Opportunities for Artists

 


Gift of Art Holiday Show and Sale

a white picture frame with the words "Gift of Art Holiday Show & Sale" inside, surrounded by small pinecones and red gift boxes with gold bows

December 9, 2023 – January 11, 2024
Artist Reception: Dec. 9, 2:00-4:00pm

Calling all local Artists! Grimsby Public Art Gallery is pleased to announce the Gift of Art Holiday Show and Sale, December 9, 2023 – January 11, 2024. The Gift of Art is an exciting opportunity to showcase the diverse talent of the region and give the gift of art this holiday season.

Local artists are invited to submit a work no larger than 30 inches in any direction. Work can be dropped off at the gallery with a completed submission form Dec 2 and 5-7.

Work will be sold on a first come first serve basis beginning with the artist reception Saturday, December 9, 2:00-4:00pm. Providing vital support to Niagara Region’s only public art gallery through this exciting fundraising initiative, sale proceeds will be shared 50/50 between the gallery and exhibiting artists.

Thank you for supporting Grimsby Public Art Gallery and helping us to deliver high caliber programs and exhibitions for the benefit of Grimsby and the surrounding community!

Submission Guidelines

  • Only 1 artwork submission per artist
  • Artists must complete the Gift of Art Agreement Form and return the signed form along with their artwork.
  • Works can be delivered to the gallery during operating hours beginning December 2. Works must be accompanied by a completed submission form. Work drop-off hours: Saturday, Dec. 2: 12:00-5:00pm; Tuesday Dec. 5: 10:00am-5:00pm; Wednesday Dec. 6: 10:00am-5:00pm; Thursday, Dec. 7: 10:00am-9:00pm.
  • Artwork must be ready to hang with d rings or picture wire. Artworks should not be larger than 30 inches in any direction, or be heavier than 30lbs. Artworks that are smaller in scale are encouraged.
  • Unsold artworks must be picked up January 12-13. Artists will be notified when their work is sold or if they need to collect it in the new year. 


2023 Holiday Card Contest

Calling all Grimsby artists!

Enter your original artwork into Grimsby's Holiday Card contest for a chance to have your work turned into a holiday greeting card.  All ages and abilities are welcome!

One winner will be selected to be made into our 2023 greeting card, which will be available for sale at the Grimsby Public Art Gallery.  Proceeds from greeting cards sales will support GPAG programming and exhibitions.

Prizes

The winning submission will receive a cash prize of $150 and
10 printed cards.   

Important dates
  • Submission deadline: Wednesday November 22
  • Winner announced: Friday November 24
  • Holiday cards go on sale: beginning of December
More information will be posted to our socials, so follow @theGPAG on Facebook and Instagram to stay informed
 
Instructions
  • Artwork should be suitable for use on a holiday greeting card, such as a holiday scene or decor.  Grimsby themed artwork is encouraged.  Please note we cannot reproduce artwork of licensed characters or designs. 
    All artwork must be original content and created by the artist submitting the work.
  • Artwork dimensions should be sized to fit a 4.25" x 5.5” greeting card, this can be either horizontally or vertically formatted
  • Each artist may submit up to two holiday card designs
  • Digital submissions must be submitted in high resolution JPG or PNG at 300 DPI
  • Submissions are accepted through our online application form and must be submitted by Wednesday, November 22, 2023


Community Exhibition Space Proposals

Grimsby Public Art Gallery (GPAG) is seeking innovative and dynamic submissions from artists across the Region and surrounding areas for inclusion in its Community Exhibition Space. Grimsby Public Art Gallery values artistic excellence; curiosity and creativity; inclusivity & diversity; integrity; and collaborations. GPAG works with established, mid-career and emerging artists to present exhibitions that offer ideas and reflections on important current issues such as environment, culture, identity, social justice, community, and accessibility through contemporary art practices.

Grimsby Public Art Gallery’s Community Exhibition Space is an exhibition platform in the main lobby of the building connecting the Art Gallery to the Grimsby Public Library. Exhibitions rotate every 2-3 months and are comprised of self-directed proposals as well as thematic calls. Exhibition applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Priority will be given to artists who have not exhibited in the space over the last 3 years.

Community Exhibition Space Calls 2024:

January 17 – March 9:

Grimsby Public Art Gallery is located in what is deemed the Niagara Gateway. Niagara is famously home to the natural wonder of Niagara Falls, but is also a UNESCO world biosphere reserve. From the Falls to the Escarpment, to remnants of Lake Iroquois and the Wisconsin Glacier, the landscape and geology of the region holds the capacity to inspire awe. Grimsby Public Art Gallery invites visual interpretations of the Region from local perspectives. What does home look like, or even mean, when you live near one of the most looked at places in the world?

Submission Deadline: 11:59PM - December 5, 2023.

Please include CES Niagara Call in the subject line of your email.

May 15 – July 27:

Open Call. General submissions for self-directed exhibitions. Solo artists or artist duos/groups are accepted.

Submission Deadline: Ongoing

September 6 – November 10:

From the basic principles of line and form, to how we occupy space, to its social and cultural implications, artists are requested to consider architecture and/or its theory in all forms. From literal depictions of built environments, to more abstracted conceptions, GPAG is seeking a range of interpretations on this subject from a diverse array of perspectives.

Submission Deadline: 11:59PM – July 24, 2024.

Please include CES Architecture call in the subject line of your email.

How To Apply

Applications for the Community Exhibition Space must be sent in a single email to gpag@grimsby.ca with the subject line: Community Exhibition Space - (Name of Artist or Group Applying) Application. Please read the calls above carefully before submitting your work.

Important Submission Information:

  • Please read the application requirements carefully. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  • Artworks are unmonitored in a high traffic public space. As such, the Gallery is not responsible for any loss or damage. Submissions should take such considerations into account when proposing specific artworks, including sculptural works.
  • The Community Exhibition Space primarily utilizes a picture rail hanging system that allows up to 40lbs per artwork. All artworks must be framed and ready to hang at the time of installation.
  • Artists are responsible for framing, transporting, and installing artwork for presentation in the Community Exhibition Space.
  • Please note that priority will be given to artists who have not exhibited in the space over the last 3 years.

Application Requirements

The following should be included in a single PDF.

1. Your Personal Information including:

  • Full Name
  • Address
  • E-Mail Address
  • Phone Number
  • Social Media (if applicable)
  • Website (if applicable)

For thematic exhibitions, please indicate which call you are applying to.

Artist CV (3 pages max)

3. Artist Statement and letter of Intent

  • Your letter of intent should communicate the ideas, concepts, and overall intentions of your submitted body of work. Your artist statement and letter of intent should not exceed 250 words each.

For applications responding to a thematic call, your letter of intent should indicate how the work submitted responds to the call theme.  

4.    An Image List detailing each artwork submitted. Image list should include:

  • Title
  • Year
  • Size of work in inches (width) x (height)
  • Medium

Images can be included in a zip folder, or through a Google Drive or Dropbox link.

  • Maximum 10 images/artworks intended for display.
    • Applications for thematic exhibitions can submit up to 3 artworks. 

      Diptychs/triptychs = 1 artwork. 

  • Image files must be in JPEG/JPG or PNG format
  • Images must under under 1 MB per file and should not exceed 1920 x 1080 pixels.
  • Images files are to be labelled as ArtistName_Title_Year (for example: JaneSmith_FlowersatSunset_2023)


Grimsby Public Art Gallery welcomes submissions from artists of all backgrounds, including but not limited to: Indigenous artists, Black artists, artists of Colour, LGBTQIA2S+ artists, artists with disabilities, and artists who belong to other equity seeking communities.

Should you require accommodation at any time throughout the submissions process, please contact rkelly@grimsby.ca

We thank all applicants, but only successful candidates will be contacted.

 

Proposing an exhibition

Grimsby Public Art Gallery reviews exhibition submissions on an annual basis, however, the program generally operates by invitation based on current research and the strategic plans of the Gallery. GPAG accepts exhibition proposals from artists, curators, collectives, and groups. Please note GPAG plans exhibitions 2 to 3 years in advance. Exhibition proposals are reviewed annually. Due to the number of submissions, only successful applicants will be contacted   

Artists interested in submitting an exhibition proposal should submit the following information:

  • Artist statement (maximum 500 words)
  • CV including exhibitions, public art, and artistic accomplishments (maximum 3 pages)
  • 10 – 20 image samples of your work and exhibitions you have participated in
  • Digital images should be JPGs no larger than 3MB or a link to view on an external site
  • Additional support material such as video and/or audio may be included. Please provide links for viewing up to 15 minutes of material such as artist website, Vimeo or YouTube and include passwords if required 

Submissions should be sent to:

Caitlin Sutherland
Art Gallery Manager/Curator
csutherland@grimsby.ca

GPAG is committed to providing accessible options for submissions. If you are not able to submit your application via email, please contact us to make other arrangements.

 

Call for Artist Instructors and Models

Grimsby Public Art Gallery (GPAG) offers a variety of school programs, classes, and workshops for all age groups and ability levels to engage its community in arts and culture through the process of making. GPAG provides the community with access to art through engaging and educational ways of interacting with art-making, and expanding understandings of what creating and art can look like.

Artist Instructors

GPAG is seeking artist instructors to lead youth and adult programs as well as on-call educational activities supporting long term care and elementary and secondary school tours. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. Instructional programming operates as either stand-alone workshops or as a session. Sessions typically run 3-4 weeks in length on a monthly basis, Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturdays during the day.

Interested applicants are encouraged to either propose specific curriculum or workshop ideas spanning 1 to 4 week classes, or submit a general letter of interest supported by their CV, past experience and areas of interest. Classes and workshops range between 1-4hrs with additional set-up and clean-up time. Instructors are paid a rate of $30/hr.

How to Apply

 

Youth Program Instructors

Our core youth classes are arranged around project-based learning. GPAG runs our core youth programming as month long sessions that typically include four classes a session. Sessions are structured around a theme or particular medium and are currently offered to age brackets of 6-11 and 10-15. Classes run for 1.5 hours in the gallery studio space. Instructors are compensated for an extra hour each class to account for planning, class preparation, and clean up. Youth programs typically run Thursdays.

Instructors for youth programming may also be considered to lead community drop-in activities, additional programming that requires participant registration, and workshops for schools.

 Youth Program Instructors work directly with and report to the Education Coordinator.

To apply for a Youth Program Instructor position, please provide a resume, CV (if applicable), 10 images of personal work, previous student projects, or other examples proving proficiency across a variety of artistic mediums in a single email to rkelly@grimsby.ca. Images should not exceed 1MB each.


Responsibilities:

  • Plans, organizes, implements, instructs and evaluates beginner level art projects and programs for children and youth for the assigned session.
  • Delivers a program session for art instruction to children/youth in a specified medium or theme (for example drawing, painting, mixed media, sculpture, printmaking, “Cartooning”, “World Explorers”, “Creature Creators” etc.)
  • Provides in-studio demonstrations on various aspects and techniques in the specified medium or genre appropriate to the age and skill level of the class.
  • Demonstrates and teaches students regarding tool use, equipment and technical aspects related to the art program.
  • Educates students on Health & Safety procedures to be followed in studio arts specific to the medium or genre.
  • Assists in documenting, marketing and promotion of the program.
  • Have intended projects and lesson plans prepared going into the class, prepare materials and classroom set up before the start of class, and follow proper clean up procedures following the end of class.

Qualifications:

  • A diploma or undergraduate degree in fine arts or equivalent experience.
  • At least one year of teaching experience or leading youth workshops considered an asset.
  • A strong interest in working with children/youth and art instruction. The experience of, and enthusiasm for communicating ideas clearly, inspiring creativity, developing technical confidence


Adult Program Instructors

GPAG is looking for skilled artists across a variety of artistic mediums, from photography, painting, beadwork, textile work, sculpture, and more. GPAG runs our core adult programming as either stand-alone workshops or multiple classes around a medium/subject that make up a session. Sessions typically run a month long and include classes once a week between 1 and 4 hours in length. This can be altered to best fit the instructor’s medium or subject matter. Adult courses are open to participants 16 years of age and older. GPAG studio classes are formatted as a hands-on experience that results in a completed project(s) to take home. Instructors are compensated for an extra hour each class to account for planning, class preparation, and clean up. Adult Program Instructors work directly with and report to the Education Coordinator.

Instructors for adult programming may also be considered to lead community drop-in activities, additional programming that requires participant registration, and workshops for schools or long-term care facilities.

To apply as an Adult Program Instructor, please provide a resume, CV, and 10-15 images of your work. The inclusion of images from any previously led workshops or instructional activities are an asset. Applicants should provide a rough outline of a workshop or multi-class session they could present, including the workshop/session description and all the materials required for the class(es). Applications are to be sent in a single email to rkelly@grimsby.ca. Images should not exceed 1.5MB each.

Please note: Grimsby Public Art Gallery does not have access to a kiln or silk screen equipment. Our studio space has windows but is not fully ventilated for oil paints (water-based oil paints are an acceptable substitution) or other high-chemical materials.

Responsibilities:

  • Plans, organizes, and implements professional instruction for art projects and workshops to adults with varying artistic skillsets for the assigned session.
  • Delivers a program session that reflects the Instructor’s expertise within a certain medium(s), material(s) or practise.
  • Provides or works with the Education Coordinator to determine the advertised title and description of classes, materials required, and number of classes required for a successful program
  • Provides in-studio demonstrations on various aspects and techniques in the specified medium or genre appropriate to the skill level of the class.
  • Demonstrates and teaches adult students regarding tool use, equipment and technical aspects related to the art medium or skill being taught.
  • Educates participants on Health & Safety procedures to be followed, if applicable to the specific medium or genre
  • Assists in providing information/images for marketing purposes and, if applicable, the promotion of the program to any built in audiences through social media, etc.
  • Have intended projects and lesson plans prepared going into the class, prepare materials and classroom set up before the start of class, and follow proper clean up procedures following the end of class.

Qualifications:

  • A highly skilled or professional artist or artisan with a diploma or undergraduate degree in fine arts or equivalent experience.
  • At least one year of teaching experience or leading art workshops considered an asset Previous experience in exhibiting work is an asset(craft/market shows are considered) and/or running workshops, instructing, or teaching is required.
  • A strong interest in art instruction and community involvement with the arts. The experience of, and enthusiasm for communicating ideas clearly, inspiring creativity, developing technical confidence, and modeling inclusivity.
  • Strong independence and self-management.

Figure Drawing Models

GPAG is also looking for diverse and experienced figure models to fulfill our current Figure Drawing program needs. Classes currently run monthly on Tuesday evenings for 1.5 hours with additional set-up and clean-up time. Models should be comfortable with nude posing.

Interested applicants are encouraged to provide a resume highlighting previous figure modelling experience. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. While sessions will be pre-scheduled, availability for call-ins is appreciated. Figure Models are paid a rate of $30/hr.

How to Apply

To apply for a Figure Drawing Model position, please provide us a resume highlighting your previous figure modelling experience. Applications are to be sent in a single email to rkelly@grimsby.ca.

Responsibilities and Qualifications:

  • Can work with the on-call nature of the position. Class date options will be discussed in advance to determine model availability and secure bookings
  • Over 2 years of previous experience with nude and clothed figure modeling for visual arts. Modeling experience with an academic art institution is considered an asset
  • Works within the parameters and schedule of the session as laid out by the Education Coordinator
  • Ability to display a wide variety of dynamic poses to keep the allotted drawing session engaging
  • Physical ability to hold certain poses for up to 30 minutes at a time
  • Provides their own sheets for draped poses or for coverage with seated/lying poses
  • Upholds a professional and inclusive attitude before, during, and after the drawing session

Grimsby Public Art Gallery welcomes applications from artists and models of all backgrounds, including but not limited to: Indigenous artists, Black artists, artists of Colour, LGBTQIA2S+ artists, artists with disabilities, and artists who belong to other equity seeking communities.

Should you require accommodation at any time throughout the application process, please contact rkelly@grimsby.ca

We thank all applicants, but only successful candidates will be contacted.

 

Exhibition Assistance for Artists

The Grimsby Public Art Gallery is a recommender Gallery in Zone 2 for the Ontario Arts Council's (OAC) Exhibition Assistance granting program. Applying artists must have an exhibition scheduled and confirmed in a publicly accessible venue.

Grants can assist with exhibition costs, including materials, framing, presentation and shipping.  Grant amounts range between $500 - $2000 and are handed out three times a year.  Due to the number of applications received and the limited funds available, grants awarded may be smaller than the amount requested.

The Grimsby Public Art Gallery's yearly deadlines are:

  • June 30
  • October 31
  • January 15

The application process for Exhibition Assistance is now online.  Please visit the OAC website for full details and access to their application website.

 

 

Calls for submissions and job postings

Ongoing listings

For ongoing listings of calls for submission and other opportunities, please refer to these helpful websites:
Hamilton Artists Inc.

Hamilton Artists Inc. is seeking dynamic proposals from artists and curators at various stages of their careers and from across disciplines for both its James and Cannon Galleries. (Please refer to the descriptions of the Galleries to decide which is more appropriate for your needs/practice).

The Cannon Gallery is juried internationally and is seeking open proposals from both artists and curators at all levels of their careers.

The James Gallery is primarily a members exhibition space and seeks applications for a series of thematic calls listed on the website.

Selections criteria are informed by the Inc.'s mandated objectives. As an artist-run centre, the Inc. is interested in works that have potential impact, push boundaries and engage with critical, conceptual and/or experimental contexts from diverse perspectives. The Inc. supports and encourages submissions showcasing artists and curators most recent endeavors as well as works that incite conversation and explore expanded art practices.
Niagara Artists' Centre

Niagara Artists' Centre (NAC) is an artist-run centre dedicated to the presentation of contemporary art in all media. Priority is given to submissions that address the specific nature of the NAC space. Submissions are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Phone: 905-641-0331

E-mail: artists@nac.org
Job Postings

Galleries Ontario maintains a job posting board called Jobline, updated weekly. 

The Work in Culture job board hosts a comprehensive list of cultural sector employment opportunities across disciplines. 

-        Can work with the on-call nature of the position. Class date options will be discussed in advance to determine model availability and secure bookings

-        Over 2 years of previous experience with nude and clothed figure modeling for visual arts. Modeling experience with an academic art institution is considered an asset

-        Works within the parameters and schedule of the session as laid out by the Education Coordinator

-        Ability to display a wide variety of dynamic poses to keep the allotted drawing session engaging

-        Physical ability to hold certain poses for up to 30 minutes at a time

-        Provides their own sheets for draped poses or for coverage with seated/lying poses

-        Upholds a professional and inclusive attitude before, during, and after the drawing session

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