CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
THE DOWNTOWN SCULPTURE EXHIBITION 2026
DEADLINE FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2026
The Fenelon Arts Committee (FAC), in partnership with the City of Kawartha Lakes, invites artists or teams of artists to submit to The Downtown Sculpture Exhibition 2026. Sculptures will be installed in the garden planters along Colborne Street in downtown Fenelon Falls. Each work will be on display from May to October 2026 as public art.
The FAC identifies opportunities for artists, strategizes on arts initiatives, and works to increase public access and engagement with art in the village of Fenelon Falls. The FAC is a part of the Kawartha Works Community Co-operative (KWCC). The KWCC works to improve the social infrastructure in Kawartha Lakes by enabling the creation, development, and management of not-for-profit initiatives with artistic, cultural, recreational, health, environmental, economic, and social improvement aims.
The Downtown Sculpture Exhibition 2026 will feature a collection of six (6) sculptures mounted on limestone rocks located inside garden planters. A jury of local arts and cultural leaders and business leaders will be appointed by the FAC to select the works.
Exhibition Guidelines
Open to all artists within Canada.
Innovative and engaging from all perspectives.
A creative approach to materials and/or concept.
May consider the context and history of Fenelon Falls; Indigenous connection and use of the area, historical development, natural heritage of the region, and the contemporary use of the area today.
Artwork must adhere to the dimension specifications outlined below.
Sculptures must be original works suitable for outdoor installation that can withstand weather conditions and public interaction with no maintenance from May to October.
The artwork should not pose a risk of injury to the public, for example, hazardous sharp points and/or edges.
Artists must have the skills and experience required to manage installation and removal.
The Project
Six (6) limestone bases are available for sculpture installation; three (3) garden planters each containing two (2) sculptures. See garden planter photos below.
Each of the six (6) sculptures must be securely mounted to the existing brackets on the limestone bases. Each limestone rock surface measures approximately 9 sq. ft. with four (4) threaded steel rods each with a 5/8” diameter. The steel rods are placed in a square pattern 5.25” centre to centre to secure the sculpture. See photo of the mounting bracket below.
An artist fee of $750 will be paid to each participating artist.
The submission deadline is Friday, March 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. (EST). Successful applicants will be notified Thursday, April 2, 2026, by email.
Sculptures will be installed Thursday, May 7, 2026, and removed Thursday, October 22, 2026. All sculptures must be installed for the duration of the exhibition. Works not installed on Thursday, May 7, 2026, may be replaced by an alternate work at the sole discretion of the FAC.
Accommodation will be provided for artists, if required, for the evening of Thursday, May 7, 2026. There will be an artist appreciation dinner the evening of Thursday, May 7, 2026. Please select the need for accommodation in your submission as well as note any dietary, food restrictions, and/or allergies.
The exhibition launch and walking tour will be held Friday, May 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Colborne Street Gallery. Artists will be introduced by the FAC and present an artist talk about their sculpture and overall art practice to the public followed by a guided walking tour of the sculptures and on-site Q&A.
The Sculptures
The height of the sculpture including the plinth/pole/base, must be a minimum of 36” and a maximum of 56”.
The maximum width and depth allowance is 30” (w) x 30” (d).
Documentation of the proposed installation must be included in the submission.
Example of a sculpture without a plinth and within the required range of dimensions.
Example of a sculpture on a plinth and within the required range of dimensions.
Each sculpture must be stable and secure when mounted to the bracket. Please refer to the mounting system specifications for complete details and specifications.
Artists are responsible for delivery, installation, and removal of their sculptures on the designated dates. If required, assistance will be provided for installation and removal.
Artists or teams of artists may submit up to two (2) entries for consideration.
Artworks may be offered for sale. The FAC does not take a commission on sales, nor is it involved in negotiations or discussions regarding artwork sales. All inquiries and sales are handled by the Artist or their agent. All sculptures must remain for the duration of the exhibition. Pricing and contact information will be included on signage, promotional materials, and the FAC website.
Insurance
All accepted artwork will remain at the risk of the Artist. The Artist will be responsible for any damage and/or repair to the artwork. The artwork is insured for liability by the KWCC.
Selection
A jury of local arts, cultural, and business leaders will be appointed by the FAC to select the works.
The FAC reserves the right to select proposals at its discretion and may choose not to select any or all proposals that do not meet its criteria. They may also choose to reject work that differs significantly from the work depicted in the accepted submission.
Timeline
Friday, March 20, 2026, 5:00 p.m.
Submission Deadline
Thursday, April 2, 2026
Notice of Acceptance by email
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Installation Day
Thursday, May 7, 2026, 6:00 p.m.
Artist Appreciation Dinner
Friday, May 8, 2026 , 11:00 a.m.
Public Launch, Artist Talk and Walking Tour at Colborne Street Gallery, 36 Colborne Street, Fenelon Falls
Thursday, October 22, 2026
Artwork Removal
Note: The schedule may vary at the discretion of the FAC. Date for installation, launch, and removal are subject to change, due to weather.
Submission Requirements
Only electronic submissions will be reviewed for this call.
Submissions for a proposed sculpture are at the sole cost of the artist and must include the following:
Name of artist or artists with contact information including mailing address, e-mail address, and telephone number.
CV of each artist who will be participating in the project.
Images and Image List showing previous samples of the artist’s work. A portfolio of 5-10 images is recommended, saved as one PDF document.
A written statement, 250 words maximum, outlining the artist’s approach to the proposed sculpture, including materials, narrative, context, method of creation/manufacturing, and installation details.
3-5 images of the proposed sculpture with complete details, including title, date, medium, dimensions, and price. Images must show the proposed sculpture from multiple angles. Images should be .jpg format, 300 dpi, and 1080 pixels on the longest side.
A maximum of two (2) proposed sculptures per artist or team of artists.
Contact
Fenelon Arts Committee
Darcie Kennedy, Chair
fenelonarts@gmail.com
Sculpture Locations
Garden Planter Photos
Installation Guidelines
All sculptures must be securely fastened to the mounting system on the limestone base.
The bases consist of an irregular shaped limestone rock with four (4) threaded rods of 5/8”.
The rods are placed in a square pattern 5.25” centre to centre.
The sculpture should have a plate of steel or other suitable material to connect to the rods. This can be integral to the sculpture or a platform or pedestal that the sculpture will be securely attached to.
If the plate will be hidden or in an enclosure, please make sure it is accessible to allow for tools and tightening.
Holes on the plate should be one inch (1”) in diameter.
If the base plate is thick, the bolt and washer may need to be recessed. Please cut the recess hole at least 2.25” in diameter in order to accommodate the washer and the tool used to tighten the nut.
The threaded rods are 3-4” high.
TIP: Cut the large hole first to ensure the smaller hole for the rod is centred. Be sure to maintain the 5.25” centre to centre pattern.
Signage will be created by the FAC and affixed to bracket in the planter.
Please inquire before fabrication should you need any further details.
