Calls to Artists

Call to Artists:

Annual Juried Exhibition: Layers 

Annual Juried Exhibit: Layers 

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 shown 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

• September 26, 2025 to March 13, 2026

Exhibition Location

• City Hall, 50 Church St., St. Catharines

Entry Deadline

• Monday, June 23, 2025

Selected Artist Notified by Email

• Monday, August 11, 2025

Artwork Delivery Date

• Monday, September 22, 2025

Reception

• Friday, September 26, 2025

Artwork Pick-Up

• Monday, March 16, 2026

Artist Fees

There are no costs associated with entry.

Selected artists will be compensated $251.20, based on 2024 CARFAC fees.

Submission Information

Selection Process

• All submitted artworks will be reviewed by a Selection Committee  made up of the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee.
• The selection will take the following criteria into consideration when selecting work for the exhibit:
  • Originality
  • Artistic merit and interest
  • Relationship and response to exhibit theme
  • Creativity of expression and medium/s used
  • Clarity and impact of artist’s statement (Artist statements help the Selection Committee understand the artist’s intentions. If selected, it may be included in materials pertaining to the exhibit. Limit 200 words per work.)
  • The ability to display/hang the work of art
• Artists will be notified by email by Monday, August 11, 2025
• 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 works will be considered per artist.
• Artworks must be original and created within the last three years.
• Artists must reside within the Niagara region.
• Artists must be 18 years of age or older.
• 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)
  • Artworks must be able to be hung on wall or fit within the display parameters. Note: only 1 sculptural piece will be accepted for display.
  • The artworks selected will be installed by City staff.
  • The selected artworks may be considered for acquisition into the City of St. Catharines’ Civic Art Collection.

• Submissions are complete after the entry form, artists statement(s) and image(s) are received.

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.