Call for Visual Art Submissions: Quenten Doolittle Memorial Gallery

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Visual arts & new media Calgary Call for Submissions

DEADLINE: April 1, 2024 - 3:45 am

Call for Visual Arts Submissions: The Quenten Doolittle Memorial Gallery

The Pumphouse Theatre and The Quenten Doolittle Memorial Gallery is looking for submission for its upcoming Fall Gallery: Metamorphosis happening September 26th – December 7th, 2024. Submissions will be accepting beginning Wednesday July 24, 2024 and the deadline to submit will be August 31, 2024. 

The Pumphouse Theatre is a vibrant facility with historical significance. It supports and presents all art forms and creates opportunities for engagement, enrichment, cultural experience, learning and inspiration, while serving all Calgarians. To enable this, the Quenten Doolittle Memorial Gallery provides accessible wall display space for Mohkinstsis (Calgary) visual artists to display and sell their work, free from commission.

For this exhibit, we are looking for work that reflects the theme of metamorphosis – explorations and interpretations surrounding change, alteration, transfiguration, or mutation. Submissions of any style, from realistic to abstract, and in any visual art medium will be considered, provided it meets all gallery requirements below.

The Pumphouse Theatre supports an inclusive and diverse community. We encourage any submissions of eligible visual artists from all communities including but not limited to the LGBTQ2+, BIPOC, and those with disabilities. Priority will be given to artists who are emerging or at the early stages of their career.

Submissions must meet the following requirements:

  • Artist must reside in Calgary and must be available for installation dates provided.
  • Artwork must be delivered ready to hang (wall-space only) with the dimensions listed on the application form.

Installation Requirements: All art MUST be equipped with picture hanging wire and D rings (a piece of metal hardware shaped like the letter D used on the back of frame or canvas as hooking device). Hanging cleats or flat metal hardware unfortunately will not be accepted.

To apply, please send the following information via email or mail:

  • Completed Gallery Submission Form: This can be accessed on our website, www.pumphousetheatre.ca or by emailing kelly@pumphousetheatre.ca  
  • Artist Biography (250 words max): A short description of who you are and your art background, training, passion, and/or any combination of the fore mentioned information
  • Artwork: A minimum of 1 to a maximum of 5 pieces will be accepted. Images of artwork only; do not send original works with application

Applications or queries can be sent to Kelly Malcolm, Programming Director, at kelly@pumphousetheatre.ca

Selection Process: Art pieces are selected by a committee of no less than 3 people and are a mix of artists and administrators.  Selection criteria is based on: suitability to the theme, technique, emotional response, creativity & innovation, and suitability for the Pumphouse Theatre gallery space and its patrons (ages 8-80 representing various socio-economic and cultural backgrounds). Unfortunately, we are unable to accept works that feature nudity.

Any artists who need assistance with their application, or have inquires and questions, are welcome to contact the Pumphouse Theatre, at any point.

We look forward to seeing your artwork. Thank you!