We are accepting proposals for our new exhibition space, OPL Gallery, which will be located on the main floor of our Central Branch at Ādisōke.
Our exhibition gallery will feature creative people with ties to the region. Exhibitions will be centered on storytelling and will present shows that are current, with the aim of fostering learning, sparking curiosity, and building connection.
Priority will be given to exhibitions that:
- Are site-specific
- Highlight literature or language
- Are collaborative efforts
- Are participatory
This is a unique opportunity to engage with and inspire new audiences in one of the largest free community gathering spaces in the National Capital Region.
What you need to know before applying:
- You must submit your proposal by Sunday, October 25.
- You may only submit one proposal.
- Exhibitions will be displayed for a minimum of four months.
- Ottawa Public Library will pay proposal applicants and artists of selected exhibitions.
- You must be 18 years or older to apply.
Proposal Instructions
Present your project as if you are explaining it to the general public. Feel free to write in point form and informally.
Your proposal document must:
- Address the proposal elements listed below
- Be at least 12-point font
- Be in PDF format
Your proposal document must not:
- Include your contact information
- Be longer than 10 pages in total
- Be larger than 50MB
Proposal Elements
Element 1: Statement
Your statement must be no more than 500 words and should include:
- A sentence describing your overall practice
- The exhibition concept and how the work(s) you would like to display fit within it
- Your responses to the relevant questions posed in the Requirements and Guidelines
- Note that only the Requirements are mandatory to address
Element 2: Examples of work
Provide a numbered selection of 3-5 examples of either the work(s) you would like to display or examples of your previous work. Pick examples that best represent and support your statement.
These can be in the form of images, links to video or audio clips, or text excerpts.
Note:
- For video/audio: max. 2-min clip per link
- Youtube and Vimeo links will be accepted. Provide a password if video/audio is password protected
- For text excerpts: max. 1,000 words total
Element 3: Description of work
Provide a numbered list that corresponds with the examples in Element 2. Include:
- Title and date
- Approximate dimensions (if physical) and/or runtime (if video or audio)
- Medium
- List of technical equipment required for the display (if any)
Note: If you intend to present new work that has not been created yet, add a line item for it and include your best guess for the information requested above.
Element 4: Sketch
Include a 1-page sketch of how you envision displaying the work(s) in the gallery space. Feel free to draw on the floor plan.
Note: If you intend to create new work(s), include another page with a sketch of the work(s).
Element 5: Estimated budget and timeline
Tell us approximately how much the exhibition will cost and how much time will be needed to prepare the work(s) for display. Think of production costs tied to the physical exhibition space. For example, framing costs if the work(s) are not already framed.
Element 6: Questions
Answer the following questions:
- What are 2-3 books that have inspired your practice?
- Have you ever presented an exhibition to the public before? If so:
- What exhibition were you most proud of taking part in and why?
- When was the last time you exhibited in Ottawa and at what venue?
- Have any of the works you would like to include in the exhibition been publicly displayed before? If so, when and where?
Element 7: Supporting documentation (optional)
Provide any other key information that would support your project proposal but does not fit in elements 1-6 (max. 1 page).