Mairead Charles

Mairead Charles (any pronouns) is a queer and disabled artist, caregiver, access worker, and educator living just north of Amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton, AB). Their background in advocacy and education work acts as an avenue to explore dynamics of care, community, and interdependence through their artistic practice. They primarily work in textiles, printmaking, and installation. 

As an access worker, they have developed and implemented disability access frameworks for galleries such as Latitude 53, and they continue to create accessibility experiments wherever they can. Mairead is working towards completing their BFA in Studio Arts at MacEwan University, and have been fortunate to have their practice grow under the mentorship of artists such as Michelle Lavoie and Aislinn Thomas. Currently, they work as the Community Health Leadership Programs Coordinator for the Queer and Trans Health Collective (QTHC).

The In Community Artist Residency is made possible by the Edmonton Arts Council’s Connections and Exchanges Organizational Initiatives Grant.