberta separatism and the role the arts can play at a moment of significant civic and cultural uncertainty. Simon argues that artists and cultural organizations have an important responsibility not only to reflect public conversations but to actively participate in them.

At their best, the arts help create the conditions for dialogue, belonging, empathy, and collective imagination. Whether through formal gatherings, public conversations, performances, exhibitions, or community events, the sector continues to provide spaces where people can encounter different perspectives and consider the kind of future they want to help shape.

Read the letter here on our latest blog post :
https://www.rozsafoundation.com/post/the-alberta-arts-sector-can-play-a-vital-role-in-the-current-referendum-conversation

05/27/2026

The deadline for all three phases of the Future Focus funding program is this Friday on May 29, 2026.
We strongly recommend reviewing the program guidelines carefully before applying.

Overview
The Future Focus program provides funding to arts organizations who want to explore a key question or challenge facing their organization to enable a significant shift or transformation and to develop ‘future focused’ directions for operations that diverge from their own previous or current practices.

Organizations may be curious about how to anticipate, or encounter challenges they face, ask questions about their organizational purpose, their role in the arts sector and community, sustainability or continued viability, or how to adapt their business model or structure to operate into the future.

This program supports organizations through the process of investigating, identifying, planning, and executing significant and purposeful adaptations in their operations.

Program Phases
The Future Focus funding program consists of three phases, with funding amounts varying based on the phase of work being undertaken.

Please visit the individual phase webpages for detailed guidelines and additional information about each phase. To learn more about the Future Focus program, please visit the Future Focus main page on our website : https://www.rozsafoundation.com/future-focus-main-page

05/20/2026

Gentle reminder that we have three Future Focus deadlines coming up in 9 days. Please make sure everything is on track and submitted on time.
Learn more :
https://lnkd.in/gsb4qCbK

The deadline for all three phases of the Future Focus funding program is May 29, 2026.

Overview
The Future Focus program provides funding to arts organizations who want to explore a key question or challenge facing their organization to enable a significant shift or transformation and to develop ‘future focused’ directions for operations that diverge from their own previous or current practices.

Organizations may be curious about how to anticipate, or encounter challenges they face, ask questions about their organizational purpose, their role in the arts sector and community, sustainability or continued viability, or how to adapt their business model or structure to operate into the future.

This program supports organizations through the process of investigating, identifying, planning, and executing significant and purposeful adaptations in their operations.

Program Phases
The Future Focus funding program consists of three phases, with funding amounts varying based on the phase of work being undertaken.

Please visit the individual phase webpages for detailed guidelines and additional information about each phase. To learn more about the Future Focus program, please visit the Future Focus main page on our website : https://www.rozsafoundation.com/future-focus-main-page

05/20/2026

For over 14 years, Rozsa Foundations of Arts Leadership (formerly RAMP) has been strengthening arts leaders, organizations, and the sector as a whole.

New impact data from 2013–2025 shows:
80% of participants gained new management skills
78% immediately applied learning in their organizations
43% reported increased self-awareness

From peer learning and practical leadership tools to transformational Capstone projects, Foundations continues to build stronger, more resilient arts leaders across Alberta and beyond.

Read the latest blog by Samantha MacDonald, Director of Training, to learn more about the impact of the Foundations program.
https://www.rozsafoundation.com/post/rozsa-foundations-of-arts-leadership-applications-now-open

Applications for the 2026–2027 cohort are now open until June 26, 2026.

Learn more and apply here: https://www.rozsafoundation.com/foundations26
Photo by : Chelsea Yang Smith

05/15/2026

Please note that the Rozsa Foundation office will be closed for the May Long Weekend.
We’ll be back on Tuesday, May 19.

Have a wonderful long weekend.

Here are a few arts and culture events happening around Calgary this weekend:

Visit exhibitions and programs at Contemporary Calgary including drop-in art-making sessions and ongoing exhibitions.

Check out the FAIRY TALES Q***r Art & Film Festival at Contemporary Calgary this weekend.
https://www.contemporarycalgary.com/

See a gripping courtroom thriller at Vertigo Theatre.
https://www.vertigotheatre.com/

Connect with fellow anime fans at Otafest.
https://otafest.com/

Explore “Understanding History Through Art” at The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland.
https://www.theconfluence.ca/events

Browse local creatives at the SHOPPERS Art Mart hosted by The New Gallery.
https://thenewgallery.org/SHOPPERS-Art-Mart

Or discover even more long-weekend happenings across the city through local arts and events listings.
https://www.avenuecalgary.com/things-to-do/things-to-do-in-calgary-may-long-weekend/

Photo source : Otafest/Facebook

05/08/2026

Everything you ever wanted to know about ROZSA FOUNDATIONS OF ARTS LEADERSHIP!

Rozsa Foundations of Arts Leadership is a cohort-based program that provides practical content taught by Haskayne business faculty and practicing arts and non-profit professionals. It offers developing arts leaders an exploration of leadership capacities, team development, organizational relationships, community connections, and more.

This 60-minute virtual session will offer an overview of the Foundations program, and provide a clear delineation of program expectations. There will be a short presentation and time for questions.

This is a free event, but registration is required
Register here for the info session : https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/rozsa-foundations-of-arts-leadership-info-session-tickets-1988782482943?aff=oddtdtcreator

To find out more about Foundations: https://www.rozsafoundation.com/foundations26

05/06/2026

Congratulations to Yilu Xing and Virginia Sparvier-Wells on receiving the Rozsa Foundation Emerging Arts Manager Awards, and warm congratulations to all the recipients of the 2026 Cultural Leaders Legacy Arts Awards.

The Rozsa Foundation Emerging Arts Manager Award recognizes and encourages the role of emerging professional arts managers who are dedicating their careers to promoting and supporting the work of Calgary’s artists, arts collectives and arts organizations. Given the complexity of the challenges they face, the work of these arts managers needs to be as creative as the artists and organizations they work with. The recipient also receives no-cost entry into the Rozsa Arts Management Program (RAMP). This year there are two recipients for this award.

Yilu Xing, Education Program Manager at Contemporary Calgary, creates engaging contemporary art learning experiences for children, youth, and adults, while contributing to the broader Calgary community through her artistic practice and mentorship.

Virginia Sparvier-Wells (formerly Jessica McMann) has made tremendous contributions to the Treaty 7 arts community through her work with the Indigenous Public Art Program with The City of Calgary.

Learn more about the awards and this year’s recipients: https://calgaryartsdevelopment.com/news-information/announcements/2026-cultural-leaders-legacy-arts-awards-recipients/

Photos from Cada website
Calgary Arts Development

05/04/2026

Applications are NOW OPEN for our popular Rozsa Foundations of Arts Leadership program.

The deadline to apply is June 26, 2026.
Learn more about the program on our website:
https://www.rozsafoundation.com/foundations26

We’re also hosting a free virtual INFO SESSION where you can learn what the program is all about. This 60-minute session will include an overview of the program, a clear outline of expectations, and time for questions.

Info Session: June 9, 2026
Free, but registration is required:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/rozsa-foundations-of-arts-leadership-info-session-tickets-1988782482943?aff=oddtdtcreator

If you have any questions about the program, please connect with Samantha MacDonald, Director of Training.

Haskayne School of Business

Photos by Cy (Chelsea) Yang-Smith