Call for Submissions
Exhibitions, Billboard, Special Projects and More!
Hamilton Artists Inc. (The Inc.) is seeking dynamic proposals from artists, collectives and curators at various stages of their careers for its exhibition platforms and public programs. The Inc. exhibits a range of artistic disciplines and welcomes applications by artists from local, regional and national communities. We have numerous opportunities available, please read the full descriptions for each call to identify which opportunity is best suited to your practice/objectives.
As an artist-run centre, we are interested in works/projects that push boundaries and engage with critical, conceptual and/or experimental thinking from diverse perspectives. We are committed to providing platforms for risk-taking and creating an inclusive space for artistic exploration. The Inc. supports submissions that showcase artists and curators’ most recent endeavours as well as works that incite conversation and promote a range of intersectional narratives. We pay artists based on CARFAC fee standards.
We welcome submissions from artists of all backgrounds (including but not limited to): Indigenous, Black, people of colour, refugees, newcomers, immigrants, Two-Spirit, LGBTQ+, gender non-binary persons, persons with disabilities, and those on low-incomes or living in poverty. The Inc. is committed to equity and inclusion in all aspects of its operations and will accept submissions in various formats.
Indigenous Curatorial Residency
Deadline: January 30, 2021
This program cultivates opportunities for Indigenous (i.e. First Nations, Métis and Inuit) practitioners to grow their practice through long-term support. The curator will be supported in pursuing expansive research on a project of their choice from the idea phase to public presentation over 18 months.
Cannon Gallery
Deadline: January 16, 2021
We are seeking applications to be considered for exhibitions to be presented in 2024. The Cannon Gallery is the Inc.’s largest gallery space and is programmed three years in advance. We encourage proposals from local, national, and international artists and curators working in all mediums and at all levels of their careers.
James Gallery
Deadline: January 16, 2021
We are seeking applications for a curated/self-curated exhibition to be presented in spring 2021. The James Gallery is the Inc.’s dedicated members’ gallery. We always welcomes new and returning members, who will then be eligible to exhibit in this space.
Cannon Project Wall
Deadline: January 16, 2021
We are seeking applications to be considered for a billboard installation in summer 2021. The Cannon Project Wall is an 8’ x 33’ billboard on the side of our building located at the corner of James and Cannon Streets in downtown Hamilton which sees upwards of 10,000 vehicular and pedestrian traffic each day.
Special Projects
Deadline: Ongoing
Special Projects are activities that do not take the form of regular exhibitions. These can be one-off performances, zines, posters, screenings, workshops, community events, online programs, outdoor projects in our courtyard, site-specific interventions, off-site projects, or other unique initiatives. Special projects provide an excellent opportunity for individuals to engage with social, political and cultural issues in new and unconventional ways.
Photophobia: Contemporary Moving Image Festival
Deadline: May 31, 2021
Photophobia is an annual festival of short-format contemporary media, film, video and moving image. Not confined by restrictions or themes, Photophobia is a two-part screening series presented every August under the cover of night in the Irving Zucker Sculpture Garden at the Art Gallery of Hamilton and the ArcelorMittal Dofasco Courtyard at Hamilton Artists Inc.
Have questions or need help with your application?
Attend our online submission cafés! Get one-on-one support and advice on your application from our staff on a first come, first served basis. Free, all are welcome!
Saturday, January 9, 2021 from 2:00-3:30 pm
Tuesday, January 12, 2021 from 6:00-7:30 pm
Click here to register for the zoom link.
To read frequently asked questions about the submissions process, click here. For more information or additional inquiries, please contact:
Abedar Kamgari
Programming Director
programming@theinc.ca / 905.529.3355
As an artist-run centre, Hamilton Artists Inc. empowers artists of all career levels to take risks with their contemporary visual arts practices and present their work in a critical context. Our exhibitions, publications, and special projects offer education and mentorship, facilitate regional and national dialogue, and encourage collaboration, conversation, and critical inquiry. Our programs are free and open to everyone.
Hamilton Artists Inc. gratefully acknowledges the support of the Ontario Arts Council, City of Hamilton, Canada Council for the Arts, Incite Foundation for the Arts, Hamilton Community Foundation and all of its sponsors, donors and programming partners.