Call for Qualification: Vanier Artist-in-Residence (The City of Ottawa)
Deadline: 26 June 2026 | 11:59 PM EST
The City of Ottawa Public Art Program invites professional artists or artist teams to submit qualifications for the opportunity to be Vanier’s Artist-in-Residence. This community-led initiative is designed to foster meaningful engagement and dialogue with the Vanier community, and the insights gained will inform the creation of a final legacy artwork(s).
The community is looking for a reliable, collaborative and adaptable artist or artist team. This role will benefit from a candidate(s) with diverse community engagement experience, current or past ties to Vanier and the ability to fully communicate in both official languages.
After the residency, the artist or artist team will be asked to provide a proposal for a legacy artwork(s) and they will be provided with an additional budget and timeline to plan and implement this final legacy artwork(s).
This two-stage competition will be held in accordance with the Public Art Policy. This Request for Qualification provides information, details and submission requirements relating to the public art competition.
BUDGET
The fee for this opportunity is CAD $40,000 plus HST and is inclusive of all costs associated with the residency. An additional budget will be available after the residency period to allow the artist to embark on a larger commissioned project.
$40,000 Artist-in-Residence – March to September 2027
Includes all costs associated with the residency such as consultations, research, program activities, materials and other deliverables. This should also include the artist’s or artist’s team’s time, travel and attendance at meetings and events (if applicable).
$40,000 to $70,000 Legacy public art installation –Summer 2028
Includes all costs to design, fabricate, insure, store, transport and install the public art, plus the cost of engineering, permits, attachments or anchoring for installation. This should also include the Artist’s or Artist’s team’s time, travel and attendance at meetings and events (if applicable).
ELIGIBILITY
This Request for Qualification is an equal opportunity project, open to local, national and international professional artists and artist teams with experience in creating permanent public art and working with multidisciplinary teams. City of Ottawa employees are not eligible to apply.
The City of Ottawa supports cultural activities that are inclusive of Ottawa’s diver communities including people from diverse ancestries, abilities, ages, countries of origin, cultures, genders, incomes, languages, races and sexual orientations. Applications from First Nations, Inuit and Métis are welcome and encouraged. The City of Ottawa recognizes both official languages (English and French) as having the same rights, status and privileges.
Call to Artists: The Pantry Project (Michelle Reid)
Deadline: 30 June 2026
The Pantry Project is a small-group exhibition exploring systems of scarcity, access, and creative adaptation through the lens of a shared grocery list.
The Concept: A Live Pantry System
At the center of this project is a live, collaborative selection process. Each participating artist will select exactly one grocery item from a collective list. Once an item is chosen, it is removed from circulation and becomes unavailable to anyone else.
Because the order of participation directly dictates what remains, this selection process is inherently part of the artwork itself.
How It Works
Your assigned grocery item is not intended simply as a subject to depict. Instead, it must function as one (or more) of the following lenses:
- Constraint (Rules & Boundaries): Let the physical reality of the item dictate your process. (e.g., A strawberry has ~200 seeds; your piece is limited to exactly 200 marks. Or, work against a "lifespan clock" before the item decays).
- Material Influence (Texture & Medium): Let the physical properties drive your materials. (e.g., Mimicking the staining, bleeding juice of a berry on raw canvas, or replicating its highly dimpled, stippled texture).
- Structural Prompt (Geometry & Anatomy): Use the item's physical blueprint. (e.g., Replicating a strawberry's inverted anatomy by building a sculpture where the vulnerable core is exposed on the exterior).
- Conceptual Anchor (Metaphor & Theme): Use the item as a springboard for deeper commentary. (e.g., Exploring the concepts of hyper-commercialization, shelf-life vs. substance, or the invisible labor behind seasonal harvesting).
Key Details & Logistics
- Format: Small-group exhibition featuring Kingston locals and friends.
- Exhibition Date & Location: Fall 2026 (Kingston, ON — exact venue TBA).
- Selection Process: Jury-selected panel.
- Artwork Sales: Proceeds will follow a 60/40 split. Artists receive 60%, and 40% goes to support the organizer and a local food charity.
Creative Futures: Empowering Teen Artists (Tett Centre)
Deadline: 5 July 2026
Who Should Apply:
This opportunity is open to youth ages 13–19 as of September 2026, who are not enrolled in post-secondary education. Participants must live in Kingston or the surrounding area, as the program is offered in person only.
How to Apply:
Applications are received through a Google Form and are due by July 5, 2026. You’ll be asked to submit:
- Basic personal information
- A brief statement of interest
- Supporting materials, such as images of completed artwork or works in progress
In July, the selection committee will review all applications and select 10 teens for the 2026–2027 cohort. The selection committee includes one representative from each partner organization, a youth representative, and a teacher representative. Your information will remain confidential and only be reviewed by the committee.
The Tett values diversity in their participants and community, encouraging applications from all qualified individuals. While recognizing that the identity of each person is fundamentally plural, multidimensional, changing and evolving, the Tett strongly encourages applications from artists who are: Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit), Black, POC, racialized (including recent immigrants), 2SLGBTQQIPAA+, neurodivergent, disabled, living with chronic illness and/or chronic pain. The Tett is strongly committed to supporting a wide range of cultural identities and lived experiences, therefore they encourage applicants to self-identify in their application if they are comfortable doing so.
Call for Artists: Tragically Hip Inspired Show (Art Noise)
Deadline: 31 July 2026
Art Noise is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Tragically Hip’s last concert by dedicating the very first exhibit of their new in-store gallery, to the band and music-inspired pieces in general. They encourage all mediums to be displayed!
Important Dates
- Submissions for the exhibit are now open and will close July 31st.
- Jurying will happen August 4th
- All artists will be emailed about selection by the end of day August 5th
- Drop-off and pick-up dates will be sent with acceptance email.
- Show will run from August 20 - September 30: closing reception during Art After Dark on September 25th
Important Details
- This is a juried show.
- Jurors will be comprised of Art Noise staff.
- Art Noise will receive a 30% commission for any piece sold during the show, and will process the sale through the Art Noise POS system, and arrange pick-up with the buyer.
- Priority will be given to artists who used Tri-Art products in their submitted pieces, if applicable.
- Any painting submissions must use a majority of Tri-Art paint in the piece, and any block-printing submitted must use Tri-Art Impressions Ink.
- Artists may submit up to 3 pieces.
- The maximum size of a piece is 36x48".
- Please note that they can only fit a small amount of pieces with any side longer than 30", but will leave plenty of space for pieces under this.
- There is no minimum size.
- Any sculptural pieces that require a plinth must be able to stand on their own and fit safely on a 20x20" plinth.
- Artists are responsible for the drop-off and pick-up of their pieces from Art Noise.
- At this time, they will not be accepting any pieces that need shipping due to the tight turnaround between acceptance and installation of the show.
- All pieces accepted into the show must have proper hanging equipment on the back in either the form of d hooks & wire, sawtooth hangers, or French clefts, at least 2" down from the top edge of the piece.
Call for Filmmakers: ReelOut Queer Film Festival 2027 (ReelOut)
Deadline: 25 September 2026
The Reelout Queer Film Festival is an annual 10-day event held in Kingston, ON Canada. They are one of the first queer film festivals in the calendar year and their festival exhibits independent, international films by and/or about 2SLGBTQ+ lives with a strong focus on the intersections within our communities. Films focusing on race, health, ability, class, and age are equally as important as films about sexual orientation and gender.
The festival runs from late January to early February. They do offer some travel subsidies within Canada when possible. There are no travel funds for guests outside the U.S but they have been able to provide accommodations for international guests if they can afford their own airfare. North American feature-length films will receive screening fees as well as Canadian short films.
Please do not submit films that you've already submitted in the previous calendar year.
Do not submit your film if it is (or will be) available to stream on any platform (including on any free services like YouTube) from the time you submit until the last day of the festival.
ReelOut asks that once you submit your film, please do not contact festival staff with updates/news about your film's journey/awards. This will not affect their decision-making.
SHORT FILM running lengths MUST BE NO LONGER than 20 minutes. Anything longer is very hard to program in a festival.
All Feature Films, within North America chosen for exhibition, will be offered a screening fee. All Canadian short films will also be offered a screening fee. The Festival cannot provide screening fees for films outside North America at this time.
ReelOut is a member of the IMAA (Independent Media Arts Alliance) of Canada and recognizes their fee schedules.
Call for Filmmakers: Kingston Canadian Film Festival 2027 (KCFF)
Deadline: 15 November 2026
KCFF's submissions box is officially OPEN! They're looking for the best in Canadian cinema for KCFF27 (February 24 – 28, 2027). Submissions will be accepted via FilmFreeway again this year, and they're looking for:
- Features (70+ minutes)
- Mid-length Films (30-70 minutes)
- Canadian Shorts (short films from coast to coast to coast)
- Local Shorts (short films from filmmakers working within 100km of Kingston)
- Youth Shorts (for filmmakers 25 and under filmmakers working within 100km of Kingston)
Eligibility
- Only submissions of Canadian films by Canadian filmmakers will be considered. Canadian filmmakers include citizens, landed immigrants, permanent residents, newcomers, anyone currently living and working in Canada (including international students), and Canadians living abroad.
- If you have an arguable connection to Canada and are not a Canadian filmmaker, please email us at info [@] kingcanfilmfest.com.
- Selection will be based on quality and form.
- Films must be new releases that have not been submitted to KCFF in the past.
- Preference given to films making a premiere: international, national, provincial, regional, or local.
- Films must either be in English or in the original language with English subtitles.
- It is possible to submit a working copy of a film; please email at info [@] kingcanfilmfest.com for more info.
Casting Call for Kingstonians (Visit Kingston)
Deadline: Until Filled
Visit Kingston is scheduling photography and are looking for Kingstonians to be featured in the imagery, which will be used across campaigns, their website, and social media.
Our planned shoot is: Sunday, June 28 10 am–12 pm
Location: DoubleTree / Home2 Suites by Hilton Kingston & Ambassador Event Centre
The Vibe: A fun, staged wedding shoot highlighting a gorgeous local venue.
Attire: Participants must be comfortable wearing wedding or formal attire that they already own.
Compensation: Selected participants will receive a $50 Downtown Dollars gift card.
Call to Performers (Kingston Buskers Rendezvous)
Deadline: Until Filled
Got a case, a song in your heart and want a corner to sing on? Bring your talent to the Kingston Buskers Rendezvous, July 9-12.
Auditions
The Isabel Voices (The Isabel Voices)
Audition requests accepted on an ongoing basis
Join the joyful community of The Isabel Voices, where singers of all backgrounds and talents are embraced! The Isabel Voices has two dynamic ensembles that engage in exciting projects throughout the year, a large ensemble and small ensemble. Auditions take place on an ongoing basis, offering opportunities as spots become available within the ensembles. Join this spirited community of singers and create unforgettable musical moments and forge lasting friendships.
I Hate Hamlet - Auditions (Domino Theatre)
Deadline: 28 & 29 June 2026
Audition Dates: Sunday June 28, 1pm to 4pm and Monday June 29th 6pm to 9pm
Auditioners will be asked to read scenes from the show. Character Descriptions and Audition Sides
You are not required to prepare a monologue.
It is recommended to show up close to the start time of the audition as the director will have actors reading scenes with each other.
Dates of Performances: September 10 to 26, 2026
About I Hate Hamlet:
Successful television actor Andrew Rally seems to have it all: a hit TV career, a charming girlfriend, and the chance to star as Hamlet in New York’s Shakespeare in the Park. There’s just one problem: Andrew hates Shakespeare. As he struggles with self-doubt, artistic ambition, and the pressure of taking on one of theatre’s greatest roles, he finds unexpected guidance from the ghost of legendary actor John Barrymore, who once played Hamlet himself.
Cast of Characters
Andrew Rally: male, late 20s to early 30s
Deirdre McDavey: female, mid to late 20s
Felicia Dantine: female, any age
Lillian Troy: female, late 70s
John Barrymore: male, 60s
Gary Peter Lefkowitz: male, any age
Find the character descriptions and audition sides for each character here
While the roles are written to represent specific genders, the Domino is open to casting actors of any ethnicity, physical ability, and orientation.
Volunteer Opportunities
Call for Volunteers (Skeleton Park Arts Festival)
Deadline: 10 June 2026
SPAF is seeking volunteers for the 2026 Skeleton Park Arts Festival!
Click here for more information.
Call for Volunteers (Kingston Arts Council)
Deadline: Rolling
We are always happy to take on volunteers to help us serve the local arts community! We strive to cater each volunteer's experience to their interests, abilities, comfort level, and professional goals.
Ways to get involved
There are a few different ways that you can support the KAC! Some of the areas you can help the KAC with are:
- Administrative
- E.g., resource collection, research, and website maintenance.
- Bingo (19+)
- Bingo volunteering is one of the most impactful form of volunteering one can do for the KAC. A single two hour bingo shift raises over $1,500 for the KAC!
- Communications
- E.g., social media support, newsletter editing, copywriting.
- Gallery
- E.g., exhibition setup, patch & paint, gallery receptions.
- Office
- E.g., organizing archives, tidying hosting area, decorating.
- Programs
- E.g., workshops, holiday events, pop-up events.
Board Opportunities
Call for Board Members (Kingston Arts Council)
Deadline: Rolling
The Kingston Arts Council (KAC) Board of Directors is seeking passionate, community-minded individuals interested in joining the KAC Board. We are currently seeking applications for both general Director positions and the Executive positions of Chair and Treasurer. With our 2025-2030 Strategic Plan forthcoming and core projects in development — including a major overhaul of the City of Kingston Arts Fund — this is an exciting time to join the KAC team and make a strong impact in our sector!
These are flexible volunteer roles with two-year terms, renewable for a maximum total of six consecutive years. KAC’s Board plays an important role in supporting our mission and vision, offering oversight and strategic direction, and guiding the organization as it grows. Together, we care for KAC’s stability and ensure it continues to serve artists and arts organizations in meaningful ways.
How to Apply
If any of these positions sound like a good fit, please consider submitting an application here.
If you’re curious and want to learn more before applying, you can reach out to Clelia Scala at board@artskingston.ca
Click here for more information.
Call for Board Members (The Tett Centre)
Deadline: Rolling
Tett Centre for Creativity & Learning's Board of Directors comprises nine dedicated community-based members with a range of skills and experience. These volunteers provide strategic leadership in: fiscal and legal oversight, community engagement and artistic impact, fundraising, and human resources and policy development.
Members of the Board are passionate supporters of the arts who are dedicated to advancing the Mission of the Tett to be a welcoming destination where artists and the community come together to explore, create, and be inspired. The Tett is committed to representing the diversity of the City of Kingston on their board.
The board is currently accepting applications. Please complete the application form here.
Questions about the Tett Board may be directed to Brianne Franklin at director@tettcentre.org.
Click here for more information.
Call for Board Members (Cultivate Art Commons)
Applications accepted on an on-going basis
Cultivate Art Commons Board of Directors is a working Board. Board members are expected to attend monthly meetings, attend Modern Fuel events, and serve a two-year term. Ideal candidates will help develop and implement strategies that will generate revenue, attract new supporters, expand their community connections, and build the artist-run centre’s profile in the Kingston community and across the country. Directors dedicate 5 - 10 hours of work per month attending meetings, self-guided work, assisting staff, and other tasks as needed.
Click here for more information.
Call for Board Members (Orchestra Kingston)
Applications accepted on an on-going basis
Orchestra Kingston invites members of the general public who are interested in music and the arts in general to join their vibrant and active Board of Directors of Kingston's community orchestra. Help us make sweet music. Interested parties should email manager.orchestrakingston@
Click here for more information.
Call for Board Members (CARFAC Ontario)
CARFAC Ontario is seeking to connect with artists to join their board and contribute to advancing representation and advocacy on behalf of artists across Ontario. The board of directors is responsible for overseeing the organization’s governance and strategic direction in alignment with their mandate. CARFAC invites both CARFAC Ontario members and members of Ontario arts community to nominate an artist, or themselves, to be considered to join their board. This is a volunteer position.
Studio & Gallery Rental Opportunities
Rental Galleries (Melt Studio + Gallery)
Deadline: 1 December 2026
Are you an artist looking for a supportive and welcoming place to exhibit your work?
At Melt Studio and Gallery, there are two rental gallery spaces—Focus and Format—designed to give artists the opportunity to present solo exhibitions in a professional gallery setting at an affordable flat rental fee. These project rooms are intended to cultivate an encouraging environment where artists can confidently showcase their work.
Rental prices for a one month show in either gallery ranges from $750-850 + HST. Melt Gallery provides a gallery attendant during open hours, handles client inquiries and transactions, and promotes the artist’s work through their website and social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram), their media list, and the newsletters of Melt Gallery, Base31, and the local Arts Councils. Melt also supply promotional graphics that you can share with your own audiences and on your personal social media platforms. Duo exhibitions will be considered on a per case basis and are subject to an extra surcharge on the rental fee. Any sales made during the duration of the exhibition will not be subject to commission.
Our gallery is open to and welcoming of all artists and people regardless of age, gender, orientation, or background. Melt maintains a zero-tolerance discrimination policy to ensure that the gallery remains a safe and respectful environment for artists and visitors alike.
Click here for more information.
Artist Studio/Workshop for Rent (Nicholas Crombach)
Deadline: Until Filled
Approx. 900 sq. ft. available located in Kingston. Freshly painted with updated lighting. Open to divide the space with walls to fit your space needs.
Ideal for visual artists, designers, crafts people, or any creative practice. Shared amenities: washroom, studio sink, and kitchenette (shared with artist that occupies the studio downstairs). Plenty of parking available. Outdoor space available for working during the warmer months (or colder months, if you're up for it!)
Rent a third of the space for $430, half for $600 or the whole space for $1100. + HST (Utilities included).
Contact Nicholas at nicholascrombach@gmail.comfor more information and to arrange a viewing.