John Wort Hannam named Alberta’s artist in residence and arts ambassador

Lethbridge musician John Wort Hannam is taking on a new gig—he’s Alberta’s newest artist in residence and arts ambassador.

Hannam is a Juno nominee and three-time Canadian Folk Music Award winner.

For more than 25 years, his music has celebrated the spirit of everyday Albertans on stages around the world.

During his one-year term, he will engage with communities and create a project that showcases the power of the arts in Alberta.

Hannam believes 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,” he said in a release.

He told media many of his songs have been influenced by southern Alberta and its landscapes.

“For any artist, regardless of whether they’re a painter or a songwriter, you cannot help but be influenced by what you’re seeing once you step outside the door,” he said.

Hannam’s residency project, Everyone Has a Story, will connect unique voices and put Alberta’s talent centre stage with 10 songwriting workshops in rural, remote and inner-city communities across the province.

Each workshop will conclude with a public listening session and performance, highlighting the stories and songs created during that workshop.

Hannam’s residency includes a grant of up to $50,000.

He was selected from a shortlist of seven applicants.

Tanya Fir, minister of arts, culture and status of women, expressed her excitement in this week’s release.

“John’s music is powerful, echoing the stories of Alberta’s strength, culture and identity,” she said in the release.

Hannam is also a University of Lethbridge alumnus whose song “Let it Shine” was commissioned for the institution’s 50th anniversary.

The U of L’s website says his music “is deeply rooted in the people, images and landscapes of southern Alberta.”