2026 Why Do You Create? Application Form Logo
  • Why Do You Create? Application Form

  • Presented by Visual Arts Mississauga 

    About the Exhibition 
    What inspires your art-making practice? What brings meaning to your creative process?
     
    Visual Arts Mississauga (VAM) invites artists to reflect on these questions and more in its sixth annual Why Do You Create? juried exhibition. 

    Up to 50 artworks will be selected for display. 

    25 selected works will be exhibited in the VAM Gallery (Jan 12 – Feb 8, 2026). 
    Additional selected works will be displayed in the White Studio Gallery (Jan 23 – 25, 2026). 

    All chosen artworks will be featured in an online exhibition from Jan 12 – 2027 WDYC show

  • WDYC Judging Criteria
    Selections for Why Do You Create? will be based on:

    • Connection to Theme: How clearly the artwork communicates the artist’s reason for creating.
    • Originality: A unique and creative approach to the theme.
    • Composition & Technique: Effective use of design elements and craftsmanship.
    • Emotional Impact: The ability of the artwork to engage and move the viewer.
  • Awards
    All participating artists are eligible for awards: 
    🏆 First Prize: $600 
    🥈 Second Prize: $400 
    🥉 Third Prize: $300 
    ⭐ 2 Honourable Mentions: $50 each 
    🗳️ People’s Choice Award: VAM Merch & Membership  

    Sponsored by Visual Arts Mississauga. 

  • Jurors

    TO BE ANNOUNCED
  • Eligibility

    • Open to emerging and established artists aged 18+, living and working in Ontario. 
    • Accepted media: painting (any medium), drawing, mixed media, hand-pulled printmaking, fibre art, photography, new media, and video. 
    • Artists may submit one artwork completed between 2023–2025. 
    • AI Art is NOT eligible 
  • Application Requirement

    • Artist statement (max 250 words): Describe how this artwork reflects what inspires your creative practice. 
    • Image file: JPG format, max 1 MB, 300 dpi, resolution up to 1024 × 768 px. 
    • Image must show the entire artwork (no cropping, frames, or background). 
    • Label your file: LastName_FirstName_Title.jpg 
  • Artwork Specifications

    • Maximum size: 36 × 48 inches (max height 36"). 
    • Diptychs/triptychs must fit within these dimensions. 
    • Exhibition-ready presentation is required. 
    • Proper framing and secure hanging hardware (D-hooks, eye-hooks, or wire). 
    • Photographs must be framed or mounted on rigid surface. 
    • Works not deemed exhibition-ready upon delivery will appear online only. 
  • Terms & Conditions

    • Entries must be submitted online via this JotForm. Email submissions will not be accepted. 
    • Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. 
    • Only artworks accepted by the jurors will be included in the exhibition. 
    • Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. 
    • VAM reserves the right to decline work that is not dry, improperly framed, previously exhibited, or identified as a reproduction or instructor demo. Giclée prints are not permitted. 
    • Artists are responsible for insurance and transportation of their work. 
    • VAM is not liable for any loss or damage to artwork. 

     

    Notification: Accepted artists will be contacted the week of December 15, 2025. 

  • Important Dates

  • November 30: Deadline for submission

    Week of December 15: Accepted artists will be notified

    January 5-10: Artwork drop off at VAM for Gallery works

    January 12: Why do you create? Goes live on the website and in person in The VAM Gallery

    January 13-17: Artwork drop off for selected works for White Studio Gallery

    January 23-25: Selected works installed in White Studio Gallery

    January 23: Opening reception

    January 26-30: Pick up for White Studio Gallery works

    February 8: Exhibition closes in the VAM Gallery

    February 10 - February 14: Pick up for Hallway Gallery works

    Jan 12 – 2027 WDYC show: Online Exhibition live on website

  • Deadline for Submissions

  • 🕛 Midnight, Sunday, November 30, 2025 
    Please complete this entry form and upload all required documents before the deadline. 

  • Entry Fee

  • Entry fee: $35 +HST 

    Pay by credit card using this form or by phone at 905-277-4313. 

    No cash or e-transfers will be accepted for this application entry fee.

  • Entry Form

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  • REMINDER FOR PAYMENT: 

    If you are not an active VAM Member, please select the general payment. 

    However, if you are an Active VAM Member, please select the discounted payment. 

    If you are unsure of your VAM Membership status, please call our office at 905-277-4313 or email us at info@visualartsmississauga.com 

    Incorrect payment of entry fee will void your application. 

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