Francine Cunningham is an award-winning writer, artist and educator and is a member of the Saddle Lake Cree Nation, in Alberta, but grew up in Calgary, Edmonton, and 100 Mile House, British Columbia. Francine is also Métis and has settler family roots stretching from as far away as Ireland and Belgium. She currently resides in rural southern Alberta, where she spends her days writing and mentoring emerging artists.
As part of her role with the Canada Council, Francine will focus on rural Albertans, Indigenous communities both on and off reserve and those needing extra support with understanding the granting process at the Canada Council, both virtually and in person through information sessions, webinars and one-on-one visits. She looks forward to providing information on granting programs and funding opportunities, creating greater connections in the Alberta Arts ecosystem and looking for ways to make Alberta-based artists’ voices heard.
