Open to artists who live in or have strong ties to Airdrie. All visual art mediums are welcome, including painting, photography, sculpture, textiles, digital art* and mixed media.

Please keep in mind the following criteria:

• Original works in all visual arts media are eligible
• Images submitted must be in .jpg format and sized under 2MB
• The maximum weight of artwork is 50 lbs
• All work must be ready to hang/install with hardware and installation instructions included upon selection and delivery
• 2D work must be wired for hanging. Because the exhibition walls are equipped with a wire-hanging system only, T-pins and french-cleats are not workable to hang artwork.
• Pedestals/Plinths are available in a range of sizes up to 24 inches square; 3D work requiring a protective vitrine must be smaller than 12 inches square
• Digital artwork must be self-contained and not require outlet plugins or projections supports.
• Artwork should be suitable for children and avoid depictions of alcohol, drugs, tobacco or violence
• Artwork should be respectful of the local history, culture and urban environment.
• Artwork should not include logos, brands or promotional material for businesses or organizations
• Artwork must not infringe on copyright
• Artwork should connect to the provided theme

Submission deadline: May 24, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. MST

Accepted artists should be mindful of the following:

• After acceptance, artists will sign an exhibition artwork loan agreement contract with the City of Airdrie. This communication will occur via email with your acceptance letter.
• Artists will be responsible for delivering their artwork to Inspire and for collecting it at the end of the exhibition display period.
• Artists may not substitute another work for an accepted work. The City, curator and selection committee reserve the right to refuse any entry which does not match the image submitted or meet the criteria.
• Every precaution will be taken to handle artwork with the utmost care. The City, curator and selection committee will not be responsible for damage or loss from any cause during transportation or display. Accepted works will not be insured for the duration of the exhibition, however, artists may decide to procure their own insurance.
• Artwork labels on site will include the artist's name, contact information (email/website), title of work, dimensions, media and year completed.
• The City will not facilitate any sale of artwork. Should someone reach out to the artist directly regarding sale, the artwork must remain in the exhibition for the duration of its scheduled display before being transferred to a potential buyer.

Submissions must be sent by email and include all requested components. Please title email submission subjects "A Breath Beyond Submission - [Your Name]".

• Contact information: full name, pronouns if you wish to include them, email address, phone number, mailing address, website and social media handles.
• Artist bio (max 200 words): tell us about who you are and your creative background.
• Artist statement (max 250 words): share your general approach to artmaking or creative philosophy. What themes or ideas do you explore in your work?
• Community connection (max 100 words): share any connections you'd like to highlight between your work and the Airdrie community.
• Artwork submissions (upto five artworks): title, medium, dimensions, year created, a short description (max 100 words) and images of the artwork.

*The information collected related to each Exhibit Submission for Inspire's public art exhibition “A Breath Beyond” (“the Submission”) is collected under the authority of section 33(c) of the Alberta Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act RSA 2000. F-25 (the "Act") and will be used in relation to choosing artworks for that exhibition. The information will be treated in accordance with the privacy protection provisions of Part 2 of the Act.

Questions concerning collection of this information can be directed to the Manager of Culture and Heritage for the City of Airdrie at 400 Main St SE, Airdrie, Alberta, T4B 3C3 or by calling 403-948-8800.

Any information within the custody or control of a public body may be subject to an access to information request (also called a “FOIP request”) under the Act. The City will notify you of any such request that relates to you and the City will give you an opportunity to respond.