Call for Submissions – Next In Fibre: Fibreworks 2026

Installation shot of Next In Fibre: 20th Anniversary of Fibreworks, 2024, Queen’s Square Gallery at Cambridge Art Galleries, Cambridge Public Library. Photo: Toni Hafkenscheid.

Call for Submissions
Next In Fibre: Fibreworks 2026

Submission Deadline: March, 22, 2026 at 11:55pm ET

Beginning in 2024, Cambridge Art Galleries’ fibre-based juried group exhibition Next In Fibre: 20th Anniversary of Fibreworks combined the strengths of our two biannual exhibitions: Fibreworks and SHOW (the emerging artist exhibition) to present works by emerging artists working with fibre as a medium. To celebrate a rich history of spotlighting Canadian fibre artists, we continue in the spirit of Next In Fibre as an invitation to the next generation of artists to challenge and innovate the future of fibre art. We encourage artists to push what is known as textile art by introducing viewers to a thought-provoking contemporary experience. Works will be selected by a jury comprised of Cambridge Art Galleries staff and guest jurors. The exhibition will be presented at our Queen’s Square location from August 22 to November 8, 2026.

Fibreworks was established in 1982 to recognize the textile industry that once flourished along the Grand River. The exhibition has also played a critical role in the development of Cambridge Art Galleries’ permanent collection of contemporary Canadian fibre art.

As part of Next In Fibre: Fibreworks 2026, the Galleries are pleased to welcome guest jurors Suzanne Carte (Artistic Director and Curator, Art Gallery of Burlington) and Maria Hupfield (Artist).

Installation shot of Fibreworks 2022, Queen’s Square Gallery at Cambridge Art Galleries, Cambridge Public Library. Photo: Toni Hafkenscheid.

Eligibility

Cambridge Art Galleries invites submissions of artwork for Next In Fibre from artists across Canada under two criteria for consideration. First, artists who are in the early years of their professional careers with between 2 to 10 years of exhibition experience and who are committed to the ongoing development of their artistic practice. Second, artists who may have more than 10 years of experience but have begun to experiment with fibre materials within the past 3 years are invited to apply. Artworks should be completed at the time of submission and available for the period of July 18, 2026 to December 6, 2026.

Compensation

Artists exhibiting in Next In Fibre will receive exhibition fees in accordance with CARFAC Guidelines.

Selection Process

Artist submissions will be reviewed by the Gallery staff and guest jurors. All artists will receive notification of results by the week of April 20, 2026. Due to the number of applications received, we are unable to provide individual feedback.

Submission Requirements

• Images/media files of up to 3 artworks (maximum 10 images/media files total)
• Title, date, medium, and dimensions of work(s)
• Artworks must be created within the last two years
• Installation requirements
• Artist Statement and Biography
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) with Exhibition History
• City and Province from which the artwork(s) must be shipped

How to Submit

Complete your submission via the Zealous portal.

Submissions via email will NOT be accepted. If you have questions or technical issues with the portal, please contact Zana Kozomora, Assistant Curator via email at zkozomora@cambridgepl.ca

Cambridge Art Galleries welcomes submissions from members of equity-seeking communities including women, Indigenous and racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.

Further details about the call and submission process can be found here.

Submission Deadline: March, 22, 2026 at 11:55pm ET

Next In Fibre will be exhibited at Cambridge Art Galleries, Idea Exchange, Queen’s Square, from August 22 to November 8, 2026

For additional information or questions, please contact:
Žana Kozomora, Assistant Curator
zkozomora@cambridgepl.ca

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

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

Cambridge Art Galleries gratefully acknowledge the generous support of the City of Cambridge, Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, and the Government of Ontario.