Call Description

The Vancouver Arts and Music Festival welcomes your application to the 2026 Festival Art Exhibit. Thousands of art lovers and collectors attend this 3-day exhibit that concludes with an awards ceremony. This year we are looking for art by regional artists centering on the themes of community, environment and culture. 

The Festival Art Exhibit will be held across the street from the park, in the Hilton Vancouver. Three jurists, the mayor and the people will select 5 artworks for awards. The awarded artists receive monetary prizes of $300 each and a custom award by a local maker. Additional opportunities such as community partnerships, exhibits or mentorship are also available to the award recipients.

Application Fee: $30 fee includes up to 3 entries *
Commission: 40% *
Art Accepted: Any medium; art must not exceed 36 x 36 inches, including framing. 

Entry Deadline: June 14
Art Acceptance Notification: July 13
Artwork Delivery Date: Thursday, August 6, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Show Opening: Friday, Aug. 7, 10:00 am   
Show Closing: Sunday, Aug. 9, 5:00 pm 
Award Reception: Sunday, Aug. 9, 3:00 pm 
Unsold Art Pick-up Date & Time: Sunday, Aug. 9, 4:00-6:00 pm 


*Application fees and commission cover minor processing fees and contribute to the Festival Art exhibit.

JURY PROCESS
The jury committee will consist of curators and art professionals from across the region. The committee will initially review the entries to select works for the exhibit. During the festival, jurors will evaluate the displayed works based on how well they address the themes of community, environment and culture. Additional judging criteria will be at the discretion of the jurors. 

AWARDS
Five artists will receive monetary awards of $300 each and a custom award by local maker. Additional opportunities such as community partnerships, exhibits or mentorship are also available to the award recipients.
(3) Juror-Selected: $300 
(1) Mayor’s Choice: $300 
(1) People’s Choice: $300 

COMMUNICATION
All communication regarding entries will be managed through the CAFE (Call for Entry) online system. If you do not receive notices after entering your work, please take the following steps:

• Login to your CAFE account to check the status of your application.
• Check your spam or junk mail folder.
• Add the related email address to your contacts list to ensure you receive updates.

If you have any further questions or require assistance, please reach out to exhibits@vancouverartsandmusicfestival.com. We look forward to seeing your creative vision and celebrating the vibrant diversity of our community!  

Application Requirements

Artists are asked to enter work fitting the themes of themes of community, environment and culture. Your entry must include a statement noting how the work relates to the theme(s). 

A $30 fee allows for up to 3 entries. You are allowed 3 images for upload. Use these to show 3 different works, OR if you are only entering 1 work, you may use them to show different angles of the same piece.

Please read the Eligibility Criteria and Rules and Terms to Apply before entering your work.

Eligibility Criteria

Size: Size limit for 2D works is 36 inches in any direction. 3D work of any size will be considered.
Media: All media types are eligible for consideration
Sales: Artworks must be available for sale. The only exclusion to this rule is for artists who are legally prohibited from selling their art. Include the 40% commission fee in your listed price.
Originality: All works must be original creations by the artist. No AI or printed reproductions of original work.
Statement: Include a statement about how your work relates to the theme. List a statement for each piece, or for all pieces as a whole. Statement must be 300 words or less.
Preparation: Work must be ready to hang or display with wire or other reliable means.