Call for Submissions: Arts Alive Sculpture Exhibition 2026-27

Oak Bay, British Columbia

Metamorphosis by Peter Vogelaar. Photograph by Kevin Light

10th Annual Outdoor Exhibition of Sculptural Works

Submission Deadline: February 2, 2026, 9:00am PT

Arts Alive is Oak Bay Parks, Recreation & Culture’s yearly public sculpture exhibition. The exhibition is on display for up to 12 months at outdoor sites in our municipality.

The municipality of Oak Bay is part of Greater Victoria and is located on the southeastern tip of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It lies in the traditional territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən people, known today as the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations.

Surrounded by beaches and parkland, its scenery includes splendid views across the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Salish Sea. This geologically fascinating area is also home to the unique and rare Garry Oak meadow ecosystem.

The 18,000 residents have a deep attachment to Oak Bay’s natural and built environment. The community is legendary for its fine domestic architecture, its picturesque, luxuriant gardens, and its parks. Its compact and charming village heart is the home of several art galleries enjoyed by local artists and art enthusiasts.

The annual and permanent collection of sculptures frames views, animates parks, streetscapes and gathering areas. The sculptures have been greatly appreciated for their artistic merit and have encouraged viewers to pause and reflect on living in and visiting this special seaside community. The collection includes realistic and abstract pieces, both kinetic and static. They are made of a variety of materials including metal, stone, glass, ceramic, mixed media and mosaic.

Me and My Quiet Thoughts by Mizzonk. Photograph by Kevin Light

Project Requirements

This is an excellent opportunity for sculptors to showcase their work in this picturesque outdoor seaside setting. Sculptures will be displayed for approximately 1 year in outdoor public locations, May 2026–April 2027.

Only freestanding works which can be securely attached to the supplied concrete display base will be selected for exhibition. Sculptors are responsible for installing and removing their work on the display bases provided. Please view installation guidelines for specific measurements, bolt patterns, and weights. Sculptural materials used must be durable in an outdoor environment and safe for public interaction.

View map of display locations.

Eligibility

Artist’s resident in Canada are invited to apply for the 2026-2027 outdoor public art program (Due to shipping/importing logistics, sculptures shipped from outside of Canada cannot be accepted).

Up to two sculptures may be submitted by each artist for consideration. A separate application is required for each sculpture.

Emerging sculptors are encouraged to apply. Please contact the Arts & Culture Programmer for guidance preparing your application.

Compensation

Selected sculptors will be provided with an honorarium of $1,600 inclusive of travel and delivery/retrieval of sculpture.

All sculptures are available for purchase.

A commission of 10% of the sale of any sculpture while on exhibition will go to the Arts Alive program to be used for the development of the program.

Bocarrova created by David Cross. Photograph by Britt Swoveland

Selection Process

Submissions are reviewed and shortlisted by a volunteer arts jury.

Depending on community sponsorships, up to 10 sculptural works may be selected.

Shortlisted entries are reviewed by municipal staff to ensure technical feasibility and public safety.

Submission Requirements

Please visit the Arts Alive webpage for details on how to submit.

Required information:

• Completed Application Form
• Signed Display Agreement
• Artist Biography
• Artwork Statement
• Detailed description of the sculpture, materials, fabrication, installation considerations.
• Three photos, sketches, images of sculpture from different views.
• Artist Resume, CV and/or Website link to portfolio.

How to Submit

Applications can be made online or via email.

Submission Deadline: February 2, 2026, 9:00am PT

For additional information or questions, please contact:
Andrea Pass | Arts & Culture Programmer
apass@oakbay.ca | 250-370-7908

Oak Bay Parks, Recreation and Culture
2167 Oak Bay Avenue
Victoria, BC V8R 1G2
www.oakbay.ca/community-culture/arts-culture
apass@oakbay.ca
250-370-7908

Facebook @OakBayPRC
Instagram @oakbay_prc

Accessibility: Oak Bay Parks, Recreation & Culture promotes inclusive programs, accessible facilities, and support services for people of all abilities. For more information, please visit oakbay.ca.

Image Descriptions:
1. Lifesized mosaic Ukrainian Matryoshka Doll sculpture exhibited on Oak Bay Avenue.
2. Three concrete slabs containing poetry exhibited in a park.
3. Red and chrome abstract metal sputnik style sculpture exhibited at Willows Beach.