Are you a local artist who would like to have an exhibition at the library this year?
Please read the information and fill out the application form below.
Our call for artists is open from January 6th to February 14th, 2025. No submissions will be considered after the call closes.
Artist Information
New Westminster Public Library (NWPL) opens a call for artists early each calendar year. Artist submissions are anonymously evaluated by a jury of NWPL staff, NWPL board members, and community members. Exhibits are scheduled by calendar month from April to March. All artists who submit applications are contacted with the results of the call.
SUBMISSIONS
- All submissions must be made via our online application form.
- Artists can submit up to five (5) images of single works for consideration. Please no photo collages of multiple works.
- The quality of the images submitted does influence selection so make sure yours are of good quality.
- Your final exhibit will consist of more than these five (5) works so your submission should be reflective of your exhibit plan as a whole.
- Group submissions are also accepted but need to have one contact person to act as liaison.
- If you need technical help in preparing your submission, please contact art@nwpl.ca in advance of the deadline.
CRITERIA FOR ARTIST SELECTION
The Community Art Selection Committee uses the following criteria in selecting and approving exhibits.
All works must be:
- responsive to the diverse interests of the entire New Westminster community;
- original;
- suitable in scale, material, form, subject, and content for the library environment;
- consistent with the principle of respect for the dignity and worth of all people;
- not intended as advertisements or solicitations for recruitment, business, political campaigning, or fundraising; and
- ready for display/hanging.
CONTRACTS AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR EXHIBITS
Successful candidates will be asked to sign a contract and waiver and provide information and images for publicity purposes. In turn, they will receive an exhibit schedule. The contract and waiver must be signed and returned before the exhibit start date.
The library reserves the right to change or cancel show dates for any reason and retains sole and final choice of artists’ works for hanging based on space considerations and the appropriateness of works for display in a public building. Exhibits will be evaluated within the context of the public space and its users. The library may require the removal of any item during the period of the exhibit. To avoid potential issues, artists are encouraged to share the work they plan to hang in advance.
ART PREPARATION
Art must be display-ready in order for works to be protected and well-cared for in the library. This means:
- Paper pieces should be framed;
- Canvases, if unframed, should have finished edges;
- If artwork is in a non-traditional format or is left unframed/unfinished by design, the artist must present ideas on how to display it on the art wall;
- Each piece should be labeled on the back with the name of artist and title of piece for easy identification; and
- Exhibitors are responsible for the delivery, installation and removal of their exhibits, as well as for the means for hanging their work (eg. picture wire).
GALLERY SPACE
Works are hung by the artist in the gallery area.
At present, the gallery area consists of four (4) double-sided panels, each side measuring 53” wide by 67” high. In 2025, it is likely the gallery space will change but the linear display space will be roughly equivalent.
Works must be hung by the artist during the first two days of the month and taken down by end of day on the last day of the month (or before, if the last day falls on a statutory holiday).
SALES
Works of art may be offered for sale, with prices established by the artist. The library will not serve as a liaison for selling exhibited art nor will it collect commission. The artist is responsible for providing contact information to communicate with the public for any sale. Works that are not available for purchase must be designated “NFS” (Not for Sale). Works that are sold must remain on exhibit throughout the designated period.
ARTIST STATEMENTS
The artist will display an exhibition statement and labels for each work. The labels will include the name, medium, title, and price (if applicable). The exhibition statement may include a brief biography of the artist, a description of the artistic process, inspiration, and influences, or other information to guide the audience.
LIABILITIES
New Westminster Public Library, the New Westminster Public Library Board of Trustees, and the City of New Westminster hold no responsibility for any loss, theft, or damage to artworks while they are on display in the library. The library strongly suggests that you insure your work for any loss, theft, or damage during your exhibit at the library.
PROMOTION
The library will create promotional materials and promote art displayed at the library on its website and social media channels. Information and images provided by the artist in their submission may be used for the promotion of the exhibit.
EXHIBIT OPENINGS
The library cannot accommodate exhibit openings at this time.
NOTIFICATIONS
If you would like to be added to our notification list for the call for artists, or if you have any questions, please email art@nwpl.ca
