“Submissions are an important part of an artists voice”.
Expressions of Diversity Worldwide
Multimedia Virtual Exhibition – Submission Guidelines
1. Exhibition Theme
“Expressions of Diversity Worldwide” celebrates cultural, social, and personal diversity across global communities. Submissions should explore identity, heritage, inclusion, intersectionality, or lived experiences that reflect diverse perspectives.
2. Eligibility
Open to artists worldwide, ages 18+ (or with guardian consent if under 18). Individual artists, collectives, and students are welcome. All work must be original and created by the submitting artist(s).
3. Accepted Media
We welcome a wide range of multimedia formats, including visual art (painting, drawing, photography, digital art), video art and short films, audio works (spoken word, sound art, music), animation and motion graphics, and interactive or web-based works if accessible online.
4. Artistic Standards
To ensure a high-quality exhibition, all submissions must meet the following:
Originality & Integrity
Work must not infringe on copyright or intellectual property rights. AI-assisted works must be clearly disclosed and meaningfully directed by the artist.
Conceptual Clarity
The work should clearly engage with the theme of diversity. A short artist statement (100–300 words) must explain the concept and context.
Professional Presentation
Images must be properly lit, cropped, and free of watermarks. Audio and video must be clear, with intentional editing and sound quality. Incomplete, low-effort, or draft works will not be accepted.
Ethical Considerations
Respectful representation of cultures and identities is required. Works promoting hate, discrimination, or harmful stereotypes will be rejected.
5. Technical Requirements (Virtual Exhibition Standards)
Images
Format: JPG or PNG. Resolution: Minimum 1920 px on the longest side. Maximum file size: 10 MB per image.
Video
Format: MP4 (H.264 recommended). Resolution: 1080p preferred (minimum 720p). Duration: Up to 10 minutes. Maximum file size: 500 MB.
Audio
Format: MP3 or WAV. Duration: Up to 10 minutes. Audio must be clear with minimal background noise.
Interactive/Web-Based Works
Must be accessible via a stable URL and compatible with standard browsers such as Chrome, Safari, and Firefox. No downloads or special hardware may be required.
6. Submission Requirements
Each submission must include artist name and country, title of work, medium and year created, artist statement (100–300 words), and technical details such as dimensions, duration, and format. A maximum of five works may be submitted per artist.
7. Accessibility & Inclusivity
Subtitles or captions are strongly encouraged for video and audio works. Artists are encouraged to include alt-text descriptions for visual works where possible. Avoid flashing visuals that may trigger photosensitivity.
8. Selection Process
Submissions will be reviewed by a curatorial panel. Selection criteria include relevance to the theme, artistic quality, technical execution, and originality and impact. All decisions are final.
9. Rights & Usage
Artists retain full copyright of their work. By submitting, artists grant permission for online exhibition display and promotion via website and social media with proper credit. Artists are responsible for securing permissions for any third-party content.
10. Code of Conduct
Submissions must not contain hate speech or discriminatory content, explicit violence without clear contextual justification, or plagiarized or unauthorized material.
11. Important Notes
Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. Selected artists may be asked to provide higher-resolution files. The exhibition will be hosted on a virtual platform, and formatting may be adjusted for optimal display.
12. Submission Fees
Submission fees help support the administration and digital hosting of the exhibition.
Non-Members
$25 CAD for the first submission and $20 CAD for each additional submission.
Members
$15 CAD for the first submission and $10 CAD for each additional submission.
A maximum of five (5) digital works may be submitted per artist. Fees are non-refundable regardless of acceptance status. Each submitted work counts as one entry, and payment must be completed at the time of submission for the application to be considered.
13. Awards & Recognition
To celebrate outstanding artistic achievement, the exhibition will present the following awards:
Top Prizes
1st Prize: $300 CAD
2nd Prize: $200 CAD
3rd Prize: $100 CAD
Honourable Mentions
Three Honourable Mentions will be awarded. Each recipient will receive a complimentary one-year membership to Art Pontiac and official recognition in the exhibition and promotional materials.
Additional Notes
Awards are determined by the curatorial panel based on artistic excellence, originality, and alignment with the exhibition theme. Winners will be announced during the virtual exhibition launch event.
The Importance of Submissions
Submitting your artwork to exhibitions and studio tours hosted by Art Pontiac is more than just showing your work—it’s a strategic step in building a sustainable, visible, and professional art practice.
- Visibility That Extends Beyond the Local
Art Pontiac operates as both a regional hub and a platform with growing global reach. Exhibiting your work—whether in-gallery, virtually, or through the Beyond the Easel Studio Tour—places your art in front of collectors, visitors, curators, and online audiences you likely wouldn’t access on your own. This expands not just awareness, but opportunity. - Direct Pathways to Sales and Income
Exhibitions and studio tours are proven sales environments. Visitors are actively seeking original work and meaningful connections with artists. Art Pontiac manages promotion, presentation, and transactions, allowing you to focus on your work while still benefiting financially. These events also create repeat buyers and long-term collectors. - Professional Credibility and Artistic Growth
Being selected for exhibitions or participating in structured tours adds to your professional portfolio. It demonstrates commitment, readiness, and engagement within the arts community. Over time, this builds credibility—important for grants, residencies, and future exhibition opportunities. - Real Engagement With Your Audience
Studio tours, in particular, offer something unique: face-to-face interaction. Visitors step into your creative world, hear your story, and connect with your process. That personal connection often leads to stronger appreciation, higher-value sales, and lasting relationships. - Integration Into a Larger Cultural Movement
Art Pontiac is not just hosting events—it is actively building a cultural and tourism ecosystem in the Pontiac region. By participating, you are contributing to something bigger: a growing arts destination that attracts visitors, supports local economies, and raises the profile of all participating artists. - Marketing and Promotion You Don’t Have to Do Alone
From social media campaigns to website features and press outreach, Art Pontiac amplifies your presence. Programs like Artist of the Month, exhibition spotlights, and digital content (including video interviews) provide layered exposure that continues even after the event ends. - Opportunities Beyond Exhibiting
Submitting your work often opens additional doors—teaching workshops, being featured in the gift shop, participating in future curated exhibitions, or collaborating with other artists. It positions you within an active, supportive network rather than working in isolation. - Accessibility and Flexibility
Art Pontiac’s model is inclusive. Whether you have a studio, share a space, or participate through a central exhibition hub, there are multiple ways to be involved. Even artists outside the immediate region can participate through shipped works or virtual exhibitions.
In essence:
Submitting your artwork to Art Pontiac exhibitions and studio tours is not just about being seen—it’s about being supported, being connected, and being part of a growing creative economy that values artists and actively works to create real opportunities for them.