The Parliament of Canada established the position of Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate (Artist Laureate) through an amendment to the Parliament of Canada Act in 2024 to “promote the arts in Canada, through Parliament, including by fostering knowledge, enjoyment, awareness and development of the arts.”

The Artist Laureate must work in at least one of the following artistic disciplines as defined in the Parliament of Canada Act: drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, design, crafts, photography, videography, filmmaking or digital creations.

The Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate Program is focused on arts promotion, rather than creation. Each person occupying the role of Artist Laureate will draw on their own unique perspective, experience and ideas to develop programming that will promote visual arts in Canada. Throughout their term, the Artist Laureate will receive guidance and support from the Library of Parliament in planning and delivering their proposed activities.

The Artist Laureate role is not a full-time job – it is a distinguished position that comes with an annual stipend of $25,000 and a programming budget of up to $35,000 a year to cover expenses for approved activities, events and travel. The Artist Laureate determines their own programming in consultation with the Library of Parliament, and sets their schedule, except for required participation in certain parliamentary events. The Artist Laureate carries out most of their work remotely and is not required to live in Ottawa during their term. However, they may be asked to travel to Ottawa or elsewhere within Canada from time to time. 

The Artist Laureate is appointed for a term of up to two years.