The KAC Newsletter | April '26 Issue 2

The KAC is hiring! Also, CKAF Grants, Dipping Lace into Honey Exhibit, Upcoming Events, and Job, Opportunity, & Grant Board Highlights!

April 15, 2026

KAC NEWS & UPDATES

The KAC is Hiring!

Are you passionate about the arts and have an eye for administration?  If so, the Program Administrator role on our team might be just what you’re looking for! The Kingston Arts Council is seeking an emerging arts administrator to help support and expand the KAC Membership Program and other KAC programs

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Program Administrator will work closely with the Program and Communications Coordinator to support, develop, and execute programming related to the Kingston Arts Council (KAC) Membership Program. They will additionally have the opportunity to support other KAC programs, depending on their interest, skillset, and capacity. 

The successful candidate will gain hands-on experience in arts administration, event planning, communications, outreach, and community engagement while contributing to the KAC’s role as the region’s primary arts support organization.

Eligibility

This position is funded in part by Canada Summer Jobs; in order to be eligible, candidates must:

  • Be between 15-30 years of age as of 22 June 2025;

  • Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN);

  • Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or someone to whom refugee status has been granted/conferred.

International students, and those who are here in Canada on work, youth, or visitor visa/permits are not eligible to apply. 

Qualifications

The following is a list of skills and assets we value for this position: 

  • Formal training and/or successful experience with arts administration, artistic programming and services, membership programs, fundraising and outreach (1-2 years relevant experience preferred);

  • Strong project management skills with attention to detail;

  • Community-conscious and engaged with the local arts sector;

  • Commitment to continuous education in and embodiment of the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA);

  • Proficiency with common office computer programs and software, including Google Workspace, Adobe Acrobat, Zoom, and Canva.

Duties and Responsibilities

Working under the supervision of and in collaboration with the Program and Communications Coordinator, the Program Administrator will have the following responsibilities:

  • Membership outreach, appreciation, and retention;

  • Respond to inquiries, welcome new members, and help maintain an inclusive and accessible member experience;

  • Maintain internal and external members' databases;

  • Ensure accurate records and contribute to data-informed program improvements;

  • Develop 2026-2027 membership program roadmap in consultation with KAC Program + Communications Coordinator;

  • Identify opportunities for new services, resources, and community partnerships;

  • Develop and execute members-only events;

  • Maintain the quarterly Membership Newsletter, and develop new communications initiatives (ex. Members' feedback surveys);

  • Administer the Pocket Gallery exhibition program, including: acting as artist liaison, curating and installing exhibitions, programming exhibition receptions and/or community engagement events;

  • Communicate with existing supporters and sponsors;

  • Sponsorship outreach, including developing sponsorship packages, researching potential sponsors, and communications with prospective supporters;

  • Maintain public web resources including the KAC Member Directory, Arts Events Calendar, Job Board, and Opportunities Board;

  • Develop internal resources for members (ex. media outreach directory, writing;

  • Support outreach and fundraising initiatives (ex. “Doors open” events at the Tett Centre, summer festivals, etc.); and

  • Other duties as assigned.

CKAF 2026 Operating & Festival Grants

The KAC is accepting applications for the City of Kingston Arts Fund (CKAF) 2026 Operating Grants and the newly developed Festival Grants.

Application Deadline

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

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. 

If you missed the Operating Grant Information Session, don’t worry! You can find the entire recorded session on the Operating Grant Page on the KAC Website.

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.

Information Session

Tiny Horse - Photo courtesy of Skeleton Park Arts Festival

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

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

A recording of the session will also be uploaded to the KAC Website.

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

Join the CKAF Jury!

Are you interested in joining the 2026 CKAF jury? Every CKAF application is reviewed by a jury of artists and arts professionals. Jurors are selected for their knowledge of the arts, high standing in the arts community, and awareness of the local and broader arts environment. Jurors are also reflective of the gender, demographic, and cultural diversity of Kingston.

If you would like to be considered for the 2026 CKAF Festival Grant Jury, please submit a Juror Interest Form to [email protected]

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.

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

Union Gallery x Jane Kirby
Date: 17 April 2026 | 2:00 - 3:30 PM

K is for Kingston, K is for Katarokwi is a forthcoming Kingston-themed ABC book by Jane Kirby, and it needs your help!

In this drop-in program, participants will help brainstorm local features to include in the book, and then make their own letter book "page" to take home using a small canvas and a variety of materials.

Ideal for ages 4-10, but all ages welcome! Children must be accompanied by an adult.

H’Art Centre
Date: 21 April 2026 | 6:30 PM

This performance brings together neurodiverse artists and the voices of parents and caregivers. Through filmed interviews and original dances, the piece unfolds chronologically from birth through adulthood, tracing how love, care and creativity shape an artist over time.

Each dance is inspired by a real conversation and led by the artist at its centre, translating lived experience into movement. The work invites audiences to see not only the art that is made, but the relationships that make it possible.

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

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

Assistant Store Manager (Art Noise)
Remuneration: $23/hourly
Deadline: 20 April 2026

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

Tailor (Imperial Sewing & Tailoring)
Remuneration: $20/hourly | Part-Time & Full-Time
Deadline: Until Filled

Program Administrator (Kingston Arts Council)
Remuneration: $20/hourly | 16-week contract
Deadline: 3 May 2026 | 11:59 PM

Social Media, Marketing, & Retail Lead (Amaranth Stoneware)
Remuneration: $19.00 - $23.00/hourly
Deadline: Until Filled

Retail Salespersons (Amaranth Stoneware)
Remuneration: $18.60 - $20.00/hourly
Deadline: Until Filled

Cello/Woodwinds/Voice/Piano Teachers (Long & McQuade)
Deadline: Until Filled

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 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 Musicians:
Musicians, Songwriters, and Choral Leaders (Kingston Pop Choir)
Deadline: 1 May 2026

Call for Tenant Applications:
Creativity Studios C & F (Tett Centre for Creativity & Learning)
Deadline: 3 May 2026 | 11:59 PM

Call for Filmmaker Applications:
Doc Factory (Kingston Canadian Film Festival)
Deadline: 15 May 2026 | 11:59 PM

Call for Filmmaker Applications:
18MM Program (Kingston Canadian Film Festival)
Deadline: 15 May 2026 | 11:59 PM

Call for Residency Applications:
Women's Artist Residency (Studio Retreat)
Deadline: 15 May 2026

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

Call for Tenant Applications:
Rental Galleries (Melt Studio + Gallery)
Deadline: 1 December 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!

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

Artist Development Program (Factor)
Deadline: 7 May

Visual Artists Creation Projects (Ontario Arts Council)
Deadline: 13 May | 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