What are the opening hours?

Wednesday 12pm - 5pm Thursday 12pm - 5pm Friday 12pm - 5pm Saturday 12pm - 5pm

Ociciwan Contemporary Art Centre

Home
Canada
Edmonton, AB
Ociciwan Contemporary Art Centre

Call Directions Website Contact the organization

Based in Edmonton, Alberta, Ociciwan supports Indigenous contemporary art, and advocates for innovative, experimental creative practices and research.

08/21/2026

✨📣Join our team!📣✨ We’re looking for someone who is excited to be part of an Indigenous contemporary art space, has a willingness to learn and is committed to creating a welcoming experience for artists, visitors and community members!

The Gallery attendant is a part-time, casual position and primarily assist in day-to-day administrative duties in support of Ociciwan Contemporary Art Collective, Executive Director, Ociciwan Staff, and any other artists or stakeholders involved in projects and exhibitions as part of the centre’s programming. Please note, this position requires regular Saturday availability.

Deadline to apply: Monday, August 31, 2026.

Check out the link in our bio for the full call!

08/11/2026

Are you an emerging Indigenous artist interested in public art?

Join us for a knowledge-sharing session with Métis artist, curator, and writer David Garneau as he shares his experience working in the public art sector.

David will speak about his own public art practice, including the process of developing the Tawatinâ Bridge paintings and the relationships that influenced the work. The bridge's shared-use pathway features more than 500 paintings of the River Valley's flora and fauna, alongside histories of the First Nations, Métis, and settler communities connected to the area.

This knowledge-sharing session will offer emerging and Indigenous artists an opportunity to learn from David's experience and ask questions about working in public art.

This is a free event. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Please register on Eventbrite to reserve your spot. Link in our bio!

When: Friday, August 14, 2026, 3:00–5:00 PM

Where: Ociciwan Contemporary Art Centre

——

David Garneau (Métis) is a Professor of Visual Arts at the University of Regina. He is a painter, curator, and writer who engages creative and critical expressions of Indigenous contemporary ways of knowing, being, and doing. His recent work includes the Tawatinâ Bridge paintings in Edmonton. In 2023, he received the Governor General's Award in Visual and Media Art: Outstanding Achievement and was inducted into the Royal Society of Canada.

——

Accessibility notes: Ociciwan is a barrier-free and accessible facility. We are equipped with a lift to reach the upper floors and lower basement gallery. Single-stall and wide-stall washrooms are available on every floor.

08/07/2026

Join us for an afternoon of drawing, conversation, and shared making with artist Coda Girvan at ÎNÎW River Lot 11. Beginning with a short artist talk and picnic, participants will sketch the surrounding landscape before coming together to create a collaborative artwork inspired by the site. Through observation, reflection, and mark-making, this gathering invites participants to slow down and deepen their relationship with this significant cultural place. ✏️🌿

This is a free land-based workshop and the second event in Ociciwan's kisiskâciwani-sîpiy workshop series. Space is limited to 20 participants. Please register on Eventbrite to reserve your spot. Link in our bio!

When: Friday, August 28, 2026, 2:00–5:00 PM

Where: ÎNÎW River Lot 11

——

Coda Girvan is a Cree visual artist based in amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton). Working through drawing, painting, and mural-making, his practice explores abstraction, observation, and the reduction of organic forms to their essential shapes. His work has been exhibited in nâpêhkâsowinowâk at the Art Gallery of Alberta and can be found in murals throughout Edmonton, including projects with iHuman Youth Society.

——

Ociciwan is pleased to present kisiskâciwani-sîpiy, a series of land-based workshops in Edmonton's River Valley that bring together artists, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers through walks, conversations, and creative activities.

——

Accessibility: This program takes place outdoors at ÎNÎW River Lot 11. Participants will be seated on the land for portions of the workshop. Bring a blanket or portable chair if desired, along with water and weather-appropriate clothing. A picnic will be provided.

Parking & Transit: Limited parking is available nearby. The site is also accessible by bicycle, on foot, and by public transit. Registered participants will receive detailed directions.

📷 The artworks in this post are detail shots of works by Coda Girvan. Photos courtesy of the artist and Charles Cousins.

This project is funded through the FIRE Grant Program (Funding Indigenous Resurgence in Edmonton) from the Edmonton Heritage Council.

07/23/2026

✨Open Call for Core Members! ✨

Ociciwan Contemporary Art Collective is seeking three new individuals to join our Core membership!

We’re seeking applications from Indigenous individuals located in amiskwaciwaskahikan (Edmonton, AB) who value an intersectional, innovative, and advocacy-based approach to art and curatorial practices. We are seeking members who have the capacity to be meaningfully engaged in helping guide Ociciwan towards its strategic goals.

We’re looking for engaged, community-minded individuals. You don’t need specialized knowledge or previous board experience - just an interest in our mission and the ability to actively participate in meetings, events, and organizational initiatives!

Deadline to send a letter of interest is August 3, 2026.

Questions? Please email Adrienne Larocque at [email protected].

Check out the full call here: https://www.ociciwan.ca/news/2025/6/18/were-recruiting-core-collective-members-7zkjl

07/08/2026

🎉 Final Week! 🎉

This is your reminder that Arsene Arcand's exhibition, Miyo Wâhkôhtowin, closes this week! Join us for the final days of the exhibition and spend time with this remarkable body of work before it leaves the gallery.

--

Miyo Wâhkôhtowin presents new work by nêhiyaw (Cree) artist Arsene Joseph Alexander Arcand. Through the teachings of the moss bag, Arsene's work invites us to consider the ways we care for one another and the spaces we create for growth.

Visit us during regular gallery hours before the exhibition closes on Saturday, July 11: Wednesday, Friday & Saturday: 12–5 PM Thursday: 2–7 PM

You don't want to miss Miyo Wâhkôhtowin!

--

📷 The artworks in this post are detail shots of works by Arsene Arcand. Photos courtesy of Ociciwan Contemporary Art Centre.

Slide 1: Okâwîmâw, ᐅᑳᐄᐧᒫᐤ, Mother
Brazilian Soapstone, 2026

Slide 2: Âhtayôkunâk, ᐋᐦᑕᔫᑲᓈᐠ, Storytellers
Brazilian Soapstone, 2026

Slide 3: Moss Bag
Brazilian Soapstone, 2026

Slide 4: Nôhtôkoh kihêw, ᓅᐦᑑᑯᐦ ᑭᐦᐁᐤ, Old Woman Eagle
Brazilian Soapstone, 2026

06/30/2026

Holiday Closure

Ociciwan Contemporary Art Centre will be closed on Wednesday, July 1st.

We'll reopen on Thursday, July 2nd from 2–7PM. Stop by to experience Miyo Wâhkôhtowin, a new body of work by nêhiyaw (Cree) artist Arsene Joseph Alexander Arcand, on view until July 11.

Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to welcoming you back to the gallery on Thursday!

--

Did you know that Ociciwan Contemporary Art Centre is a scent-free facility? Ociciwan is a barrier-free and accessible facility. We are equipped with a lift to reach the upper floors and lower basement gallery. Single-stall and wide-stall washrooms are available on every floor. Admission is always free, and children are always welcome!

📷 The artwork in this graphic is a mural by Michelle Sound. Photo courtesy of Ociciwan Contemporary Art Centre.

06/27/2026

Artist Spotlight!

--

Introducing Arsene Joseph Alexander Arcand, whose work is featured in our current exhibition, Miyo Wâhkôhtowin! Arsene is a nêhiyaw (Cree) artist from Kipohtakaw (Alexander First Nation #134) in Treaty 6 Territory and Edmonton's fourth Indigenous Artist in Residence.

Grounded in the cultural teachings passed down from his late grandfather, spiritual leader and hereditary chief Arsene Joseph Arcand Sr., and his uncle, acclaimed sculptor Leo W. Arcand, Arsene's stone carving practice reflects kinship, ceremony, and a deep respect for the spirit of each stone. Through his work, he continues to express the story of each stone as it comes to be told and shared with others across Turtle Island.

--

"Art is a way to share our stories and our ways of living. I hope to not only share my own work but also help other young Indigenous artists showcase their talent."

--

🪨 Miyo Wâhkôhtowin is on view at Ociciwan Contemporary Art Centre until July 11. Stop by the gallery to experience Arsene's remarkable new body of work during our regular gallery hours.

📷 Portraits of Arsene Joseph Alexander Arcand alongside one of his works. Photos courtesy of the City of Edmonton.

🪶 The featured artwork is Mîkwan, ᒦᑲᐧᐣ, Feather by Arsene Arcand, Spanish Alabaster, 2026. Photo courtesy of Ociciwan.

06/19/2026

Join us on Saturday, June 20, from 1–3PM for an artist talk with Arsene Arcand. Spend an afternoon in the gallery with us, learning more about Arsene's exhibition Miyo Wâhkôhtowin, his stone carving practice, and the teachings that inform his work. ☀️🌿🌼

Taking place on the eve of the summer solstice and National Indigenous Peoples Day, this gathering offers an opportunity to reflect on themes of protection, warmth, safety, and human potential. Through the teachings of the moss bag, Arsene's work invites us to consider the ways we care for one another and the spaces we create for growth.

The artist talk will take place on the main floor of Ociciwan, and we'll have snacks and beverages available. We look forward to seeing you there!

--

Miyo Wâhkôhtowin presents new work by nêhiyaw (Cree) artist Arsene Joseph Alexander Arcand and runs from June 17–July 11, 2026. Stop by the gallery during regular hours and join us for the artist talk on Saturday, June 20 from 1–3PM.

📷 The artwork in this graphic is a detail shot of Moss Bag by Arsene Arcand. Photo courtesy of Ociciwan.

06/04/2026

📣 Exhibition Announcement!! 📣

Miyo Wâhkôhtowin is now open to the public! Our latest exhibition features new work by nêhiyaw (Cree) artist Arsene Arcand at Ociciwan Contemporary Art Centre!

🌿 Exhibition Run (at Ociciwan): June 17 – July 11, 2026
✨ Gallery Hours: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday from 12–5PM, Thursday from 2–7PM
📍Ociciwan Contemporary Art Centre: 10124 96 ST NW, Edmonton, AB

Miyo Wâhkôhtowin presents new work by nêhiyaw (Cree) artist Arsene Joseph Alexander Arcand, Edmonton’s fourth Indigenous Artist in Residence. Presented at Ociciwan Contemporary Art Centre in partnership with the Edmonton Arts Council and the City of Edmonton’s Indigenous Relations Office, the exhibition reflects teachings of kinship, protection, ceremony, and care through stone carving practices grounded in nêhiyaw knowledge and ancestral connection.

The theme of Arsene’s new body of work is centred around teachings of the moss bag. The pieces are visual interpretations of a moss bag, used to swaddle babies in Indigenous traditional parenting. The stone motifs serve as a reminder to return to ôpikinasowin, the act of raising children in nêhiyawêwin. Many of the carvings are hollow inside to represent the opportunity to fill the space with something good, reflecting the significance of our potential as human beings.

We are so grateful that Arsene will be in attendance for the opening reception, so come by to visit, snack, celebrate, and spend time with these beautiful works ✨

—

🪨 Opening Reception (at ArtsHub Ortona): June 13 from 5PM
Join us on Saturday, June 13th for the opening reception of Miyo Wâhkôhtowin at the ArtsHub Ortona.

Access: The opening reception will take place at ArtsHub Ortona (9722 102 St NW). The night will be full of exciting celebrations, performances, cuisine, and an artist panel. This is a free event, including refreshments. RSVP is required. Children are welcome! Read more about access information and RSVP details on our website. Link in bio!

Artwork in this graphic: Moss Bag, Brazilian Soapstone, Arsene Arcand. Photo courtesy of Ociciwan Contemporary Art Cent

03/12/2026

💫 STAFF UPDATE 💫

We are pleased to announce the appointment of our new Project Coordinator, Evan Robinson! Evan will be overseeing our programming and supporting the continued development of our projects and initiatives. We are excited to welcome him to this role and look forward to the leadership, insight, and expertise he will bring to our work. We are confident that Evan’s perspective and experience will help strengthen our programs and contribute to the continued growth and success of our future projects. Please join us in welcoming Evan to the team! 🎊

Evan Robinson is a Nisga’a artist of the Pacific Northwest Coast, born and based in amiskwaciwâskahikan. Working through printmaking and drawing, his work explores narrative, memory, and the traces stories leave in perception. His process often begins through carving, reflecting an ongoing interest in the traditional practices of his First Nation. Robinson’s practice draws from spiritualist histories and Nisga’a traditions, approaching these sources as lived or recorded experiences that continue to circulate through bodies and the land. Alongside his studio practice, he has spent several years in galleries as an educator and preparator, supporting exhibitions and public engagement with contemporary art. Robinson holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Alberta. He has exhibited at the Art Gallery of Alberta, SNAP Gallery and Printshop, and Access Gallery. In 2025 he was a Visiting Artist in Residence at St. Michael’s Printshop in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

Address

10124 96 Street NW
Edmonton, AB
T5H2G5

Opening Hours

Wednesday	12pm - 5pm
Thursday	12pm - 5pm
Friday	12pm - 5pm
Saturday	12pm - 5pm

Telephone

+17802445505

Website

http://www.ociciwan.ca/, https://linktr.ee/Ociciwan

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Ociciwan Contemporary Art Centre posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Ociciwan Contemporary Art Centre:

Want your organization to be the top-listed non profit organization in Edmonton?