Visual arts & new media

The Citadel Theatre invites submissions from visual artists based in Edmonton or the surrounding region to activate our new Light Wall, a striking 40-foot digital mural located in the lush, glass-enclosed Lee Pavilion in downtown Edmonton. This project is supported by the City of Edmonton’s Downtown Vibrancy Fund.

The artwork will be featured as part of Alberta Culture Days celebrations at Citadel Theatre from September 26 to 28, 2025, contributing to a nation-wide festival of arts and culture.

See full submission details on our website: https://citadeltheatre.com/artists/artist-programs-mentorship/call-for-visual-artists-digital-artwork-for-light-wall-activation/

PROJECT SCOPE

• Content Type: We are currently seeking existing digital still image artworks (not video or animation) from Edmonton-based artists that are suitable for display on a large-format digital screen.
• Programming: Images from multiple artists will be programmed to display periodically throughout the day during our 2025/26 Season, alternating with Citadel-branded content. We anticipate selecting 3–5 images, with the possibility of including additional works if budget allows.
• Viewing Context: The work will be visible from both the Lee Pavilion and the Maclab Theatre lobby. It should have strong visual impact from a distance while offering details that reward closer viewing.
• Atmosphere: Submissions should consider and complement the Pavilion’s architectural features, including glass, natural light, tropical plants, and steady public traffic. The work should provide visual interest without overwhelming the environment. Artists are encouraged to consider visual accessibility in their design. The Light Wall is visible from multiple angles and is located in an area with accessible pathways.
• Intention: The goal of this project is to activate the Pavilion with engaging, memorable visual art that connects with a wide range of visitors. This includes theatregoers, community members, and guests who may be visiting the space casually or for the first time. 

TECHNICAL GUIDELINES

• Format: High-resolution JPEG or PNG
• Dimensions: Minimum 3840 x 2160 pixels (4k)
• Orientation: Landscape only
• File Size: Maximum 4 MB per image
• Colour Mode: RGB
• Content Type: No video, animation, or audio content will be accepted for this call.
• Artists may submit up to 1 image for consideration. 

Honorarium: $750 per selected image. This fee covers artist time, licensing for a 12-month exhibition term, and any preparation of deliverables.

PROJECT TIMELINE

• Submission Deadline: September 5, 2025, at 5:00 PM (MDT)
• Artists Notified: September 12, 2025
• Launch: Anticipated to be September 26, 2025 (exact date/time TBD) 

ELIGIBILITY

This opportunity is open to: 

• Individual artists residing in Edmonton or surrounding regions.
• Artists working in any visual discipline, including but not limited to photography, illustration, digital painting, generative design, or mixed digital media.
• Artists must be 18 years of age or older at the time of submission. 

Artists from equity-deserving communities are strongly encouraged to apply. 

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

All submissions must be submitted online via email to citadeltheatremarketing@gmail.com with “VisualArtSubmission2025_Artist Name” as the subject line.

Please note: This email is for submissions only. We are unable to respond to questions about eligibility, requirements, or selection.

Each proposal should include: 

• Artist Statement (max. 300 words). Briefly introduce your artistic practice and approach.
• 1 Digital Image File. Final artwork intended for submission. Include title, year, medium, and a description for each (how the submitted work responds to the site and audience)
• Resume or Bio (max. 2 pages) 

For larger files (over 1MB), please provide a secure file-sharing link (e.g., Dropbox, Google Drive, WeTransfer) with appropriate permissions so we can access and download your materials. Ensure shared links are accessible without requiring special permissions or login.  

Please note: No in-person drop-offs or physical pieces will be considered. A high-resolution digital image must be created and submitted to be considered for this opportunity. 

SELECTION PROCESS

Proposals will be reviewed by a selection panel made up of Citadel Theatre staff. Selections will be based on: 

• Alignment with the theme and artistic approach
• Suitability for large-scale digital presentation
• Resonance with the Pavilion’s setting and atmosphere
• Technical feasibility and clarity of presentation 

Shortlisted artists may be contacted for clarification or minor revisions.  

RIGHTS & LICENSE

• Artists retain full copyright of their submitted works.
• Citadel Theatre will receive a non-exclusive, time-limited license to exhibit the work(s) on the Light Wall for 12 months, as well as to use images for marketing and documentation (with credit). Artists will be credited on the graphic as part of the display.
• Citadel Theatre retains the right to remove any artwork from display at any time during the licensing period. The Theatre may also add or modify surrounding content, such as branding or promotional materials, to meet programming or operational needs.
• The Citadel reserves the right to decline any work that does not meet display requirements or align with our commitment to safe, inclusive public space.

Note: Due to limited capacity, we will confirm receipt of all submissions but will only contact artists whose work has been selected.