Calls to Artists

The City of St. Catharines often engages with artists to put their talents on display for a variety of temporary exhibits, public art commissions, special events and music programming. We issue calls to artists and requests for expressions of interest when opportunities are available.

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New and ongoing opportunities

Stay up to date on the latest opportunities for artists with the City of St. Catharines.

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 Mar. 13, 2026

Submission Deadline: Monday, Jun. 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, Mar. 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 1 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, Jun. 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.