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.
Visual Artist Call |
Reclaiming Narratives: A Black ResistanceCall to Black ArtistsThe City of St. Catharines in partnership with Future Black Female, Black Owned 905, the St. Catharines Downtown Association, the St. Catharines Public Library and the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre is proud to invite Black artists from across the Niagara region to participate in a special Black History Month exhibition titled Reclaiming Narratives: A Black Resistance.
This call to artists is open to emerging, student and established Black artists living in the Niagara region. The exhibition emerged as a recognition and response to the lack of resourced spaces and opportunities for Black visual artists to express their sense of identity and engage in artistic conversations which highlight their communities. Reclaiming Narratives: A Black Resistance asks the artist to share works that empower Black voices, ensuring that Black stories of resilience, resistance, success and cultural pride are told authentically and accurately, reclaiming stolen legacies, and ensuring Black voices are heard and honoured.
The exhibition will be installed at City Hall (50 Church St., St. Catharines), the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (250 St Paul St, St. Catharines) and the St. Catharines Public Library, Central Library Branch (54 Church St., St. Catharines). Important DatesEntry Deadline: Monday, Jan. 13, 2025 Selected Artists Notified by Email: Monday, Jan. 20, 2025 Artwork Delivery: Monday, Jan. 27, 2025 Opening Reception: Monday, Feb. 3, 2025 Exhibition Timeline: Monday, Feb 3, 2025, to April 1, 2025 Eligibility
Artist FeesThere are no costs associated with entry. Selected artists will be compensated $206, based on 2025 CARFAC Fee Schedule Section A.1.6 Exhibitions in Other Public Places. Selection ProcessAll submitted artworks will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of arts professionals and additional local community member(s). The selection committee will take the following criteria into consideration when selecting work for the exhibit:
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
How to Submit your ArtworkComplete the application form, image(s) upload and artists statement(s) online.
About Us“The City of St. Catharines seeks to encourage all those who care about the community to participate in making art, collecting it and commissioning it.” - City of St. Catharines Public Art Policy. The City Hall exhibit program is coordinated through the Cultural Services Office of Community, Recreation and Culture Services. The City of St. Catharines began the exhibit program in 2005 and continues each year with new exhibits to provide City Hall visitors with original art, historic photos or cultural treasures that reflect St. Catharines’ stories, creative self-expression, experiences and perspectives.
St. Catharines City Hall 50 Church St., St. Catharines, ON L2R 7C2 P.O. Box 3012 905.688.5600 |
Live music programming |
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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. |