Submissions are now open for The Quenten Doolittle Memorial Gallery Exhibit: Emerging Artists! in association with the IGNITE! Festival for Emerging Artists happening April 15 – June 19, 2021. The final deadline to submit is March 19, 2021.

The Pumphouse Theatre is a vibrant facility with historical significance supporting and presenting all art forms; and creating opportunities for engagement, enrichment, cultural experience, learning and inspiration serving all Calgarians. The Quenten Doolittle Memorial Gallery provides accessible wall display space for Mohkinstsis (Calgary) and Alberta visual artists to display and sell their work, free from commission.

IGNITE! is a festival dedicated to supporting, mentoring, and presenting emerging artists of all disciplines. IGNITE! allows artists to embrace risks in a supportive environment while providing resources, a bridge to the professional arts community, and meaningful opportunities for collaboration and community building with their peers.

Artists will be given a choice to opt into allowing their work to be adjudicated to become the official art piece of IGNITE! 2021. All submissions will be displayed from April 15 – June 19, 2021. If selected to be the official art piece of IGNITE! 2021, the artist will receive an artist festival pass and an honorarium for the use of their image in marketing material.

The Pumphouse Theatre supports the foundation of 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.

Submissions must meet the following requirements:

  • Artist resides in Alberta and must be available for installation.
  • Artist must identify as Emerging (less than 5 years of experience)
  • Artwork must be delivered ready to hang (wall-space only)

Installation Requirements: All art MUST be equipped with picture hanging wire and D rings (a piece of metal hardware shaped like the letter D used on the back of frame or canvas as hooking device). Hanging cleats or flat metal hardware unfortunately will not be accepted.

This gallery is intended to be available for in person and online viewing. Due to the uncertainty of COVID-19 pandemic, there is the possibility of this exhibit being online exclusively. All installation requirements are still necessary for this exhibit at this time.

In the event of an in-person gallery, The Pumphouse Theatre will install the work on behalf of the artists. Artwork may be dropped off or picked up by either the artist or a representative during the hours of 12pm and 6pm on the installation and take down dates provided. Artist must reserve an installation and take down date via a provided form or by contacting the Programming Director.

 Timeline:

  • Submission Deadline: March 19, 2021 4pm
  • All artists who submit will be notified with a decision no later than 2 weeks after the deadline.
  • Installation: April 11 – April 14, 2021
  • Exhibition: April 15 – June 19, 2021
  • In the event of a virtual gallery only, this exhibition end date may be extended into the summer
  • Take Down: June 20 – June 23, 2021

To apply, please send the following information via email:

  • Completed Gallery Submission Form
  • Artist Biography (250 words max)
  • A short description of who you are and your art background, training, passion, and/or any combination of the fore mentioned information
  • Artwork: Photos, maximum of 5, do not send original works.
  • Images of artwork only; do not send original works with application

The full application package can be downloaded here.

Applications or queries are sent to Kelly Malcolm, Programming Director at Kelly@pumphousetheatre.ca  or 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 Kelly Malcolm, Programming Director, at any point.

Kelly Malcolm │ Programming Director

Pumphouse Theatres Society
2140 Pumphouse Avenue SW  │  Calgary, Alberta  │  T3C 3P5
T: 403.263.0079 x100 │  F: 403.237.5357
E: kelly@pumphousetheatre.ca  │  W: www.pumphousetheatre.ca