John Wort Hannam has been named Alberta's sixth Artist in Residence and Arts Ambassador. (Photo: David Guenther)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge man named Alberta’s Artist in Residence and Arts Ambassador

Oct 16, 2025 | 1:07 PM

A musician from Lethbridge will have a new opportunity to promote the arts.

John Wort Hannam is the province’s sixth Artist in Residence and Arts Ambassador.

The country singer and songwriter is a JUNO nominee and three-time Canadian Folk Music Award winner with multiple Western Canadian Folk Music Award nominations under his belt.

He will receive a grant of $50,000 to serve a one-year term in the position and will create an art project that showcases the power of the arts in Alberta.

Hannam’s residency project is called “Everyone Has a Story,” and it aims to connect unique voices and put Alberta’s talent on centre stage.

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He says, “Every Albertan carries a unique story and when we listen to one another, we connect and build stronger communities. As Alberta’s Artist in Residence and Arts Ambassador, I am honoured to use the power of music to bridge Albertans’ experiences and share their voices across the province.”

Hannam will also host 10 songwriting workshops in rural, remote and inner-city communities, each of which will conclude with a public listening session and performance.

“What these workshops are not are me going to different communities, playing my songs, talking a little bit about how I write them, and then leaving,” Hannam adds. “What these workshops are is facilitating everyday Albertans to learn that they too have a creative side, even if they don’t think they do.”

He was selected from a shortlist of seven applicants to receive the position.

Cynthia P. Moore, Chair of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, says the program celebrates the transformative power of art.

“At the AFA, we strive to inspire, connect and advocate for the arts across the province. Congratulations to John Wort Hannam on his selection as Alberta’s sixth Artist in Residence and Arts Ambassador,” says Moore.

As the Arts Ambassador, Hannam will engage with communities across Alberta, attend events, and offer an inside look at his artistic processes.

Communities that are interested in hosting Hannam can apply online through the Artist in Residence website.