Calls to Artists

Call to 2SLGBTQI+ Poets

Pride in Every Step, Love in Every Action

Call for 2SLGBTQI+ Poets 

The City of St. Catharines celebrates Pride with a call for 2SLGBTQI+ poets. All emerging, student and established poets living in the Niagara Region are invited to submit to the call for 2SLGBTQI+ short poem.

Pride in Every Step, Love in Every Action is asking poets to emphasize the power of love and pride, not only in celebration but in the everyday actions and words we use to show allyship and solidarity. The steps are a symbol of the journey, with each step towards being an act of love and commitment to equality.

Poems should focus on the transformative power of action, language, love and acceptance. The selected poem will reflect on small acts of allyship or personal reflections of how love and pride impact individuals and communities.

Selected poem will be displayed on the front steps of City Hall (50 Church St., St. Catharines).

Important Dates

Display Dates:

May 2025 to August 2025

Location:

City Hall, 50 Church St., St. Catharines

Entry Deadline:

Friday, May 16, 2025

Selected Poet Notified by Email:

Wednesday, May 30, 2025

Eligibility 

• Open to all emerging, student and established 2SLGBTQI+ poets from across the Niagara Region.
• Poems must be original.
• Poems must be unpublished.

• Poems must be 7 lines or fewer, or 25 words or less. 

Poet Fees

There are no costs associated with entry.

Selected Poet will be compensated $350.

Submission Information

Selection Process

All submitted poems will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of arts professionals and additional community member(s). The selection committee will take the following criteria into consideration:

• Originality
• Relationship and response to theme
• Creativity of expression

The selection committee reserves the right to accept or reject any or all submissions and shall not be bound to accept any of them and reserves the right at any time to cancel the call.

Submission Guidelines 

• A maximum of three poems will be considered per poet.
• Poets must reside within the Niagara region.
• Submissions to be received by Friday, May 16, 2025. 

• Submissions are complete after the entry form is received. 

How to Submit

Complete the application form and upload any additional information online.

Apply now

Call to Artists: Layers 2025 Annual Juried Exhibition

Layers

2025 Annual Juried Exhibition - Call to Artists 

All emerging, student and established artists living in the Niagara Region are invited to submit to the 2025 City of St. Catharines Annual Juried Exhibition, Layers.

Artists are encouraged to interpret Layers through material, concept, or storytelling — unveiling hidden narratives, histories, or transformations. Submissions in all mediums are welcome.

Layers will be installed in the exhibition space on the third floor of City Hall (50 Church St., St. Catharines).

The City of St. Catharines is now accepting applications for 3D works. Details in call.

Important Dates

Exhibition Dates: Sept. 26, 2025, to March 13, 2026 

Submission Deadline: Monday, June 23, 2025

Selected Artists Notified by Email: Monday, Aug. 11, 2025 

Artwork Delivery: Monday, Sept. 22, 2025 

Opening Reception: Friday, Sept. 26, 2025 

Artwork Pick-Up: Monday, March 16, 2026

Eligibility 

• Open to all emerging, student and established artists, designers and collectives from across the Niagara Region. 

• Artworks must be original.

• All selected artworks will be made available for display for the entire period of the exhibition.

• Each work must either be:

  • Equipped and suitable for hanging on a track hanging system and must not exceed 25 kg. (2D works)

  • Suitable for display in a 18” x 18” x 18” pedestal display case (3D works)

Note: Only one sculptural piece will be accepted for display. 

Artist Fees

There are no costs associated with entry.

Selected artists will be compensated $251.20, based on 2025 CARFAC Fee Schedule Section A.1.6 Exhibitions in Other Public Places.

Submission Information 

Selection Process

All submitted artworks will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of arts professionals. The selection committee will take the following criteria into consideration when selecting work for the exhibit:

• Originality

• Artistic merit and interest

• Relationship and response to exhibition theme

• Creativity of expression and medium(s) used

The selection committee reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications and shall not be bound to accept any of them and reserves the right at any time to cancel the call or exhibit.

Submission Guidelines

• A maximum of three artworks will be considered per artist.

• One to four digital images of each work that you propose to exhibit (minimum of 150 dpi jpeg or high quality png).

• Artist Biography or CV.

• Artist Statement 

• Please DO NOT submit original works of art. Submission material will NOT be returned.

• The selected artworks will be installed by City staff.

• Successful applicants are responsible for delivering their work.

• The selected artworks available for purchase may be considered for acquisition into the City of St. Catharines’ Municipal Art Collection.

• Submissions must be received by Monday, June 23, 2025, at 11:30 p.m.

How to Submit

Complete the application form and upload any additional information online.

Apply now

Open Call to Artists - All Disciplines 

The St. Catharines Culture Plan 2025-2030: Stay for the Culture presents a transformative vision for culture in St. Catharines, outlining a strategic roadmap to guide municipal support for arts and culture over the next five years. 

As part of this roadmap, we are planning to provide additional opportunities for artists of all disciplines to engage the public in activities, lead workshops and host performances in a variety of public spaces throughout the city. These experiences will enrich lives, foster pride, and ensure a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable cultural sector within the city.

Eligibility 

This application form is an open call to all artist(s), artist ad-hoc groups or arts and culture organizations seeking to lead a workshop or arts activity as part of programming initiatives undertaken by the City of St. Catharines.

How to Submit

Complete the application form and upload any additional information online.

Apply now

Live music programming

Each year, we feature a variety of live music programming at Market Square. These concerts help enhance our Farmers Market and add vibrant character to our downtown. 

To apply, complete our Musician Application Form. We accept applications throughout the year and welcome submissions from artists with original songs and covers of recording artists.