Call for Submissions: Halton Black History Awareness Society 2026 Emancipation Art Exhibition

Call for Artists: 2026 Emancipation Art Exhibition

Submission Deadline: June 15, 2026 at 12pm
Exhibition Dates: July 15 – September 13, 2026
Opening Reception: July 19, 2026, 1:30 – 3:30pm
Location: Helson Gallery, Halton Hills, ON

The Halton Black History Awareness Society (HBHAS) in collaboration with the Helson Gallery invites African and Afro-Caribbean diasporic artists to submit work for the 9th Annual Emancipation Art Exhibition—a curated showcase rooted in storytelling, identity, and creative expression.

This exhibition is about holding space for truth, for history, for culture and for the layered, evolving experiences of Black life. We’re looking for work that speaks, challenges, reflects, and celebrates.

Who Can Apply?

• African and Afro-Caribbean diasporic artists based in the GTHA and surrounding areas
• Artists working in both 2D and 3D formats (max. size: 48″ in any direction)
• Up to six works can be submitted for consideration

Exhibition + Awards

Selected artists will have their work exhibited at the Helson Gallery, located within the Halton Hills Cultural Centre.

A juried panel from HBHAS will present awards to works that powerfully reflect and interpret the Black experience. Awards will be announced at the opening reception on July 19, 2026.

All exhibiting artists will receive an honorarium in recognition of their contribution.

Art Sales

• Sales will be facilitated by the Town of Halton Hills
• A 20% commission will be applied to sold works
• HST will be charged to the buyer at the time of purchase
• Artist with HST numbers will have HST applied to the commission
• Work can be listed as For Sale or NFS (Not For Sale)

What to Submit?

• Up to 6 artworks (any medium—painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, etc.)
• Work must be ready to gallery ready (framed and wired with proper hardware)

You’ll also need:

• Current artist bio
• Artist statement (you must be able to tell us what celebrating freedom means to you and how your work connects to the exhibition theme)
• Contact info (email + phone)
• Images of each piece (JPG, max 10MB each)

File Naming Format: ArtistName_Title_Medium_Dimensions_Price/NFS

How to Apply

Please submit your work via the online application form.

Submission Deadline: June 15, 2026 at 12pm

About the Helson Gallery

Located within the Library & Cultural Centre in Halton Hills, the Helson Gallery is a vibrant cultural hub dedicated to showcasing local and nationally significant work. Over the years, the Emancipation Art Exhibition has become a platform for powerful artistic voices across Halton and the GTA.

Helson Gallery
9 Church Street
Halton Hills, ON L7G 2A3
www.haltonhills.ca/gallery

Hours
Wednesday – Saturday: 9:30am – 5:00pm
Sunday: 1:00pm – 5:00pm

Accessibility: The venue is fully accessible, including an accessible washroom.

Instagram @hbhas.art
Facebook @hbhasociety