VIVA is Seeking Artists and Curators for 2025-2026 Exhibition Programming
Call for Exhibition Proposals
Call for Exhibition Proposals
2025-2026 Programming Year
VIVA Alliance is currently accepting proposals from artists and curators for its 2025-2026 exhibition programming at the gallery space at VIVA’s headquarters. Applicants may submit proposals for the Main Gallery (Space A), Hallway Gallery (Space B), or both exhibition spaces. (Please see the floor plan below)
All proposals must be received by October 10, 2024 to be considered for the 2025-2026 programming.
The selected artists/curators will be contacted by end of November 2024.
Submission Guidelines
What to Include in your submission:
1. Exhibition proposal
Your exhibition proposal should include the following information:
Cover page:
The exhibition title
Artist or artists’ names
Curator’s name (if applicable)
Submission date
The number of artists included in the exhibition
The preferred timeframe for the exhibition and availability of works
The ideal space for the exhibition for example, Space A, B, or both
A proposal abstract of no more than 500 words describing the exhibition concept. This helps us understand your thematic and visual approach as well as, your intention and vision for the exhibition when selecting the works or series in your proposal. Please include what you feel makes your proposed project relevant and timely for exhibition to the public.
Artist statement(s) that describes each artists’ practice and explains how the submitted works relate to the proposed exhibition concept (350pap words).
Artist bios and/or up-to-date CVs outlining each artist’s art education, exhibition history, and other relevant experience. Please include the contact information as well as links to social media profile, website, or online portfolio
Indication of whether the artists and/or the curator can participate in artist talks, workshops, or exhibition tours during the time of the exhibition
2. Images and/or videos of the work(s) you are submitting
Please submit a maximum of 10 high-quality digital images or video stills/links to give us a clear visual idea of your work. Detailed instructions on naming files are provided below.
3. Completed Submission form
Please download and complete the Submission Form. Once completed, include this document in your application along with other requirements. Do not forget to add your last name to the existing filename before saving as PDF.
Please submit all files in one zipped folder!
Naming image files and documents:
VIVA Alliance has specific requirements for labelling and presenting submissions. Please carefully review and implement the following instructions.
*All Text documents should be saved in PDF format.
Naming image files:
For image files, please start the number of the first nine images with a zero, then include artist’s last name, the title of the work and the series captured in the image, the medium used, and the work’s dimensions in inches.
Sample: 01_Last name(s)_title of work and series_medium_dimensions in inches.jpg
Naming the exhibition proposal:
Sample: Exhibition Proposal-LAST NAME_FIRST NAME
Naming the submission form:
Sample: Submission Form-25/26EP-Last Name
Label your zipped folder as follows before submitting:
Exhibition Proposal-LAST NAME_FIRST NAME_Space A, B, or both
Please Do Not:
Exceed the specified limit of images, files or pages
Exceed 10 MB in the total size of all attachments
Use hyperlinks to internet sites for your images
Include plug-ins, extensions or other executables that need to be downloaded or installed
Embed images in the body of your proposal. Images should be added to your zipped folder along with your PDF exhibition proposal and submission form
It is recommended that applicants consider and comment on the creative use of exhibition spaces in their proposal. Please review the Exhibition Spaces Floor Plan before sending in your proposal, or schedule an appointment to visit the gallery in person by emailing us at info@vivaalliance.ca.
Upload and submit one labelled zipped folder only.
About the selection process:
VIVA Alliance’ exhibition programming includes visual and media art exhibitions, or projects which are produced for and executed in a gallery space. A curatorial committee consisting of curators, board members, and professional artists meet over three to five sessions to review submissions and select proposals through consensus in the course of elimination rounds. Selected artists/curators will be contacted by end of November 2024.
Selected exhibitions will run from 4-6 weeks depending on the gallery’s running schedule. The opening receptions, performances, screenings, and talks are coordinated independently or in conjunction with the exhibitions, held either in-person or online.
We do not expect all artists to be familiar with accessible practices. However, VIVA prioritizes the accessibility of exhibition for visitors with diverse abilities; the VIVA team is equipped to offer artists/curators the means to enhance the accessibility of exhibitions as appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How many proposals are selected?
Our curatorial team will select 2 to 3 proposals for the 2025-2026 programming year from our submissions according to VIVA’s running projects schedule.
Do you accept international submissions?
No
Who is on VIVA’s selection team?
The selection process is open to VIVA’s curatorial team and consultants from the local arts community.
What are some of the key criteria for selecting a proposal?
Some of the most important criteria for selection are:
A. Overall artistic merit
B. Technique and skillful execution
C. Originality/innovation
D. Thematic depth and relevance
Consideration of other factors concerning the feasibility of the proposed project is also important in making a selection. This may include practical considerations such as preparation and installation requirements, exhibition space limitations, accessibility concerns, atypical insurance expenses, and the organization’s financial or human resources.
VIVA Alliance will not respond to inquiries about the outcome of the selection process. However, the team may reach out to offer constructive feedback when they have specific input that could help improve the proposed project for future opportunities.
How does VIVA Alliance Compensate the Artist?
VIVA Alliance is pleased to offer artist fees according to CARFAC-RAAV Minimum Recommended Fee Schedule. We will also host an opening reception, produce promotional material for the exhibition, provide installation services, and work carefully with the artists in the professional presentation and documentation of the exhibitions. Please note that VIVA Alliance does not pay for the fabrication of artwork, framing, or material costs. If your project requires further resources than outlined here, please detail all expenses in your proposal.
Does VIVA Alliance pay for shipping?
The cost of shipping and handling of the artworks is the responsibility of the artist unless otherwise discussed.
What if I want to do something outside of the exhibition budget?
An expanded exhibition budget requires seeking additional funding, or for the artist/curator to bring their own funds via artists grants or funding from private donors and sponsors.
Note on documentation:
VIVA Alliance documents all exhibitions for our archives digitally. Artists are free to document individual elements of the exhibition themselves. Performance documentation usually consists of digital photographs and/or video.