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Calls for Submissions - Next In Fibre: Fibreworks 2026
Submission Deadline: March, 22, 2026 at 11:55pm ET
Apply via the Zealous portal
Beginning in 2024, Cambridge Art Galleries’ fibre-based juried group exhibition Next In Fibre: 20th Anniversary of Fibreworks combined the strengths of our two biannual exhibitions: Fibreworks and SHOW (the emerging artist exhibition) to present works by emerging artists working with fibre as a medium. To celebrate a rich history of spotlighting Canadian fibre artists, we continue in the spirit of Next In Fibre as an invitation to the next generation of artists to challenge and innovate the future of fibre art. We encourage artists to push what is known as textile art by introducing viewers to a thought-provoking contemporary experience. Works will be selected by a jury comprised of Cambridge Art Galleries staff and guest jurors. The exhibition will be presented at our Queen’s Square location from August 22 to November 8, 2026.
Fibreworks was established in 1982 to recognize the textile industry that once flourished along the Grand River. The exhibition has also played a critical role in the development of Cambridge Art Galleries’ permanent collection of contemporary Canadian fibre art.
As part of Next In Fibre: Fibreworks 2026, the Cambridge Art Galleries is pleased to welcome guest jurors Suzanne Carte (Artistic Director and Curator, Art Gallery of Burlington) and Maria Hupfield (Artist).
Eligibility
Cambridge Art Galleries invites submissions of artwork for Next In Fibre from artists across Canada under two criteria for consideration:
- Artists who are in the early years of their professional careers with between 2 to 10 years of exhibition experience and who are committed to the ongoing development of their artistic practice.
- Artists who may have more than 10 years of experience but have begun to experiment with fibre materials within the past 3 years are invited to apply.
Artworks should be completed at the time of submission and available for the period of July 18, 2026 to December 6, 2026.
Compensation
Artists exhibiting in Next In Fibre will receive exhibition fees in accordance with CARFAC Guidelines.
Selection Process
Artist submissions will be reviewed by the Gallery staff and guest jurors. All artists will receive notification of results by the week of April 20, 2026. Due to the number of applications received, we are unable to provide individual feedback.
Submission Requirements
- Images/media files of up to 3 artworks (maximum 10 images/media files total)
- Title, date, medium, and dimensions of work(s)
- Artworks must be created within the last two years
- Installation requirements
- Artist Statement and Biography
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) with Exhibition History
- City and Province from which the artwork(s) must be shipped
How To Submit
- Complete your submission via the Zealous portal.
Submissions via email will NOT be accepted. If you have questions or technical issues with the portal, please contact Zana Kozomora, Assistant Curator via email at zkozomora@cambridgepl.ca
Cambridge Art Galleries welcomes submissions from members of equity-seeking communities including women, Indigenous and racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.
Advocacy and Resources
- ArtsBuild Ontario
ArtsBuild Ontario (ABO) is a provincial arts service organization that provides small and medium-sized organizations with tools, training, and advice to successfully manage physical and digital creative spaces. Learn more about ABO.
- Art Installers Alliance (AIA)
A community project to inform and empower art installers and other contracted arts workers to support safer work processes, and self advocacy for fair, just and accountable workplace conditions and sector change. Learn more about AIA.
- Artist-Run Centres and Collectives Conference (ARCA)
The online directory introduces artist-run centres in Canada and provides basic information. Learn more about ARCA and the search Directory.
- CARFAC
CARFAC is the national voice of Canada’s professional visual artists. Check out Tools for Artists.
- CoBALT Connects
A non-profit social enterprise that works throughout Ontario to spur innovative projects, policies, research and facilities that advance the creative industries and cultural sector. Learn more about their initiatives.
- Cultural Human Resources Council
The Cultural Human Resources Council (CHRC) brings together cultural workers and employers to address training, career development and other human resource issues. Learn more about CHRC.
- Galeries Ontario / Ontario Galleries (GOG)
Through advocacy, professional development, and network-building, GOG advances and empowers Ontario public art galleries. Learn about different opportunities and resources by visiting their website.
- MANO/RAMO
MANO/RAMO | Media Arts Network of Ontario is Ontario's only arts service organization dedicated to furthering the work of media arts organizations, collectives and independent artists. Learn more about MANO/RAMO by visiting their website.
- Visual Arts Alliance
The Visual Arts Alliance is a consortium of national visual, media, and craft arts service organizations comprised of artists, curators, art museums, artist-run centres and art dealers, brought together by the Visual Arts Summit in November, 2007. Learn more by visiting their website.
Helpful Resources
Artist Statement Basics
Writing about yourself can be tricky! Here are 3 basic principles to help get you started:
1. The What: What is your work? In simple terms discuss concepts, themes, and the medium you are working in.
2. The Why: Explain why you have created your work. This can include your inspirations and motivations.
3. The How: How does your current work fit into your overall artistic practice? Or, how does your work relate to the call for submissions?
Grant Writing Basics
Here are some writing tips we have gathered from our previous Grant Writing Workshops led by Isabella Stefanescu from Inter Arts Matrix
- Tips
1. Read the guidelines!!! Are you eligible for the grant? Is your work eligible? Don't waste time applying for something you have no chance of receiving.
2. Does your project start after the results of the funding competition are announced?
3. Does your budget tally correctly? Ensure the expenses are equal to the income.
4. Can you meet the submission deadline?
5. Fill out the form - Do not leave blank fields. If a question does not apply to you, write "n/a" in the answer field.
6. Stick to the space/pages/word count allowed.
7. Number the pages of attachments.
8. Edit, revise, and edit again. Then have someone else read it over for you. Try to use plain language.
9. Do you have the correct number of application copies to submit (for paper submissions)?
10. If you include links to supporting materials, test them and make sure they work.
11. Keep copies of everything submitted.
- Funders and Councils
Waterloo Region Community Foundation