Call for Proposals: 2026 Exhibitions at City of Kitchener Rotunda Gallery

Work by Sharon van Starkenburg, Rotunda Gallery, city of Kitchener

The city of Kitchener invites applications from Ontario visual artists to have their work exhibited in the Rotunda Gallery at Kitchener City Hall.

Submission Deadline: September 19, 2025, 5:00pm ET

This is a call for the 2026, January to December, Exhibition Program.

Visual artists with an active practice, dedication to the development of excellence and innovation in their art, and some exhibition history, are invited to submit proposals for bi-monthly exhibitions in Kitchener City Hall’s Rotunda Gallery.

The gallery is a unique exhibition space, with a curved, wooden hanging wall that includes a 48-foot picture rail, and 48 inches of vertical hanging space. The space is ideal for displaying two-dimensional artwork, hung using the existing suspended rod picture rail. Each piece of artwork must work with this hanging system.

Eligibility

The program welcomes diverse viewpoints and media (painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, mixed media), supporting the principles of intellectual freedom while respecting the public nature of the location. Work must be original but can be already completed or can be a new body of work. Unfortunately, the space cannot accommodate audio/visual work.

We welcome and highly encourage applications from individuals with intersectional identities from groups seeking equity, diversity, and inclusion. We will consider applications from all Ontario artists. However, applicants from Waterloo region or with a connection to the region will be given preference so we can continue to build and promote the development of visual arts in our area.

Work by Vanessa Pejovic, Rotunda Gallery, city of Kitchener

Compensation

Each exhibiting artist will receive an honorarium based on the 2026 CARFAC exhibition fee schedule (according to Section A.1.6).

Selection Process

After applications close, a selection committee will choose up to six artists. The proposals are juried by the Arts & Culture Advisory Committee (ACAC), a volunteer, resident-based group that includes a range of artists and arts sector professionals. No city of Kitchener staff are involved in the selection process.

Submission Requirements

Submission guidelines are available on the city’s website.

How to Submit

Access the online application through the city’s website.

Submission Deadline: September 19, 2025, 5:00pm ET

For additional information or questions, please contact:
Karoline Varin, Program Administrator
karoline.varin@kitchener.ca | 519.783.8302

City of Kitchener
200 King Street West
www.kitchener.ca

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Accessibility:
City of Kitchener is fully accessible. For more information, visit the website.