Our History

On January 5, 2007, a group of artists, musicians, writers, puppeteers, filmmakers and theatre folk came together in celebration and support of a local artist/musician and poet as she crossed swords with her long time nemesis, Multiple Sclerosis. We called this collaboration Elephant and it grew into a rocking example of just how powerful our voices could be when heard in unison.

This extraordinary event was the birth of Elephant Artist Relief (EAR), an organization dedicated to supporting the health, well- being and livelihood of practicing artists in Calgary. At its core, EAR is a celebration of the arts and the diversity of artistic expression existing within our community. We also recognize that many of us who have chosen to follow this path are doing so in the face of adversity, struggling to maintain our health, our home and our work. As an organization, it is our primary mission to build and maintain the practical support necessary to sustain those in our community who have dedicated their own lives to the practice of making art.

Information about EAR

Established in 2007, EAR is still in its infancy. We are an organization run solely by volunteers from our board and the visual arts community here in Calgary. While a great deal has been accomplished in our brief history much is yet to be developed to fully realize the society’s purpose and existence. EAR is a non-profit society and does not yet have charitable status.

EAR is not able to respond to applications for assistance at this time as we do not yet have the financial backing to make this feasible. However, if you or someone in our community is in a situation that is critical, please contact us. EAR is open to looking at individual situations on a case by case basis to determine if there is any way that we can be of assistance.

EAR does not instigate fundraising activities for individuals. Our major annual event and fundraiser is primarily a vehicle for exposure and community-building for the society. If a fundraiser for a person needing financial assistance in the community is required this must be initiated, organized and run by friends, family or the community. EAR will be happy to assist in any way that we are able at such time.

Vision Statement
EAR envisions a healthy arts community ensuring a continued and rich cultural landscape for us all.

Mission Statement
We are committed to building and maintaining the practical support necessary to sustain the health, well being and livelihood of those in Calgary’s visual arts community who have dedicated their lives to the practice of making art.

Read our survey of Calgary artists’ health and wellness concerns