Ongoing Call For Gallery Proposals
Open to: Queen's University Students
Deadline: Ongoing
Submission Form
Union Gallery invites Queen's University student artists, collectives and curators of all kinds—from all disciplines—to submit proposals throughout the year. Students must be studying at Queen's University, or proposals must include collaboration with Queen’s students. We want to hear your ideas!
We encourage submissions of: individual artworks or series, group shows, one-day events and program proposals (workshops, artist talks, performances, panels, etc.). Please keep in mind: we are undergoing new changes and in the process of forming a new Selections Committee.
Submissions are juried by a Selections Committee co-chaired by the Gallery Director and the Program Director. When reviewing submissions, we consider:
Your needs based on identified priorities (i.e. graduate thesis or dissertation exhibition; students in their graduating year; class exhibitions, etc.)
Prioritizing artists who identify as BIPOC, QPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+
The relevancy of your proposal to the teaching and learning community of Queen's University
Quality and completion of submission
Our capacity to accommodate and support your project
Please note: We are only accepting proposals for the Feature Wall, Wandering Art Station, Project Room, and off-site/virtual projects at the moment. Not everyone who applies for an exhibition will be given the opportunity to exhibit solo. Depending on the size and scope of exhibition proposals, students are encouraged to propose group exhibitions with peers and/or mentors. After reviewing submissions, we may propose group exhibitions if common themes arise.
If you have any questions, or require accommodations during the submission process, please reach out: ugallery@queensu.ca / 613.533.3171
Scroll down for a list of Frequently Asked Questions.
We are currently accepting proposals for:
PROJECT ROOM: 160 square feet with a ceiling height of 12 feet and overhead grid. Ideal for solo exhibitions and installations including new media, video, and sound. Download the floorplan package.
FEATURE WALL: located on the right side through the entrance to Union Gallery and measures approximately 19 feet long. Ideal for single artworks or small collections.
WANDERING ART STATION: Projects in any format or medium that will use the WAS as a station for public programming. Projects should be committed to thinking about its specific site, territory and environment, audience, community and publics.
Download the WAS dimensions package.
OFF-SITE OR VIRTUAL: Web-based projects, exhibitions, performances or programs that can be supported on our website, off-site, on-campus, etc.
We are not currently accepting proposals for:
MAIN SPACE: 1,000 square feet with a ceiling height of 12 feet. The gallery's structure includes an overhead grid that supports artworks suspended from the ceiling. Download the floorplan package.
GALLERY GARDEN: Coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I hear back after my submission?
Following our recent incorporation and big shifts in our operations, we are currently in the process of forming a new Selections Committee. Typically, student submissions are juried by a student-majority Selections Committee. Applications will be reviewed once the new Committee has formed and we thank you for your patience with us during this major transition.
Do I have to be a Fine Art student to submit?
No, not at all! We are a space and resource open to all Queen's University students, regardless of discipline or program. We also encourage group or curated proposals from student artists, collectives and clubs.
Can I submit a single artwork?
If you have a single artwork, applying a proposal for the Feature Wall is best. Single artwork submissions are better suited to our special group calls. Our other gallery spaces are ideal for complete projects and installations, rather than a single, individual artwork. We encourage artists to consider the exhibition space and scale when submitting.
Is only visual artwork (i.e. drawing, painting, sculpture) accepted?
No, not at all! Union Gallery presents and interprets interdisciplinary contemporary art in a critical context, exploring technical, conceptual and experimental production across a wide range of media. This includes new media work, poetry, dance, music, performance art and digital art.
What is the exhibition installation process like?
As a gallery that is centred in experiential learning, students are responsible for installing their own artworks and exhibitions. Gallery staff and volunteers provide support, guidance and consultation during the entire process. We provide a full inventory of installation materials such as plinths, tools, fasteners; and AV equipment including projectors, flat screens, speakers, media players. AV equipment is limited, must be reserved in advance of installation, and availability depends on concurrent exhibition needs. Any special hardware and equipment are the responsibility of the artist. The gallery completes final touch-ups on installation, finalizes lighting, vinyl and labels, and professionally documents all exhibitions.
Can the gallery walls be painted specific colours?
Since the gallery operates on an exhibition schedule of rapid-turnover, any special paint colours or alterations to the physical space must be requested and approved well in advance of the exhibition. Approval is based on gallery budget and capacity. The gallery supplies white paint only for touch-ups and repairs; any other paint colours must be approved by the gallery.
Will my artwork be insured?
Yes! The gallery is responsible for the insurance of artists' work during the time that the artwork is in the gallery's care and control. In the event of loss or damage, the gallery will provide insurance coverage of the full replacement value of the work. Artists must provide the insurance value of work to the gallery upon signing their artist agreement.
What happens after the exhibition ends?
Artists must be present or arrange alternative arrangements to dismantle their exhibitions and remove artworks. We cannot store artwork after the exhibition closes, unless the artist and gallery have mutually agreed to the artwork being donated to the gallery for future fundraising. Union Gallery operates on the principle of Accountability to Future Artists and asks that artists leave the gallery in the condition they found it, if not better. ☺
Can I sell my artwork through the gallery?
No, we are not a commercial gallery and cannot manage art sales. However, we want to promote your work! Artist websites, social media, etc. will be shared publicly in promotions, with the artist's consent. We send any potential sale inquiries directly to the artist.
Do artists have to promote their own exhibitions?
The gallery will arrange online and print promotions of the exhibition and send notices across social media, mailing lists, press, etc. We ask that artists provide high-quality images of their artwork to help with promotions. We work collaboratively with students to determine the final content and aesthetics of promotional materials. The gallery hires a professional photographer to document the exhibition once installed.
Equity Statement
Union Gallery is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our programming and operations. UG welcomes applications from qualified individuals of all sexualities, races, gender identities, socioeconomic statuses, and (dis)abilities. We strongly encourage applications from equity-seeking communities. UG recognizes that BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour), QPOC (Queer People of Colour) and 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, +) are disproportionately underrepresented within institutional art spaces. Due to ongoing systemic barriers, UG prioritizes applicants who self-identify as BIPOC, QPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+. If you would like to, please indicate if you self-identify as a member of any equity-seeking groups in your submission.