September 2, 2025 | PORT DOVER, ON – Lighthouse Festival is thrilled to announce its 2026 Call for Submissions for visual artists to exhibit their work in its Port Dover theatre spaces. The selected artwork will be on display from April to October 2026 in two unique gallery-style areas: the Box Office Lobby and the Long Bar on the second floor, which together welcome more than 60,000 visitors annually.
Lighthouse Festival invites applications from all visual artists, with a particular emphasis on showcasing work by local and Indigenous creators. This initiative highlights the theatre’s commitment to supporting artistic expression within the communities it serves and celebrating diverse cultural voices.
“We’re proud to make Lighthouse Festival a space where creativity thrives,” said Don Kearney-Bourque, Marketing and Communications Manager. “By featuring local and Indigenous artists, we’re not only providing an opportunity for them to connect with thousands of theatre-goers but also enriching the cultural experience of our audiences.”
The theatre is seeking 8–15 large and medium-scale pieces to be displayed in the Box Office Lobby and two sets of 8–15 works each for the Long Bar. Artists whose work is chosen may offer their pieces for sale, and Lighthouse Festival is pleased to support its creative community by taking only a minimal commission. To ensure a seamless display throughout the season, artists are encouraged to provide additional works for rotation in the event that pieces are purchased and collected before October.
The 2026 exhibition will be celebrated with a public opening reception early in the year, featuring refreshments, champagne, and a chance for visitors to meet the artists and learn more about their work.
“This program has become a true celebration of creativity,” Kearney-Bourque added. “The combination of beautiful art, a stunning heritage building, and lively theatre performances creates a unique cultural hub in downtown Port Dover.”
Artists are invited to submit their work online by completing the application form via the link below.
Accepted pieces will be professionally displayed with accompanying descriptions throughout the theatre season.
Lighthouse Festival encourages both emerging and established artists to apply for this high-profile opportunity to showcase their talents to a wide audience in a vibrant lakeside community.
About Lighthouse Festival
Lighthouse Festival is a charitable organization devoted to the development and production of new and existing Canadian plays. Lighthouse Festival strives to be artistically excellent, support and encourage local and regional artists, and be a source of enjoyment and pride in local communities while promoting local tourism. Located in two beautiful towns on Lake Erie, our theatres operate on a central policy of hospitality, inclusivity, accessibility, and affordability for all.
Media Contact
For media inquiries, interview requests, or further information, please contact:
Don Kearney-Bourque
Marketing & Communications Manager
Lighthouse Festival Theatre Corporation
[email protected]
Direct: (226) 290-0070
Cell: (289)541-7410
