2026 Why Do You Create? Application Form

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
Name*

First NameLast Name
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Email*
example@example.com
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Title of artwork*
Year of completion*
Only submit works made 2023-2025
Medium (e.g Acrylic on canvas) Please include the medium and the base such as canvas, paper, etc.*
Dimensions in inches (H x W)*
Maximum size for 2 dimensional artworks is 36 x 48 inches for. NOTE: 36 inches is the maximum height. Diptychs and triptychs must fit within these dimensions.
Please attach image of artwork. File name must be named as follows: Last Name, First Name, Artwork Title, Medium.*

Cancelof
Artist statement (250 words max.)*
What does this artwork say about your motivation to create? (200 words max.)*
Install Notes (if any)
For new media only: Duration of video
For new media only: Link to YouTube/Vimeo Link
Value*
For sale?*

YesNo
Signature - agreeing to Terms and Conditions*

Clear
I am an active VAM Member*

YesNo
VAM Membership Number
Please renew membership if expired, in order for discount to apply.
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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