Five Calgarians Honored as 2026 Lieutenant Governor Emerging Artists
Five Calgarians Named Emerging Artists for 2026

Five Calgarians have been honored as emerging artists by the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. The announcement was made on Tuesday, recognizing 11 outstanding artists from across the province.

Recognition for Emerging Talent

The Lieutenant Governor Emerging Artists award celebrates artists in the early stages of their careers who are bringing fresh perspectives to their respective disciplines. Foundation chair Arlene Strom noted that these artists are creating new approaches and innovative work.

The Calgary Honorees

The Calgary-based artists recognized include:

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  • Ali DeRegt: A puppet maker, animator, and artist whose work has appeared on numerous Calgary theatre stages. She designed characters for Calgary Opera's 2026 production of Hansel and Gretel and curated live performances at the Festival of Animated Objects. She also contributed to Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock.
  • Additional artists: While the article focuses on DeRegt, the full list includes a poet, an opera singer, and other creatives from Calgary.

Supporting the Arts in Alberta

The awards highlight the province's commitment to nurturing artistic talent. Recipients are selected for their potential to make significant contributions to Alberta's cultural landscape.

For more details on the award recipients, visit the official Lieutenant Governor of Alberta website.

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