North Van Arts invites artists to submit artworks for What We Hold Close, an exhibition exploring the physical and symbolic spaces of domestic life and what it is to feel “at home”.
This group exhibition will feature 2D and 3D artworks made from, inspired by, or challenging household and domestic spaces, objects and materials, in a variety of mediums.
We encourage submission of works that explore the meaning of home in different cultural contexts, including the experiences of immigrants, newcomers, and people who have been displaced.
Domestic and Household spaces carry complex and varied meanings shaped by culture, history, and lived experience. We welcome submissions that consider how home is remembered, reimagined, or reconstructed through these lenses.
Artists are encouraged to explore and question;
- What makes you feel at home?
- What parts of home do you carry with you, even when you move?
- How do food, furniture, objects, or celebrations shape your idea of home?
- How does your idea of home change across time, place, or generations?
What We Hold Close will present a range of perspectives, stimulating conversation around belonging, memory, and identity.
The deadline to submit artwork is Thursday, October 30,2025 at 5pm PST
Submission Eligibility Guidelines
- Both emerging and professional artists are welcome to submit artwork for What We Hold Close
- Artists may submit artwork of any medium and style, no smaller than 4” x 6” and no larger than 50” x 70”.
- Artwork may be 2-D or 3-D
- Each artist may submit a maximum of two artworks for consideration.
- Artists must be located in Metro Vancouver to be considered for this exhibition.
- Priority will be given to artists local to the North Shore in the selection process.
Review Process
- All artworks will be subject to a juried selection process
- Submissions will be assessed on how the artwork and artist statement aligns with the open call theme.
- Artists whose artwork has been selected after the jury process will be notified by the end of November 2025.
- Due to the high volume of submissions, we are unable to give individual feedback for artists whose artwork has not been selected.
Accepted Submissions
- Selected artists must be able to bring their artwork into our CityScape Community ArtSpace location in-person, at 335 Lonsdale Avenue (North Vancouver) during the installation period in January of 2026.
- Artwork submitted to What We Hold Close also must be available to be displayed for the entire duration of the exhibition time period January 19- February 28,2025.
- Please note that North Van Arts does not pay artist fees for exhibiting artwork.
- North Van Arts will receive an administrative fee (35% of the total sale price) for each artwork sold during the exhibition time period.