Call for Submissions: Belonging 2026 Artist-in-Residence and Community Exhibitions

Cambridge Art Galleries

Exterior of Cambridge Public Library, Preston, the host location of the 2026 Belonging Artist-in-Residence.

Call for Submissions: Belonging Artist-in-Residence at Cambridge Art Galleries

Submission Deadline: October 19, 2025 11:00pm ET

Description

The Belonging Artist Residency is a 10-week opportunity (January 5 – March 13, 2026) for a professional artist to explore the theme of belonging culminating in a public exhibition. The aim of the residency is to build relationships and amplify community voices through creative practice. This residency is generously supported by the Waterloo Regional Community Foundation.

Cambridge Art Galleries asks for professional artists to invite the public into the creative process. This residency is more than just a workspace; it is an invitation for both artist and community to engage in a shared act of storytelling and belonging.

The selected artist will host workshops, drop-in sessions, and open studio hours that welcome all members of our community, including aspiring artists, youth and those who may be new to the art world. These sessions will serve as both creative labs and social spaces, offering mentorship and opportunities for neighbours to connect through shared artistic expression.

Eligibility

• This call is open to professional artists only and will prioritize artists who demonstrate a clear vision of how the community will participate in the art making process.
• Artists must reside or work in Waterloo Region or have a clear, ongoing connection or affiliation with the arts sector in the region. The residency will require the artist to work on-site (e.g., lead in-person workshops, use of facilities/spaces).

Compensation

Cambridge Art Galleries remits artist fees in accordance with CARFAC standards. The Artist-in-Residence will be paid an artist fee of $4000 in two installments ($2000 at the start of the contract and $2000 upon completion).

Submission Requirements

All applicants must submit a complete application package in PDF format to cplsubmissions@cambridgepl.ca with the subject line “Artist in Residence Belonging – YOUR NAME.”

Full submission requirements and further details about the submission process can be found here.

Submission Deadline: October 19, 2025, 11:00pm ET

Belonging – Juried Community Art Exhibition, installation view at Cambridge Art Galleries, 2024. Photograph by Toni Hafkenscheid.

Call for Submissions: Belonging Community Exhibitions at Cambridge Art Galleries

Submission Deadline: October 19, 2025 11:00pm ET

Description

The Cambridge Art Galleries at Cambridge Public Library invites regional artists to submit applications to exhibit their work in the inaugural Belonging Community Exhibitions at Old Post Office, Cambridge Public Library. This series presents modest solo exhibitions from regional artists engaging with the theme of belonging. This project is generously supported by the Waterloo Regional Community Foundation.

Project Requirements

• Belonging Community Exhibitions are scheduled for four weeks at a time between February and December 2026.
• Exhibitions will be located on the second floor of Cambridge Public Library, Old Post Office (12 Water Street). The space consists of a portable structure on casters with two 7′ x 7′ walls and two 3′ x 7′ walls.
• The exhibition can accommodate wall-mounted and/or shelf works. All media and styles of artwork will be considered, including digital art. All work must be ready to be hung or displayed. Hanging work must have hardware.

Eligibility

• We welcome submissions of existing original artwork from artists of all backgrounds and levels of experience, including emerging artists.
• Artists must reside or work in Waterloo Region or have a clear, ongoing connection or affiliation with the arts sector in the region.
• Artists must be 18 years of age or older.
• Collectives are welcome to submit applications, but please note that the artist fee is shared.

Compensation

Cambridge Art Galleries remits artist fees in accordance with CARFAC standards.

Submission Requirements

• All applicants must submit the following information and support materials to cplsubmissions@cambridgepl.ca with the subject line “Belonging Community Exhibition – YOUR NAME.”
• Full submission requirements and further details about the submission process can be found here.

Submission Deadline: October 19, 2025, 11:00pm ET

For additional information or questions, please contact:
Ashlyn Gregory
agregory@cambridgepl.ca | 519.621.0460 x151

Cambridge Art Galleries
cambridgepl.ca/cambridge-art-galleries
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Cambridge Art Galleries, Queen’s Square
1 North Square
Cambridge, ON N1S 2K6

Hours of Operation
Monday – Thursday, 9:30am – 8:30pm
Friday & Saturday, 9:30am – 5:30pm
Sunday, 1:00pm – 5:00pm

Admission is free. All are welcome.

Cambridge Art Galleries is situated on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Neutral peoples. We recognize that this land is part of the Haldimand Tract, extending 10km on either side of the Grand River.

Cambridge Art Galleries presents contemporary art from two galleries in the City of Cambridge: Queen’s Square and Preston. We serve our regional and broader communities through the delivery of contemporary art programs that foster critical cultural dialogue. Our artistic activities engage, embrace, and empower people of all ages and abilities from diverse backgrounds.

Accessibility:
Cambridge Art Galleries, Cambridge Public Library is fully accessible. For more information: cambridgepl.ca/about/accessibility