The Bows is an artist-run centre in Mohkínstsis (Calgary, Alberta), Treaty 7 Territory. Our core goals are: to support the development, creation, and presentation of new work by early-career artists; to provide affordable studio space for local artists; and to broaden the reach and scope of contemporary art in this city, with the ultimate, if ambitious, aim to expose this city to artistic work that explores pressing contemporary issues. We work toward these goals with an artist-centric approach that prioritizes the wholesale support of artists; creative and radical uses of spaces outside of the gallery; and a curatorial focus on projects and practices that dovetail with the specific socio-political, cultural, colonial, economic, and Indigenous histories and contexts of this province. Ultimately, The Bows strives to empower and support artists to imagine radical futures, and to invite those inside and outside of our community to be co-conspirators in realizing such futures.

In addition to our regular programming and studio provision, in the upcoming year, The Bows Board of Directors is engaged with re-envisioning Board structure, policies, and procedures through a lens of equity and anti-racism, with an aim to remove colonial structures that cause harm to artists, volunteers, staff, and community.

The Bows’ Board is composed of dedicated volunteers who are passionate about the arts and our local artistic communities. As the organization enters a period of strategic growth and governance renewal, we are seeking engaged, thoughtful members who are ready to help strengthen our governance practices and steward the organization’s long-term sustainability. The Board operates according to a philosophy of openness, responsiveness, accountability, and respect.

The Board of Directors is responsible for governance, strategic oversight, and fiduciary accountability. Board members steward the organization’s mission, ensure sound policy and financial oversight, and staff in achieving The Bows’ vision. Board members are expected to contribute approximately 4–6 volunteer hours per month, depending on committee or executive roles, and to attend monthly board meetings. Board members are expected to come prepared, actively participate in discussion and committee work, and share responsibility for the health and sustainability of the organization.

We are seeking new Board members with experience or interest in art and non-profit governance, policy development, financial oversight, fundraising, labour relations, or HR. We are particularly interested in individuals who are motivated to contribute to board development, governance strengthening, and organizational sustainability. The Bows’ Board welcomes members of all backgrounds and levels of experience and supports new Board members with a thorough onboarding process and mentorship.

We value the perspectives that members of marginalized and underrepresented communities bring to The Bows. We especially encourage applications from individuals who identify as underrepresented or marginalized, including but not limited to Indigenous, Black, and other racialized people, Disabled people, and 2SLGBTQI+ and non-binary/gender non-conforming people.

To apply, please submit a statement of interest telling us about yourself to board[at]thebows[dot]org by May 1, 2026. This may take the form of a written statement of no more than 750 words, a short audio or video recording of no more than 5 minutes, or a resume or professional CV outlining your previous experiences.

For guidance in telling us about yourself, you might consider some of the following questions: What skills do you anticipate bringing to The Bows’ Board? What do you hope to learn through your participation? In a sentence or two, tell us something you enjoyed about one or two of your favourite artworks, exhibitions, books, movies, TV shows, podcasts, or other cultural experiences in the last few years. (Note: you are not required to answer all, or any, of these questions.)

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