About
The Immigrant Council for Arts Innovation is an Alberta based arts council. ICAI was established in January 2019, with the expressed purpose of connecting newcomer artists and arts and culture workers to the existing arts community in Alberta.
ICAI actively encourages diversity of expression and culture by creating a safe and welcoming community where newcomer and immigrant art workers with distinct cultural identities feel confident to share their work in a new environment.
ICAI actively encourages diversity of expression and culture by creating a safe and welcoming community where newcomer and immigrant art workers with distinct cultural identities feel confident to share their work in a new environment.
Mission
Our mission is to connect, empower and advocate for immigrant artists and arts and culture workers by providing specialized resources to support an inclusive environment in which every artist can thrive in.
Vision
To transform the arts community in Alberta through opportunities designed for immigrant artists, arts administrators, creative professionals, and culture workers.
Values
- We work for equity, diversity and inclusion
- Creativity, passion, kindness and inspiration drive what we do
- Through relationships, we build community
What We Do
- Provide specialized information and resources for newcomer and immigrant arts and culture workers.
- Create free, inclusive tailored programs and networking opportunities.
- Provide support and mentorship for artistic growth and professional development.
- Advocate for immigrant arts and culture workers to have safe spaces and opportunities by educating the arts community on how to make their spaces inclusive for newcomer arts workers.
Land Acknowledgement
ICAI respectfully acknowledges that we live, work and make art on Treaty 6, 7, and 8 land —the traveling route, gathering place and meeting grounds for Indigenous Peoples, including the Siksikaitsitapi, comprised of the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, Amskapi Piikani First Nations; the Tsuut’ina First Nation; and the Îyârhe Nakoda, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Goodstoney First Nations; and the Nehiyaw, Denesųłıné, Dene Tha', Dane-zaa, Nakota Sioux, Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, Métis Otipemisiwak and Esikisimu Nunangat.
We respect the land we live on, and we also acknowledge there’s unresolved history in these Treaties. We publicly commit to advancing reconciliation, and make intentional efforts towards ending systemic racism through our work in the community as we continue to celebrate and protect the diverse cultures, languages, traditions, and history that existed here before us.
We respect the land we live on, and we also acknowledge there’s unresolved history in these Treaties. We publicly commit to advancing reconciliation, and make intentional efforts towards ending systemic racism through our work in the community as we continue to celebrate and protect the diverse cultures, languages, traditions, and history that existed here before us.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility Statement
ICAI advocates for all immigrant and newcomer artists and arts and culture workers, regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, color, ethnic origin, language, citizenship, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, physical and/or mental abilities.
We firmly believe in fair practices and are steadfastly committed to respectful treatment for all individuals. ICAI works to create safe spaces in the arts and remove barriers, to ensure an arts community that is equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible. This means making room for diverse voices for people from marginalized, disadvantaged, under-represented, and/or under-served communities such as: Indigenous, people of color, immigrants and newcomers, persons with physical or mental disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQIAP+ community.
Together we make art that is more powerful and together we make Alberta more beautiful.
We firmly believe in fair practices and are steadfastly committed to respectful treatment for all individuals. ICAI works to create safe spaces in the arts and remove barriers, to ensure an arts community that is equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible. This means making room for diverse voices for people from marginalized, disadvantaged, under-represented, and/or under-served communities such as: Indigenous, people of color, immigrants and newcomers, persons with physical or mental disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQIAP+ community.
Together we make art that is more powerful and together we make Alberta more beautiful.