Organizer Information
Wall Space Gallery is a contemporary commercial art gallery based in Ottawa, Canada, dedicated to supporting both emerging and established artists through curated exhibitions and long-term professional opportunities. The gallery focuses on presenting diverse artistic practices and fostering connections between artists and collectors while contributing to the cultural landscape of Ottawa’s contemporary art scene.
Through its exhibition programming, Wall Space Gallery actively introduces new artistic voices to local audiences and promotes artists from different regions across Canada. The gallery places particular emphasis on showcasing artists with developed professional practices and a consistent body of work. By organizing open calls and exhibition opportunities, Wall Space Gallery seeks to maintain a dynamic exhibition program that reflects a broad range of contemporary artistic approaches and mediums.
The gallery’s Open Artists Call serves as a platform for discovering new talent and expanding its network of artists for future solo and group exhibitions. This initiative demonstrates the gallery’s commitment to supporting contemporary art practices while creating meaningful opportunities for professional exposure and collaboration
Title & Description
Open Artists Call 2026 – Wall Space Gallery
Wall Space Gallery is currently accepting submissions from Canadian emerging and established artists for consideration in future gallery programming. The open call is designed for artists who have developed a consistent body of work and possess an exhibition history that demonstrates professional engagement with their practice.
The gallery is particularly interested in connecting with artists represented by galleries outside Ottawa, creating opportunities to introduce fresh perspectives and artistic approaches to local audiences. Selected applicants may be considered for future solo exhibitions, curated group exhibitions, and other programming opportunities within the gallery.
The call welcomes a broad range of contemporary artistic practices and encourages submissions from artists working across diverse mediums. The initiative aims to diversify the gallery’s exhibition calendar while fostering connections between artists from Ottawa and other regions across Canada
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Painting
- Drawing
- Sculpture
- Installation
- Mixed Media
- Photography
- Printmaking
- Digital Art
- Textile Art
- Jewellery Art
- Contemporary Craft
- Multidisciplinary Practices
- Other Contemporary Art Mediums
Eligibility
- Open to Canadian artists.
- Emerging and established artists are eligible.
- Artists should have a developed and consistent body of work.
- Applicants should demonstrate an exhibition history.
- Artists represented by galleries outside Ottawa are particularly encouraged to apply.
- Submissions are accepted across all artistic mediums.
- Jewellery artists are specifically welcome.
- Individual artists are encouraged to apply.
Program Benefits & Awards
Selected artists will receive consideration for future exhibition opportunities at Wall Space Gallery, including:
- Potential solo exhibition opportunities.
- Potential participation in curated group exhibitions.
- Professional exposure within Ottawa’s contemporary art community.
- Introduction to new audiences, collectors, and art professionals.
- Inclusion in the gallery’s future programming roster.
- Opportunities for long-term professional relationships with the gallery.
While no direct cash award or grant is specified, the open call functions as a professional exhibition opportunity that may lead to future collaborations and increased visibility.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Artist information and contact details.
- Artist CV or résumé.
- Portfolio of artworks.
- Documentation of recent work.
- Exhibition history.
- Artist statement.
- Additional supporting materials are requested through the submission form.
Applicants are encouraged to present a cohesive body of work that reflects the consistency and development of their artistic practice.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 31 August 2026
- Exhibition Dates: To be announced for selected artists.
- Notification Timeline: Not specified by the organizer.
Applicants are advised to submit their materials well before the deadline to avoid technical issues or incomplete submissions.
Location
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Additional Details
Wall Space Gallery emphasizes artistic quality, professional development, and diversity within its exhibition program. The gallery is particularly interested in introducing new artistic voices to Ottawa audiences and expanding the range of practices represented within its exhibitions.
The open call is not limited by medium, allowing artists from a wide variety of disciplines to apply. This inclusive approach reflects the gallery’s interest in presenting contemporary artistic practices that challenge, engage, and inspire audiences.
Artists with an established exhibition record and a clearly developed artistic direction may find this opportunity particularly relevant. Because selected applicants are considered for future programming rather than a single exhibition, the open call can serve as an entry point for ongoing professional engagement with the gallery.