Call for Submissions: Unity Through the Arts 2025 Juried Exhibition

Cultural Expressions for CHANGE Inc

Cultural Expressions for CHANGE, in partnership with The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, presents the exhibition Unity Through the Arts

Submission Deadline: Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 11:59pm
Online Submission Form

Cultural Expressions for Change (CE4C) presents the 3rd Annual Unity Through the Arts juried exhibition, in partnership with the Robert McLaughlin Gallery (RMG). This year’s theme celebrates cultural diversity—not just as identity, but as the lived traditions, creative practices, and community expressions that shape how culture is shared, interpreted, and passed on.

We are seeking artworks that explore and honour diverse cultural experiences, including but not limited to: rituals, storytelling, textiles, food traditions, clothing, language, craft, spiritual practices, and intergenerational knowledge. We also welcome works that reflect lived experiences shaped by migration, displacement, diaspora, or community belonging.

Subcultural influences (such as streetwear, skate culture, or other community-based movements) may also be considered, where they meaningfully engage with cultural identity and diversity.

As part of our ongoing commitment to equity and representation in the arts, we strongly encourage submissions from artists whose voices have been historically underrepresented, particularly Black, Indigenous, and racialized artists and other equity-deserving communities.

All visual art mediums are welcome.

Project Requirements

Please read carefully — all requirements are mandatory.

Artist Statement Required: 250 words max. Submissions will not be considered without it. Statements must explain how the work relates to the exhibition theme.
Exact Work Only: The artwork registered must be the artwork delivered; no substitutions.
Original & New Work Only: All submissions must be original creations and may not be copies or reproductions. No artwork previously entered in any CE4C or RMG exhibition will be accepted.
Insurance: Artists are responsible for their own coverage. CE4C and RMG are not liable for loss or damage.
Delivery & Pick-up: Artists must arrange transport on required dates. Unclaimed work may be disposed of at CE4C/RMG’s discretion.
Promotion Use: By entering, you grant CE4C permission to use images of your work for exhibition promotion.
Hanging Readiness Required: 2D work must arrive with D-rings & wire or gravity bars installed. Non-compliant works will not be accepted; fees are non-refundable.
Full Exhibition Commitment: Selected work must remain on display for the entire exhibition.

Eligibility

The Unity Through the Arts Juried Exhibition is open to all residents of Durham Region, with priority given to artists living in the region. However, artists from the surrounding GTA are also welcome to apply.

Age Categories: Adults (19+) and Youth (13–18)
Submission Limit: Maximum of 2 works per artist
Theme Requirement: All works must clearly reflect this year’s outlined theme on cultural diversity, traditions, and lived experiences (see full theme description).
Artist Statement & Entry Fee: An artist statement (250 words or less) is required for each work, explaining how it connects to the theme. Entry fee must be paid (see entry fee details). Any work without an artist statement or unpaid entry fee will not be considered.

Cultural Expressions for CHANGE INC.

Selection Process

Artwork must be Drop-off for Jurying:

Thursday, October 9, 2025, 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Friday, October 10, 2025, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Drop-off Location: The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, 72 Queen St, Oshawa, ON L1H 3Z3

Notification of Acceptance: Via email on October 12, 2025 after 7:00pm

If selected: Exhibition Opening and Award ceremony Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 6 to 8pm, and exhibition closes November 2, 2025.

Submission Requirements

Entry Fee (up to two works):

Adult (19+): $45
Youth (under 19): $25
Payment Deadline: September 30, 2025
◦ E-transfer: Send to info@ce4c.ca
◦ Cash: Pay at artwork drop-off with proof of registration (October 9 or 10, 2025)

All entry fees are non-refundable.

Artwork Specifications

While all visual art mediums are welcome, all artwork must be ready for exhibition installation with hanging hardware installed (D-rings, wire, or gravity bar).

2D Works: Max 36″ x 40″ (92 cm x 102 cm), under 40 lbs, ready to hang.
3D Works: Max 24″ (w) x 24″ (d) x 48″ (h), under 75 lbs.
Digital/Video Media: Submit on labelled USB (.mov, .mp4, or .gif).
Still Digital Artwork: Must be printed and mounted for hanging.

How to Submit

To enter, you must complete the online submission form and ensure Cultural Expressions receives the appropriate entry fee by Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 11:59pm.

E-transfer payments must be sent by the deadline to info@ce4c.ca.
Cash payments may be made at the artwork drop-off dates; however, the online form must still be completed and submitted prior to drop-off.

For additional information or questions, please contact:
Christina Leslie
Board Member of CE4C
info@ce4c.ca