The Pumphouse Theatre is a vibrant facility with historical significance. It supports and presents all art forms and creates opportunities for engagement, enrichment, cultural experience, learning and inspiration, while serving all Calgarians. To enable this, the Quenten Doolittle Memorial Gallery provides accessible wall display space for Mohkinstsis (Calgary) visual artists to display and sell their work, free from commission.
For this exhibit, we are looking for work that reflects the theme of Little Pleasures: the little things that give us big positive impact. Surprise pocket finds, work that’s already been done, etc., Submissions of any style, from realistic to abstract, and in any visual art medium will be considered, provided it meets all gallery requirements below.
The Pumphouse Theatre supports an inclusive and diverse community. We encourage any submissions of eligible visual artists from all communities including but not limited to the LGBTQ2+, BIPOC, and those with disabilities. Priority will be given to artists who are emerging or at the early stages of their career.
Submissions must meet the following requirements:
• Artist must reside in Calgary and must be available for installation dates provided.
• Artwork must be delivered ready to hang (wall-space only) with the dimensions listed on the application form.
Timeline:
• Submission Deadline: September 1st, 2025, 11:59pm
o All artists who submit will be notified with a decision no later than 2-2 1/2 weeks after the deadline has passed.
• Installation: September 21st – 23rd, 2025
• Exhibition: September 25th – December 6th, 2025
• Take Down: December 7th – 10th, 2025
To apply, please send the following information via email or mail:
• Completed Gallery Submission Form
• Artist Biography (250 words max)
o A short description of who you are and your art background, training, passion, and/or any combination of the fore mentioned information
• Artwork: A minimum of 1 to a maximum of 5 pieces will be accepted
o Images of artwork only; do not send original works with application
o Please keep image formats to either PNG or JPEG. If you are unable to do so, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate.
Applications or queries can be sent to:
Facilities and Programming Director
2140 Pumphouse Ave SW Calgary, AB T3C 3P5
[email protected] 403-263-0079 ext. 100
Selection Process: Art pieces are selected by a committee of no less than 3 people and are a mix of artists and administrators. Selection criteria is based on: suitability to the theme, technique, emotional response, creativity & innovation, and suitability for the Pumphouse Theatre gallery space and its patrons (ages 8-80 representing various socio-economic and cultural backgrounds). Unfortunately, we are unable to accept works that feature nudity.
Any artists who need assistance with their application, or have inquires and questions, are welcome to contact the Pumphouse Theatre, at any point.
