ICAI Programs

The Immigrant Council for Arts Innovation (ICAI) provides specialized information and resources for newcomer and immigrant artists. We create free, inclusive, and tailored networking events for newcomer and immigrant artists. In addition, we provide support for artistic growth through career and business development strategies and mentorship.

At the Immigrant Council of Arts Innovation (ICAI), we are always working to provide our community of immigrant and newcomer artists with the best programming possible. The following are the programs ICAI offers. For more details, please visit the page for each program.

Mentorship Programs

Immigrant Arts Mentorship Program (IAMP)
IAMP is a program that offers mentorship for immigrant and newcomer artists, arts administrators, creative professionals, and culture workers. Newcomer (less than seven years in Canada) artists and arts & culture workers connect, learn, and grow through one-on-one sessions with an experienced local mentor in their artistic discipline or specific field. In addition to the one-on-one sessions, IAMP also offers group professional development sessions throughout the program to help the mentees progress their career. IAMP is a year long program.
 Mentor-in-Residence (MiR)
ICAI provides artists and arts & culture workers with mentors-in-residence who are available to the public. These mentors-in-residence provide guidance and an easily accessible professional advice for our community of immigrant and newcomer artists and arts & culture workers. They share their expertise and time to answer the questions of the community.
Artist of the Month
Every month ICAI awards an immigrant or newcomer artist with its prestigious Artist of the Month award. The award is aimed at spotlighting emerging artists in order to help them establish a presence in the arts community or increase their presence. We promote the Artist of the month and their artwork on our social media platforms to aid them in connecting with new audiences. The artist is also interviewed by both ICAI and CKUA Radio.

The Artist of the Month receives an entire month of online attention and the tools to better engage with and grow their audience. 
Artist Talks
ICAI holds an Artist Talk in-person and/or virtually where the artist hosts a conversation with the public about their art, their craft, their career, and their artistic process. Through these conversations about artistic challenges and triumphs, our community shares knowledge that can unleash growth and reflection in your personal journey.
Arts Community Meet & Greet
​ICAI facilitates tours of a partner gallery or museum for a group of immigrant and newcomer artists and arts & culture workers. The purpose of the tour is to provide an opportunity for immigrant and newcomer artists and arts & culture workers to meet and greet the curatorial team behind some key local organizations, their work, their programs, and show them possible entry points into the local arts community.
Workshops
​ICAI offers workshops that help immigrant and newcomer artists and arts & culture workers hone their skills and artistic craft. In the arts, it is vitally important for your skill to constantly be evolving and growing. These workshops are also a great opportunity to learn more about your skills, your craft, and to connect with other artists.
Exhibitions & Performances
ICAI facilitates multiple exhibitions and performances every year for immigrant and newcomer visual artists and performing artists to display their work with our partner galleries. The purpose of these exhibitions and performances is to provide an opportunity for immigrant and newcomer artists to engage with the wider community, gain new audiences, and establish contacts in the arts community.