Kids Visual Fringe 2026 Application

Kids Visual Fringe Application 2026

For visual artists 16 and under!
OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG ARTISTS

Hamilton Fringe Festival is the city’s biggest, boldest 12-day arts festival, lighting up spaces across town with live comedy, plays, music, dance, art, film, family fare, and more.

The Hamilton Fringe Festival is excited to partner with Dundas Valley School of Art (21 Ogilvie St, Dundas ON) for Kids Visual Fringe.

Specifically for artists 16 or younger, Kids Visual Fringe gives young artists in Hamilton and the surrounding area the opportunity to display works of art in the lobby of DVSA.

It's not a competition - all young artists are selected randomly by lottery, keeping things fair for everyone.

This summer could be YOUR first public exhibit of work, available for friends, family, and art lovers to view this July!

Artists do not need to have completed pieces in order to apply, but it is recommended. Completed pieces must be ready for public display by June 24th at the latest. The Hamilton Fringe Festival does not curate the pieces or provide any editorial feedback.

This application must be completed by a parent or legal guardian. Please complete the application form and hit "submit" below.

Find out more about HFTco/Hamilton Fringe and our programming, mission, mandate, and values at HFTco.ca!
KEY DATES:
- Applications must be submitted by 11:59PM ET on Thursday, May 14, 2026.
- Artists will be drawn by lottery on Friday, May 15, 2026 at 1pm EST.
- Kids Visual Fringe artists will have their work displayed at Dundas Valley School of Art, during public viewing hours: June 23 - July 24, Mondays and Fridays, 9am-4pm; Tues, Wed, Thur 9am-9:30pm; closed on weekends and statutory holidays.
- Installation week at Dundas Valley School of Art: Tues June 16 - Fri June 19, 2026 between 9am-4pm (exact date and time TBC), with artist and parent/guardian.
- Exhibits should be disassembled between Tues July 27 - Fri July 31, 2026 between 9am-4pm (exact date and time TBC). Neither the Hamilton Fringe nor DVSA is responsible for items left after July 31st.
THE BASICS including FEES:
- Artists will receive 3 shelves, 10" deep by 15" wide, height adjustable, maximum weight limit 10lbs per shelf.
- Only one application per artist is allowed.
- An artist accepted into the Hamilton Fringe Festival cannot sell or transfer their spot to another artist. If an artist is found to have done this, both artists will be removed from the festival.
- There are 2 Kids Visual Fringe artist spots available. If any artists withdraw, the next artist on the list will be contacted to fill their place.
- Artists will be selected by random draw and aired via Facebook and/or livestream. Results will be posted on social media within 72 hours and selected participants will be contacted in the following days. The livestream will be viewable immediately and will be found in the "Videos" tab of the Hamilton Fringe Facebook page. Selected participants’ names will also be listed on HFTco.ca and any social media content in the lead up and/or during the festival.
- There is no cost to apply or participate in the Kids Visual Fringe.
- Artists may be for exhibit only, or offer pieces for sale. No commission will be collected; however, there may be transaction fees from online sales.
- This is the KIDS VISUAL FRINGE! Artists must be age 16 or under as of July 15, 2026. (Looking for the Visual Fringe for "non-kids?" Click here!)
Please note:

Your party agrees to adhere to the laws of Ontario, and the policies, procedures and safety guidelines as set forth by The Hamilton Fringe Festival. The festival reserves the right to remove any artist that does not abide by the policies of the Hamilton Fringe.

Please contact us if you have any questions or need clarification of these details. We recommend that you print a copy of this page for your own records.
I AGREE:*

I have read, understand, and agree to all Fringe policies and Visual Fringe key dates as outlined above.

The Work
Artist Name (for public use)*
This name acts as your 'company name' and cannot be changed. It is the name that will be publicly shared. It does NOT need to be the artist's legal name, it could be Art by Chris or The Amazing Franny, etc.
Artist Age (for public use)
This will be included on the display at DVSA.
Total Number of Pieces to be Displayed*
Title(s) of Work(s)*
If the work is not complete, please put 'TBD'. For multiple pieces, please separate titles with a comma.
Space Requirement for Work(s)*
If the work is not complete, please put 'TBD'. For multiple pieces, please separate space requirements with a comma.
Primary Contact Information - Parent/Guardian of Artist
Primary Contact Name (Parent/Guardian of Artist)*

First NameLast Name
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip CodeCountry
Phone Number*
Area code and phone: (123) 123-1234Format: (000) 000-0000.
E-mail*
example@example.com
Age Confirmation: *

Yes, I confirm that on July 15, 2025, the Artist submitted in this application will be aged 16 years or under.
Please print a copy of your application for your records. Once you have printed your application, please click "Submit".

When you have successfully completed your application, you will be redirected to a confirmation page and receive a confirmation e-mail.
Thank you!
Should be Empty:

Kids Visual Fringe Application 2026