Call for Artwork Submissions: The Shape of Change exhibition
Closing Date of Opportunity: November 28, 2025
Name or Organisation: City of Airdrie
Contact Email: hello@dothearthing.com
Website: http://airdrie.ca/exhibit
Post Content: We're seeking visual art submissions for Inspire's next exhibit titled The Shape of Change. The exhibit will celebrate the many voices and stories that shape our community. We invite artists of all visual arts backgrounds and disciplines to submit work for consideration. Selected artists will be compensated using CARFAC artistic payment standards as a guide, referencing the category for exhibitions in non-gallery public spaces.
The exhibition will run from January 30 until April 15, 2026.
A guest curator, in collaboration with the Community Art Selection Committee, will review submissions and select artworks. Artists are encouraged to submit work that explores an embodiment of what change and transformation looks like, while reflecting on the following exhibition prompt:
“Change often reveals patterns, geometry, and a choreography of being and learning that we
only begin to understand while it unfolds in real time.”
Exhibition selections will reflect artistic strength, thematic resonance, and a balance of voices that speak to change in many forms.
Visual art display submission eligibility
Open to artists who are able to deliver and pick up their work to Inspire in Airdrie, Alberta. Delivery dates will be in mid-January, and pick up in mid-April. Shipping and transportation expenses are not covered by the City of Airdrie. All visual art mediums are welcome, including painting, photography, sculpture, textiles, digital art* and mixed media, however some hanging and installation limitations do apply.
Please keep in mind the following criteria:
Original works in all visual arts media are eligible
Images submitted must be in .jpg format and sized under 2MB
The maximum weight of artwork is 50 lbs
All work must be ready to hang/install with hardware and installation instructions included upon selection and delivery
2D artworks must have a wire on the back, as the exhibition walls are equipped with a rod-hanging system only and D-rings, french-cleats, and other hanging supports are not compatible
3-Dimensional artworks under 30 inches in height and width can be exhibited in a locked vitrine to ensure their protection within the public environment.
3-Dimensional artworks should be structurally sound, balanced, and safe to display in areas with regular visitor traffic. Please ensure works are self-supporting and durable enough to remain stable if lightly brushed or approached closely by the public.
Digital artwork must be self-contained and not require outlet plugins or projections supports.
Artwork should be suitable for children and avoid depictions of alcohol, drugs, tobacco or violence
Artwork should be respectful of the local history, culture and urban environment.
Artwork should not include logos, brands or promotional material for businesses or organizations
Artwork must not infringe on copyright
Artwork should connect to the provided theme
Accepted artists should be mindful of the following:
After acceptance, artists will sign an exhibition artwork loan agreement contract with the City of Airdrie. This communication will occur via email with your acceptance letter.
Artists will be responsible for delivering their artwork to Inspire and for collecting it at the end of the exhibition display period.
Artists may not substitute another work for an accepted work. The City, curator and selection committee reserve the right to refuse any entry which does not match the image submitted or meet the criteria.
Every precaution will be taken to handle artwork with the utmost care. The City, curator and selection committee will not be responsible for damage or loss from any cause during transportation or display. Accepted works will not be insured for the duration of the exhibition, however, artists may decide to procure their own insurance.
Wall-hanging artworks will be on display within public multi-use spaces and artists are not guaranteed to have their work behind protective glass
Artwork labels on site will include the artist's name, contact information (email/website), title of work, dimensions, media and year completed.
The City will not facilitate any sale of artwork. Should someone reach out to the artist directly regarding sale, the artwork must remain in the exhibition for the duration of its scheduled display before being transferred to a potential buyer.
How to submit work for visual art display
Submissions must be sent by email and include all requested components. Please title email submission subject The Shape of Change Submission - [Your Name]".
Contact information: full name, pronouns if you wish to include them, email address, phone number, mailing address, website and social media handles.
Artist bio (max 200 words): tell us about who you are and your creative background.
Artist statement (max 250 words): share your general approach to artmaking or creative philosophy. What themes or ideas do you explore in your work?
Community connection (max 100 words): share any connections you'd like to highlight between your work and the Airdrie community.
Artwork submissions (upto five artworks): title, medium, dimensions, year created, a short description (max 100 words) and images of the artwork.
Submission form link: https://www.airdrie.ca/getDocument.cfm?ID=12451