The KAC Newsletter | April '26 Issue 1

CKAF Grants Open, New Exhibit on Display, Upcoming Events, and Job, Opportunity, & Grant Board Highlights!

April 01, 2026

KAC NEWS & UPDATES

CKAF 2026 Operating & Festival Grants Now Open!

The KAC is accepting applications for the City of Kingston Arts Fund (CKAF) 2026 Operating Grants and the newly developed Festival Grants. The KAC will also be launching a call for applications to CKAF Project Grants and the new Creation & Development Grants for individual artists later in 2026. 

New to CKAF: Applicants who are Deaf, living with a disability, illiterate, or do not have a working proficiency in English may be eligible to access up to $500 in financial support for grant writing services. 

Operating Grants

Operating Grants support the operations, programs, and/or services of a wide range of non-profit arts organizations (professional, semi-professional, and emerging) in Kingston. Operating Grants range from $10,000–$65,000. 

Festival Grants

Festival Grants support the production, presentation, and operations of arts festivals that have a city-wide impact.

This program has two categories: Established Festivals and Emerging Festivals. 

Festival Grants range from $10,000–$55,000 for Established Festivals and $10,000–$20,000 for Emerging Festivals.

Application Deadline

Applications for CKAF 2026 Operating Grants and Festival Grants are due Thursday, 7 May 2026 by 11:59 PM ET.

Information Sessions

The KAC will host an information session for each grant stream, which will include a detailed review of the respective Guidelines, Application Forms, and Assessment Criteria, as well as a Q&A with KAC staff.

Each session will be hosted virtually via Zoom, with ASL interpretation provided. 

The sessions will be recorded and shared via the KAC website for applicants who are unable to attend. The sessions are scheduled as follows:

Tiny Horse - Photo courtesy of Skeleton Park Arts Festival

Installation view, Judith Brown (Blur #6), Sandra Brewster, 2019. Photo: Garrett Elliott.

CKAF 2026 Operating Grants Information Session:
Tuesday, 14 April 2026, 2:00 - 3:00 PM

CKAF 2026 Festival Grants Information Session:
Thursday, 16 April 2026, 5:00 - 6:00 PM

POCKET GALLERY

ON DISPLAY: Dipping Lace into Honey by Peggy Fussell

Date: 23 March - 15 May 2026
Location: Kingston Arts Council | Unit 115, 370 King St W, Kingston

Dipping Lace into Honey is an intimate installation of handmade lace, honey, beeswax, and animation by Peggy Fussell. Using a crocheted doily made by her great-grandmother as a pattern, Fussell creates new doilies and lace trims, then dips these pieces into honey and beeswax to create stop-motion animations. These animations are then projected onto and through the lace and handmade prints.

Throughout the gallery, lace work is displayed in a variety of forms.

Pieces hang on the walls, their delicate patterns catching and diffusing the light.

On the metal beams, crochet mingles with crystallized and dripping honey.

A table holds lace gloves dipped in honey, the honey slowly dripping down onto the floor below as a reminder that this material is very much alive.

❝

"My grandmothers taught me a variety of needlework techniques. While making lace for my animations, I am reminded of the warm, honey, stickiness of the lessons they passed down to me. The doilies in this exhibition inspire new conversations that recall familiar stories." 

- Peggy Fussell

Dipping Lace into Honey is on view until May 15th. Come and sit with the artistry that gets passed down through patient hands and experience the lessons that are slow and warm and sticky, that stay with you long after you've left the room.

EVENTS

Great Lakes Museum
Date: 13 April 2026 | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Built in June 1848 to carry passengers in comfort along Lake Ontario routes, the steamer Comet had bad luck from day one. During a wild storm, the Comet smashed into another ship near Simcoe Island. The crew fought to reach land, but the Comet sank just 2 kilometres from shore.

Dive into the mystery of this doomed ship with Guillaume Courcy, owner of Neptune & Salacia Diving, and discover its short, troubled time on Lake Ontario.

Advance registration is recommended, and you can register online or at the Museum. Limited spots available at the door.

Kingston Music Office
Date: 12 April 2026 | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Whether you’re a seasoned performer or stepping onto the stage for the first time, the Youth Open Mic is your platform to showcase your creativity and passion.

It’s also a fantastic opportunity to connect with other local youth musicians and expand your network. Bring your family and friends—admission is free!

The Youth Open Mic is a recurring monthly event with an upcoming date on Sunday, April 12 at the Broom Factory

Secure your spot by filling out the Youth Open Mic registration form

There are always plenty of arts events happening in Kingston and the surrounding area. Check out our Arts Events Calendar to view our full list of upcoming events!

JOBS

Box Office Representative (Thousand Islands Playhouse)
Remuneration: $19.00/hourly
Deadline: 1 April 2026

Facilities Booking & Events Coordinator (The City of Kingston)
Remuneration: $29.75 - $36.61/hourly
Deadline: 6 April 2026

Onboard: Tour Guide (Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises & Trolleys)
Remuneration: $19.05/hourly
Deadline: 8 April 2026

Relief Library Assistant - Central & North Frontenac (Kingston Frontenac Public Library)
Remuneration: $27.96 - $30.67 | Casual
Deadline: 17 April 2026 | 4:30 PM

Relief Library Assistant - South Frontenac & Frontenac Islands (Kingston Frontenac Public Library)
Remuneration: $27.96 - $30.67 | Casual
Deadline: 17 April 2026 | 4:30 PM

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Manager (The City of Kingston)
Remuneration: $102,478.01 - $128,087.97/yearly
Deadline: 21 April 2026

Party & Event Host (Michaels)
Remuneration: $17.60 - $22.50/hourly | Part-Time
Deadline: Until Filled

Scenic Carpenter (Thousand Islands Playhouse)
Remuneration: $850/weekly | 4 May 4 - 6 September 2026. (18 Weeks)
Deadline: Until Filled

Scenic Artist (Thousand Island Playhouse)
Remuneration: $950/weekly | 18 May - 20 September 2026. (18 Weeks)
Deadline: Until Filled

OPPORTUNITIES

Call for Artists:
THIRDSPACE Emerging Artist Residency (OCAD University)
Deadline: 2 April 2026

Call for Submissions:
Creative Writing Teachers (Kingston WritersFest)
Deadline: 3 April 2026 | 11:59 PM

Call for Artists:
Textile Artist Residency Program (Wild Bobbin)
Deadline: 4 April 2026

Call for Applications:
Vendors (Skeleton Park Arts Festival x Fat Goose Craft Fair)
Deadline: 6 April 2026

Call for Artists:
Submissions (Wolfe Island Gallery)
Deadline: 12 April 2026

Call for Applications:
Board Members (Gananoque Arts Network)
Deadline: 23 April 2026

Call for Submissions:
Annual Spring Show - Renewal (Melt Studio & Gallery)
Deadline: 26 April 2026

Call for Applications:
Community Organization Booths (Skeleton Park Arts Festival)
Deadline: 30 April 2026 | 11:59 PM

Call for Submissions:
Ravel 2026 - Inaugural Textile Art Exhibition (Melt Studio & Gallery)
Deadline: 17 May 2026

GRANTS

Below is a snapshot of upcoming grant deadlines. To view our more comprehensive and fully navigable database of grant opportunities at the local, provincial, and national levels, please visit the KAC Grants Board!

Theatrical Documentary Program (Telefilm Canada)
Deadline: 2 April | 11:59 PM

Music Recording Projects (Ontario Arts Council)
Deadline: 21 April | 1:00 PM

Collective Initiatives (Factor)
Deadline: 14 May

Publishing Marketing and Discoverability Fund (Ontario Creates)
Deadline: 1 June | 5:00 PM

SUPPORT THE KAC

Love the arts? So do we!

When you support the Kingston Arts Council, you’re helping empower an arts sector that drives innovation, fuels the local economy, and enriches the lives of everyone in Katarokwi/Kingston.

Your donation – whether one-time, monthly, or annual – enables us to deliver impactful programs and services that support the artists and creatives shaping our cultural industry.

As a registered charity, we’ll provide a charitable tax receipt for your contribution. Join us in building a thriving, sustainable arts sector.

THE KINGSTON ARTS COUNCIL IS PROUDLY FUNDED BY