Organizer Information
CIRCA art actuel is a non-profit artist-run centre founded in 1997 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, dedicated to the promotion and development of contemporary sculpture and installation art. As one of the city's key hubs for experimental practices, CIRCA operates two galleries that serve as vital spaces for artists to explore innovative forms, fostering a dialogue between traditional sculptural techniques and interdisciplinary hybrids. The centre's programming emphasises diversity, inclusivity, and renewal, with a strong commitment to showcasing works by artists of all generations, genders, and cultural backgrounds, including Indigenous creators. Through exhibitions, residencies, and public programs, CIRCA has built a reputation for supporting bold, risk-taking projects that challenge conventional boundaries in contemporary art. Its artist-driven model ensures equitable representation and professional development, making it an essential platform for emerging and established talents to gain visibility in the Canadian and international art scenes. Over the years, CIRCA has hosted hundreds of exhibitions, contributing to Montreal's vibrant cultural ecosystem while advocating for fair artist compensation through adherence to CARFAC standards.
Title & Description
Call for Submissions to Artists and Curators – CIRCA art actuel Regular Programming 2026–2028
This open call seeks innovative proposals from artists and curators to populate CIRCA art actuel's exhibition schedule for 2026 through 2028, with a focus on contemporary sculptural and installation practices that push artistic boundaries. The purpose is to spotlight projects that centre sculptural objects while embracing hybrid forms influenced by media such as drawing, printmaking, photography, digital arts, and painting, encouraging experimentation and renewal in these disciplines. Artists are invited to propose solo or group exhibitions that interrogate materiality, space, and form in fresh ways, while curators can envision multi-artist projects that occupy both galleries, weaving cohesive narratives around sculptural themes. This opportunity allows participants to contribute to a dynamic program that celebrates diversity and innovation, providing a platform for critical reflection on contemporary issues through tangible, immersive installations. By selecting works that stand out for their uniqueness and relevance, CIRCA aims to cultivate a diverse array of voices, fostering public engagement and advancing the discourse on sculpture's evolving role in modern art practices.
Categories
Sculpture and Installation Art (including traditional sculptural practices and hybrid forms integrating drawing, printmaking, photography, digital media, painting, and other interdisciplinary elements).
Eligibility
Open internationally to artists and curators of all ages, generations, genders (including non-binary and diverse gender identities), and backgrounds. The call particularly encourages submissions from underrepresented communities, including Indigenous artists and curators, to promote diversity and equitable representation. No prior exhibition experience is required, though proposals must demonstrate originality and alignment with sculptural/installation practices. Group projects are welcome, but curatorial submissions must involve multiple artists.
Program Benefits & Awards
Selected artists receive professional compensation in line with the current CARFAC (Canadian Artists' Representation / Le Front des artistes canadiens) fee schedule for the exhibition year, ensuring fair remuneration for their time and labor. Curators are awarded a $1,000 honorarium to support project development and coordination. Exhibitions provide dedicated gallery space (Gallery I, Gallery II, or both for curatorial projects), full technical and installation support from CIRCA's team, and extensive promotion through the centre's website, social media, newsletters, and press outreach to local, national, and international audiences. Participants gain invaluable exposure in Montreal's art scene, networking opportunities with peers and professionals, inclusion in CIRCA's digital archives, and potential for catalogue publication. This visibility often leads to further commissions, residencies, and collaborations, while contributing to a portfolio of high-profile shows that enhance career trajectories in contemporary art.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
For Individual Artists: A single PDF file (JPGs not accepted) including: an up-to-date CV; a concise artist statement (maximum 300 words); a detailed project proposal (maximum 400 words, outlining concept, materials, installation needs, and space preferences); and 15 high-resolution images of recent works with brief descriptions (title, date, medium, dimensions). For time-based works, include a Vimeo link (no other platforms).
For Curators: A single PDF file including: the curator's up-to-date CV; CVs of all participating artists; a curatorial statement and project proposal (detailing theme, artist selection rationale, and exhibition layout for both galleries); individual artist statements (maximum 300 words each); and 3-4 images per artist of recent works with descriptions, plus Vimeo links if applicable. All materials must emphasize the project's sculptural focus and innovation.
How to Apply?
Submit the complete application package as a single PDF via WeTransfer to the designated email address. Ensure the file is clearly labelled with your name and "CIRCA 2026-2028 Submission." If no receipt confirmation is received within two weeks, follow up directly. Detailed guidelines and gallery floor plans are available on the website for reference.
Application Link: Email submissions to circa@circa-art.com (use WeTransfer for file transfer).
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 14 February 2026
- Event Dates: Exhibitions scheduled throughout 2026-2028 (specific dates assigned upon selection, with flexibility for artist/curator preferences).
Location
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Additional Details
Proposals are evaluated by CIRCA's programming committee—comprising active members, board representatives, the director, and a guest expert—based on criteria such as alignment with sculptural/installation practices, originality relative to contemporary art trends, and contribution to programmatic diversity across generations, regions, and identities. Artists may indicate preferences for Gallery I (flexible space for large-scale works), Gallery II (intimate setting for site-specific installations), or both, but final assignments rest with the committee. Note that the POPOP Gallery is not included in this call. Intellectual property rights remain with creators, though selected projects grant CIRCA non-exclusive usage for promotional purposes. For accommodations or accessibility needs, contact the centre in advance. Queries can be directed to +1 514 393-8248 or circa@circa-art.com. This call represents a prime opportunity to embed your practice within a supportive, artist-centred ecosystem, potentially sparking long-term connections in the global sculpture community.