Current
2026 Annual Juried Exhibition - Call to Artists
All emerging, student, and established artists living in the Niagara Region are invited to submit to the 2026 City of St. Catharines Annual Juried Exhibition, Current.
Artists are encouraged to interpret Current through material, concept, or narrative—responding to the forces that move through the Niagara Region today. These may include literal flows such as waterways and infrastructure, or contemporary cultural, social, emotional, and political currents shaping our present moment. Submissions in all mediums are welcome.
Current 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 accepting applications for 3D works. Details are outlined below.
Important Dates
Exhibition Dates: September 18, 2026 to January 22, 2027
Submission Deadline: Monday, June 29, 2026 at 11:30 p.m.
Selected Artists Notified by Email: Monday, August 10, 2026
Artwork Delivery: Monday, September 14, 2026
Opening Reception: Friday, September 18, 2026
Artwork Pick-Up: Monday, January 25, 2027
Eligibility
-
Open to all emerging, student and established artists, designers and collectives from across the Niagara Region.
-
Artists must be 18 years of age or older.
-
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:
Note: Only 1 sculptural piece will accepted for display.
Artist Fees
There are no costs associated with entry.
Submission Information
Selection Process
All submitted artworks will be reviewed by a jury selected by the City of St. Catharines’ Arts and Culture Advisory Committee.
The jury will consider the following criteria when selecting work for the exhibition:
- Artistic merit and originality
- Strength of concept and overall impact
- Relationship and response to the exhibition theme Current
- Clarity and effectiveness of the artist’s statement
- Suitability of the work for exhibition within the space
The jury reserves the right to accept or reject any or all submissions and is not obligated to select all entries. The City also reserves the right to cancel the call or exhibition at any time.
Submission Guidelines
-
A maximum of 3 artworks will be considered per artist.
-
1 to 4 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 providing insight into each piece and explaining its relationship to the exhibit theme. (This statement helps the selection committee understand your intentions. If selected it will be included on the exhibit label for public viewing. Limit 150 words per work.)
-
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 29, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
Contact Info
If you are experiencing difficulties with this submission form or have questions related to the application or supporting documents, please contact culture@stcatharines.ca to connect with Cultural Services Staff. Regular office hours are Monday to Friday 9 am to 4:30 pm.
