Indigenous Artist-in-Residence Program logo

The Indigenous Artist-in-Residence Program showcases the artwork of talented Indigenous artists.

The Indigenous Artist-in-Residence (IAiR) program is inspired by other Artist-in-Residence programs at the City of Edmonton and is a partnership between the Edmonton Arts Council, the City of Edmonton’s Indigenous Relations Office, and Indigenous artists and knowledge holders.

The City Operations department is a new collaborative partner of the program, providing work space at a City facility for exclusive use by the Indigenous Artist-in-Residence during their term.

Since the Indigenous Artist-in-Residence program began, there have been 3 artists who have taken part: Dawn Marie Marchand, Melissa-Jo (MJ) Belcourt Moses and Matthew Wood (also known as Creeasian).

Arsene Arcand: 4th Indigenous Artist-in-Residence

indigenous persons standing in front of nature backdrop or North Saskatchewan River

Arsene Arcand is a nêhiyaw (Cree) artist from Alexander First Nation in Treaty 6 Territory, and was announced as Edmonton’s fourth Indigenous Artist-in-Residence in June 2025. 

Arsene is a stone carver and visual artist whose work is grounded in cultural teachings passed down from his grandfather, spiritual leader and hereditary chief Arsene Joseph Arcand Sr. and his uncle, acclaimed sculptor Leo W. Arcand. His art is a reflection of kinship, ceremony, and a deep respect for the spirit of each stone.

Art is a way to share our stories and our ways of living. I hope to not only share my own work but also help other young Indigenous artists showcase their talent.

His residency is an act of cultural presence and celebration - building community through story, art and ancestral connections. 

Matthew Wood (Creeasian): 3rd Indigenous Artist-in-Residence

Matthew is an entrepreneur, youth educator, dancer, DJ and producer who tours as a dancer with the Juno Award-winning group The Halluci Nation

person in indigenous headgear and clothing

He is committed to bridging hip-hop and Indigenous culture, using the arts to empower and unite youth.

Final Residency Showcase

The final showcase of his 2021-22 artist residency took place over 2 nights in June 2022. "Identity" was an interactive exhibition with a live DJ, Cree syllabics and finger drumming. Creeasian invited audiences to follow his journey into the 4 directions of the medicine wheel while also celebrating community and healing.

"Every Child Matters" by Creeasian and Busyrawk
A tribute to the 215 children found in unmarked graves due to the abuse and negligence of the Kamloops Indian residential school, funded by the Canadian government.

Melissa-Jo (MJ) Belcourt Moses: 2nd Indigenous Artist-in-Residence

MJ is a traditional Métis artist, certified Native Cultural Art instructor and most recently served as Indigenous Art Consultant for Fort Edmonton Park and Indigenous Curator for the Edmonton Public Library.

indigenous person headshot

In 2019, MJ served as an Indigenous Artist in Residency with the City of Edmonton. Source: Art Gallery of Alberta

Read About MJ's Journey

Feeding My Spirit Exhibit Samples

Photography Credit: Brad Crowfoot

Dawn Marie Marchand: 1st Indigenous Artist-in-Residence

Dawn Marie Marchand comes from Cold Lake First Nation in Treaty Six territory. cîpêhcakwawêw-iskwêw (Blue Horse Spirit Woman) is a celebrated Cree and Métis artist, educator, advocate, author, writer, speaker and Mother.

Dawn Marie Marchand Full Biography

Indigenous Artist-in-Residence Logo Creator

Ohkomimâw mikisiw Grandmother Golden Eagle - her English name is Jessica Sanderson-Barry - is a nêhiyaw-iskwêw and mother from Chakastaypasin Band, Treaty 6 territory. She is the owner and designer behind JShine Designs, combining both traditional and contemporary beading styles into her art.

Read Jessica's Full Biography

Other Indigenous-related Artwork

Indigenous art tells stories, fosters conversations, and expands understanding of Indigenous Peoples' lives and perspectives.

ETS has some fabulous works of art throughout the Edmonton Transit system.

Since 1909, Queen Elizabeth Park has offered Edmontonians year-round trails, picnic areas and a playground.

Contact Us

Indigenous Relations Office

Community Services
18th Floor, Edmonton Tower
10111 104 Avenue NW
P.O. Box 2359
Edmonton, AB T5J 2R7

Email  indigenousrelations@edmonton.ca

Phone  780-944-7602

Fax 780-577-3525

Contact Us

Indigenous Artist-in-Residence Program

Email  iair@edmonton.ca