Community galleries - How to submit a proposal

Read through this process completely before beginning your online application and make sure you have all the required information ready.

• A complete application must include the support material listed below.
• Support material may be written in English or French.
• Files must be saved in a format compatible with Windows 10.
• To format a PDF document, utilize “Save as” or “Export” from a Word or similar text-based document.

Have your content ready for inputting as the submission form does not save your information if you leave or refresh the page.

Save the items 1, 2, 3 and 4 that follow as one portable document format (PDF) file.  

1. Proposal synopsis  

• 50 words maximum
• Summarize the proposal statement. The peer assessment committee will refer to the synopsis as a quick reference during deliberations.  

2. Proposal statement  

• One page or 500 words maximum.
• Describe the proposed exhibition’s content and theme, and how you will situate your artwork within the gallery space. A clear understanding of the space is necessary for the committee to visualize your exhibition (see gallery floor plan for reference). 
• Two-person and group exhibitions must clearly outline a cohesive theme and rationale. 
• Due to the highly public nature of the gallery, proposed exhibitions must be as self-sufficient as possible.   
• Outline any technical or electronic specifications of the exhibition. 

 3. Artistic resumé

• Two pages or 750 words maximum per artist. 
• If multiple artists are involved, include each artist’s resumé. 

4. Image or media list

• One page maximum
• List the following information about each image/media file included in your application:
  • artist’s name,
  • artwork title,
  • date,
  • material and support,
  • dimensions, and
  • duration of artwork (if applicable).
• Indicate which image we can use for promotions if your application is successful. 

5. Digital image files and time-based media files 

Upload six digital image files or six minutes total of media content (or a combination of both for a total of six units) that support the proposal statement and follow the guidelines listed below.  

• At least half of the images/media files submitted must be artwork that will be included in your final exhibition should your application be successful.  
• Curated, two-person and group exhibitions: send six files maximum. 
• Applicants who wish to include a combination of digital images and media files: send six files maximum with no more than six minutes of content total. For each minute of video/audio content, remove one digital image. Send three jpg images and one video file that is three minutes long or send three jpgs and three video files that are one minute long each. 

Image files must be:  

• Saved as JPG at 72 dpi and no larger than 1 MB each. 
• Named with the corresponding image list number, title, date, medium and dimensions, each separated by an underscore. Do not leave a space before or after the underscore. File names must not exceed 150 characters. 
• The format for naming image files is 01_Artwork Title_year_medium_dimensions.jpg
  • Examples: 
    • 01_The Valley_2020_graphite, acrylic and metal_96 x 106 inches.jpg 
    • 02_Untitled 3 detail_2022_chromogenic print on paper_206 x 122 cm.jpg 
    • 03_Installation at Atrium Art Gallery_2018_mixed media_variable dimensions.jpg 

Time-based media files must be: 

• Shared using a web link to each video or audio file. If the web link does not work, the content will not be viewed.  
• Cued to the excerpt you want presented to the committee (or provide detailed cue instructions in the description field). 

Support material that requires specialized software, plug-ins, extensions, or other executables that need to be downloaded or installed will not be reviewed. Applicants are responsible for testing support materials to ensure readability.  
 

Have you

• read all of the information on this page and on the Call for proposals,
• prepared support material?

You are ready to use the online application form to submit your proposal.

Contact the Community Galleries Program. We are available to help you prepare your application in the following ways: 

• discuss application requirements,
• answer any questions about the application and evaluation process.