The KAC Newsletter | November Issue 2

Mayor's Arts Awards Reception, Artist Prosperity Report Published, and 2025 Nan Yeomans Grant Applications Closing Soon! New Exhibit by Tania Craan, Upcoming Events, and Job, Opportunity, & Grant Board Highlights!

KAC NEWS & UPDATES

Mayor’s Arts Awards Reception

Date: Monday, 24 November 2025
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Location: Memorial Hall, City Hall | 216 Ontario St, Kingston, ON

Join us as we shine a spotlight on local creators and arts champions at the 2025 Mayor’s Arts Awards reception, where we will unveil and honour the 2025 recipients of the Mayor’s Arts Awards, recognizing their outstanding contributions to Kingston’s thriving arts sector.

Following an open call and selection process facilitated by the Kingston Arts Council, this year’s award recipients were selected from 54 nominations by a subcommittee of the Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee.

All are welcome to attend the event and join in recognizing the artists and arts leaders who help shape Kingston’s cultural landscape.

Nan Yeomans Grant for Artistic Development Closes Soon!

The Nan Yeomans Grant For Artistic Development closes on Monday, 17 November at 11:59 P.M.!

Totalling $4,000 in value and awarded annually to one individual between the ages of 17 and 40, the grant is intended for training or focused creation to support the career development of a young emerging artist.

This grant is made possible through an endowment fund administered by the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area, with the selection process administered by the Kingston Arts Council.

The deadline to apply is 17 November 2025, 11:59 PM ET.

Artist Prosperity Project Survey Report

The report outlines trends in artist income, access to funding, barriers to career development, and the availability of affordable space, equipment, and opportunities in the area. Findings reveal that, of those surveyed, the majority of artists earned less than $40,000 annually from all sources, with over 80% earning under $40,000 annually from their artistic or cultural practice alone. As a result, many artists worked secondary jobs or in other positions outside of the arts and culture industry to supplement their creative income.

The report also underscores the many benefits of creating in Katarokwi/ Kingston: strong community support, access to local arts organizations or events, and opportunities for collaboration were all highlighted as strengths by artists.

After collecting data through the Artist Prosperity Survey, the Kingston Arts Council (KAC) is excited to announce the publication of the Artist Prosperity Project Survey Report. The recently published report gives insight into the economic realities, working conditions, and creative practices of artists working in Katarokwi/Kingston and the surrounding region. 

The Artist Prosperity Survey, launched in June 2025, set out to collect data from local visual artists, musicians, and performing artists to better understand how they live, work, and sustain their practices. Drawing from the survey data, the report offers a snapshot of the local arts economy, identifying key challenges and opportunities that affect these artists across disciplines.

Although not every concern can be resolved quickly, this data provides artists and arts organizations with evidence to strengthen their advocacy efforts. The Artist Prosperity Project is one step towards building and strengthening the artistic economy in Katarokwi/Kingston and the surrounding region.

Special Thanks

The Artist Prosperity Project was made possible through funding from the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area, to whom we extend our sincere thanks. We are also grateful to the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, Kingston Theatre Alliance, and Tourism Kingston – Music Office for their detailed review and feedback on the survey questions and for helping disseminate the survey. We further thank SpiderWebShow and Modern Fuel Artist-Run Centre for their review and promotional support. Your contributions strengthened this project and helped ensure the report reflects a range of artistic experiences in Katarokwi/Kingston.

POCKET GALLERY

Deeply Rooted: The Weight of Heritage, an Exciting New Exhibit by Tania Craan!

Date: 10 November - 28 November 2025
Location: Kingston Arts Council — Unit 115, 370 King St W, Kingston

Deeply Rooted: The Weight of Heritage is an exhibit by artist Tania Craan that examines the heritage through sculpture and community engagement.

The fragility of heritage cannot be overstated, particularly concerning natural heritage, which is essential for human survival.

Seeds symbolize agricultural heritage, representing a link between past, present, and future generations. They serve as reminders of historical practices and the continuity of cultural traditions.

In this exhibition, seeds are used as symbols to illustrate the significance of our heritage. They embody our values and priorities while offering insights into our historical narratives and the evolution of society. The exploration of seeds invites individuals to examine their own traditions, customs, crafts, languages, and skills, fostering a deeper understanding of their identities and the underlying reasons for their existence.

Reception

Date: Friday, 21 November | 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Location: The Pocket Gallery | Unit 115, 370 King St W, Kingston

Celebrate with artist Tania Craan for the reception of The Weight of Heritage. Drop in to explore the work, meet the artist, and take part in thoughtful conversation about the themes behind the exhibit. This free, all-ages event is open to everyone, with light refreshments provided.

EVENTS

Kingston Meistersingers
Date: 20 - 30 November 2025

The Kingston Meistersingers proudly present the Tony Award-winning musical, Guys and Dolls.

Step into the bustling streets of 1950s New York as the Kingston Meistersingers bring this beloved Broadway classic to life! With unforgettable songs like “Luck Be a Lady” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” Guys and Dolls delivers romance, laughs, and toe-tapping tunes in a story of gamblers, showgirls, and unexpected love.

Roll the dice on a night (or afternoon!) of unforgettable theatre — Guys and Dolls is a sure bet!

Great Lakes Museum
Date: 28 November 2025 | 6:30 P.M.

Season 9 of Nautical Nights kicks off with the screening of The Fish Thief: A Great Lakes Mystery!

This award-winning documentary examines the cataclysmic effect of an invasive species on the Great Lakes.

Tickets include live music from local musician Spencer Evans before and after the film, plus light refreshments. A cash bar will also be available.


Cost: $37 per person

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

Executive Director (H'art Centre)
Remuneration: $55,000 - $65,000/annual
Deadline: Until Filled

Art Instructor (ArtNoise)
Remuneration: $40/hour
Deadline: Until Filled

Draped & Undraped Models (ArtNoise)
Remuneration: $22/hour
Deadline: Rolling

Workshop Leaders – Short-Term Contract Positions (H'art Centre)
Deadline: Until Filled

OPPORTUNITIES

Call for Applications:
IMAGINE Arts Incubator Program 2025-2026 (Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts)
Deadline: 30 November 2025 | 11:59 PM

Call for Submissions:
Film Submissions (2026 Kingston Canadian Film Festival)
Deadline: 1 December 2025

Call for Submissions:
Kingston Script to Screen Program (Kingston Canadian Film Festival)
Deadline: 1 December 2025

Call for Submissions:
Theatre Recommender Grant (Thousand Islands Playhouse x Ontario Arts Council)
Deadline: 10 December 2025

Call for Auditions:
The Comedy of Errors Auditions
Deadline: 14 & 16 December 2025

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!

Arts Across Canada & Abroad: Public Outreach (Canada Council for the Arts)
Deadline: 19 November 2025

Discoverability and Commercialization Program (Ontario Creates)
Deadline: 17 December 2025

Theatre Recommender Grant (Thousand Islands Playhouse x Ontario Arts Council)
Deadline: 10 December 2025

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