This is our bi-weekly newsletter of opportunities and information for artists. Become a member of VANS and we’ll email this newsletter to you. Click on items in the index at the top of the page to visit different sections of the VANS Newsletter. Learn more about each opportunity by clicking on the colourful links to visit their website.

Want to submit something for the next newsletter? Check out the VANS Promotion Guide for details on what we need and then send us an email with your event/ program/ opportunity info. Something missing? Let us know!

VANS Newsletter #622
July 9, 2026

INDEX:

VANS Matters
Announcements
Awards and Funding
Education
Employment
Events
Residencies
Submissions
Nova Scotia Exhibition Listings

VANS Matters

We are accepting applications from Annapolis Region artists for Visual Arts Nova Scotia’s Mentorship Program. The program pairs emerging artists with established artists to take part in a ten-month mentorship from September to June. Focusing on supporting the goals and ambitions of emerging artists throughout the province, mentors may be asked to provide support in any one or more of the following areas: proposal development for exhibitions, grant writing assistance, artist statement development, technical advice, critiques, thematic development, networking, and budgeting. Over the course of the program, mentors will meet with mentees individually at least once a month, and additionally four times as a group, with the program including a group exhibition. The 2026–27 VANS will only accept applications from artists in and around the Annapolis Region. Deadline: July 15, 5pm.

You are invited to Visual Arts Nova Scotia’s 2025-26 Mentorship Program Exhibition, What Holds at The Craig Gallery at Alderney Landing in Dartmouth! Highlighting the talents of emerging artists Jordan Johnson, Kamila Orbegoso, Shane Song, and Jessica Steele, What Holds also features their mentors Melanie Colosimo, Margarita Fainshtein, Mathew Reichertz, and Christopher Webb. The opening reception is Thursday, July 2, from 5 – 7 pm and the Emerging Artist Talk is Saturday, July 18 at 1pm at the Craig Gallery. The exhibition runs from June 30 – July 26. We hope to see you there!

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If you want to renew your VANS membership but find the membership fee out of reach right now, consider applying for a Membership Bursary. Membership Bursaries provide artists in need of financial support with a VANS membership (which runs from January 1 – December 31). There’s no deadline to apply and applications are confidential. Recipients of the bursary will receive a .pdf of Visual Arts News magazine instead of the print-mailed version, but other than that the bursary membership has the same benefits as any other VANS membership.

Renew your VANS membership anytime!   You can renew your membership online here or by sending a cheque along with a Membership Form to VANS, 1113 Marginal Road, Halifax, NS, B3H 4P7.  You can also send an e-transfer to communicate@visualarts.ns.ca – just make sure you also send an email with your contact info so we can update our records. Need more info or renewal options? Email communicate@visualarts.ns.ca. Not sure if you signed up for an automatically renewing membership? Log in to the VANS website then, in the Membership Details section of your account, you can adjust your membership type and opt out of auto-renew. VANS also has membership bursaries. We understand that membership fees can be out of reach for some artists, so we have fully funded 2026 memberships.

Visual Arts News is pleased to announce our new Editor, Ross Nervig. As we enter our 50th year as a publication, we’re thrilled to have Ross join us to help us keep moving forward on our journey. Ross is a writer, editor, and communications strategist with more than a decade of experience in journalism, arts writing, and non-profit communications. In his work, he has been honoured to help make space for the voices of those in equity deserving communities. From Ross: “I’m thrilled to be joining Visual Arts News as its next editor. The magazine has long been an essential platform for reflecting and shaping the conversations that matter in Atlantic Canada’s arts community. I believe any act of creation is, at its foundation, an invitation to connect — with each other, with place, and with possibility. I feel deeply honoured to help carry that spirit of connection forward.” We welcome Ross to this new role and can’t wait to get started on our first issue with him as our Editor — Spring 2026 issue. Watch for the call for pitches to come out later in October. Our Fall issue his newsstands and subscriber mailboxes September 15th.

Did you know that VANS has an Artist Emergency Fund? VANS established the Artist Emergency Fund to assist artists in financial need arising from severe illness, an accident resulting in inability to work or help with studio replacement in case of a disaster, such as fire, where there is no insurance. VANS Members are able to apply for short-term assistance, up to $500/month for three months maximum. The fund has been used in recent years to help member artists who have been injured in a car accident, had a surgery that prevented them from working, who were ineligible for benefits but could not work during the pandemic, whose studio was damaged by natural disasters, and more. There is no application deadline and applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. The fund is supported in part by donations from VANS members – and we are so grateful for their generosity! If you would like to make a donation to the Artist Emergency Fund you can do so anytime here.

You can now purchase VANS limited-edition merch! The black cotton tote bag ($25) and iridescent stickers ($5/each) are sold individually or as a bundle of all three VANS merch items ($30). The merch was designed by VANS member and artist AGLENNCO and produced by Copy Shop Books. You can buy them at the VANS office or in our online shop (and we’ll mail them to you). We are selling VANS merch as a fundraiser so get yours today and show your support! Click here for more info and to purchase: https://visualarts.ns.ca/shop-category/vans-merch/.

A subscription to Visual Arts News makes the perfect gift for the art-lover in your life and costs just $24. Two times a year, your gift recipients will be reminded of your generosity and good taste when you give them a year-long subscription to Visual Arts News, the magazine that is an ongoing conversation inspired by the artistic vision of artists and writers pushing the boundaries of art and culture in Atlantic Canada. Order, here: https://visualartsnews.ca/subscribe/.

Without the generosity of its many supporters, VANS could not offer such a wide range of programs and services. Last year over 30% of our total expenses were fees paid out directly to artists in Atlantic Canada and with more donations, more artists can be paid! Here are some examples of how your donation could support an artist at VANS:

• $50 supports a membership bursary
• $240 supports a three-hour PAINTS project
• $500 supports one month of Artist Emergency Funding

Donate $20 or more to receive a charitable tax receipt. Donate before December 31 to include it in your tax deductions.

At VANS, we love sharing events and news from Nova Scotian arts organizations, galleries, and our members on social media or in our biweekly newsletter. When it comes to asking for people, organizations, or media outlets to share your project or event, we find there’s a way to do it to maximize your chance of getting promoted. Check out our new Guide to Getting Your Project/ Event Promoted Digitally! Learn the things that VANS needs you to provide in order to share your event (and what NOT to do)!

ART RECESS is a new collection of short, accessible workshops that can be delivered online at times that work for teachers in the school year, or for parents and other caregivers in the summertime!  VANS’ commissioned 9 artists to create ART RECESS workshops and videos available for free to educators, students and parents. Part of the PAINTS  (Professional Artists In the Schools) Program, these workshops are made to be quick (15 – 20 minutes) and use materials that most people would have around the house. Check out all the ART RECESS videos on the VANS’ YouTube channel today!

VANS has launched a Facebook Group! This group welcomes any visual artists living in Nova Scotia. This community space can be used for exchanging opportunities, resources or news with one another. Click here to join, and invite your friends so they don’t miss out on this information hub.

We are now including an Artist Page (formerly known as an E-studio) with EVERY membership! Artists say this is one of our most valuable membership benefits, and with everyone on board it will be THE destination to find Nova Scotian artists online. The Artist Pages provide a page on our website where artists can post up to six images, an artist statement, selected biography, and contact information. It can provide an increased online presence for artists or provide an online presence for artists without a website. As members renew their membership they will get a login and be prompted to create their Artist Page. We’ve created a template to follow (that will appear when you click on Create My Artist Page in My Account) so it’s never been this easy. If you already have an Artist Page, you can still edit it, as usual. We are just a phone call away if you need help with a step.

VANS Members can now access the Arts & Entertainment health plan. ACTRA Fraternal Benefit Society (AFBS) is a Member-owned, not-for-profit, federally incorporated insurance company and financial institution operating since 1975. AFBS has proudly underwritten the Arts & Entertainment Plan® since 2011. They offer multiple types of plans and you’re eligible if: you are a VANS Member; you are a professional in the arts, living in Canada; you have a valid Provincial Health Card; and you’re under 71 years of age. See their website for details on their plans, coverage and get a free quote.

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Announcements

Arts Nova Scotia and the Canada Council for the Arts are coming to communities across central and southwestern Nova Scotia from July 6 to 16, 2026. Join them this summer to meet program officers and fellow artists and to take part in informal information sessions to learn more about available funding opportunities, ask questions about grants and connect directly with employees from both organizations. Whether this is your first time connecting with the Canada Council and Arts Nova Scotia or you’re returning with new ideas, you are welcome to join. The are offering info sessions in Yarmouth, Church Point, Annapolis Royal, Canning, Halifax, Dartmouth, Lunenburg, as well as one virtual session. Information sessions will be presented primarily in English, with select bilingual (English and French) sessions offered. Participants are welcome to ask questions in either language in any session. Space is limited, and advance registration is required. Details are available on the Arts funding information sessions coming to Nova Scotia ebulletin. Click on the RSVP link to reserve your spot for the session(s) you wish to attend.

Introducing the participating potters & ceramicists for the inaugural Nova Scotia Pottery Market, happening October 4 in Mahone Bay, alongside the Mahone Bay Scarecrow Festival. The year-one lineup is a thoughtfully jury-selected mix of clay makers from across the Maritimes, featuring functional pottery, sculptural work, and local wood-fired pieces. You’ll see a wide range of styles and voices, from emerging makers to potters with over 40 years of experience.

The Nova Scotia Arts Coalition (NSAC) and the Ecology Action Centre (EAC) are inviting all Nova Scotians to play Bingo for Better this summer. This free campaign is open to everyone, all summer long. It’s designed to highlight activities and experiences Nova Scotians and visitors can take advantage of—all of which are under threat by the current provincial government. Playing is easy—participants can pick up a printed bingo card, or download and print at home, and then spend the summer exploring Nova Scotia, and daubing off the corresponding activities on their Bingo for Better card. Our vibrant arts scene, our beautiful wild and natural spaces, our rich cultural communities all make life in Nova Scotia sweet. So much of what makes Nova Scotia unique is endangered by the current government’s actions in the current budget. The NS Arts Coalition and EAC believes that all governments must be held to a standard where they work for our common good, regardless of political stripe. This downloadable bingo card includes classic Nova Scotian summer experiences and activities. Fill your Bingo for Better card this summer, and bring along friends, family, neighbours and children as you go! Be sure to explore places, vendors, and artists that are new to you. Join us in September for Bingo for Better Block Parties in communities around the province. Together, let’s celebrate this place we are so fortunate to call home, and call on the government to change their approach for the betterment of all. If you would like to help organise in your community, let us know!

PENTPER Gallery (172 Great George St., Charlottetown PEI) is excited to announce the exhibition of TRICKSTER, a series of paintings by Canadian artist Anne-Marie Cosgrove from June 20th to July 11th, 2026. The exhibition consists of 7 paintings completed between 2017 and 2018. For more details, please contact: Instagram: @pentpergallery.

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Announcing the 2026 Peggy’s Cove Area Festival of the Arts! The festival will be returning July 8-19 celebrating local artists in one of Nova Scotia’s most stunning coastal settings. Stay tuned as they share all the details on Opening Night, Paint Peggy’s Cove and the Studio Tour! Already a highly anticipated event locally, the Peggy’s Cove Area Festival of the Arts has put the area on art-lover’s maps and is a “must do” for many visitors. There are 75 artists and groups showing this year for the Peggy’s Cove Area Festival of Arts Studio Tour.  Be sure to add their locations to your studio tour road trip! The Studio Tour Map is live on our website! Plan your road trip for July 17-19 along St. Margaret’s Bay, Tantallon, Peggy’s Cove and Hubbards and all the locations in between, by looking at the map for all the art stops.

Join ArtWorks East on June 26 from 6–9 pm for the Summer Gallery Opening Reception. Enjoy local art, meet participating artists, listen to live music, and celebrate creativity and community on the Guysborough waterfront. Admission is free. Learn more at artworkseast.ca/events. The ArtWorks East Summer Gallery officially opens for the season on June 27. Located on the Guysborough waterfront, the gallery features artwork, jewelry, quilting, woodworking, stained glass, and more by artists and artisans from across Guysborough County. Open through September. Learn more at artworkseast.ca/gallery.

The StFX Art Gallery will re-open with its newest (and largest) exhibition marking its 50th anniversary year, the StFX Art Gallery 50/50 juried exhibition, featuring 50 artworks by 50 artists! Please save the date – July 9, 2026 – so you can attend the opening reception! The exhibition runs July 9 – September 19.

The Creative Camp Connection, a two-day retreat for adults taking place July 2 and 3 from 9 am to 3 pm at the Creative Pictou County Studio, 99 Water St, Pictou. It’s a “grown-up summer camp for your creative side,” the program encourages participants to step away from their daily routines and reconnect with creativity in a collaborative studio environment. The retreat will feature instruction and mentorship from a range of local creatives, including Jennifer Coveyduc, Jenny Eldridge, Mansi Mehta, and Quinn Randle. The cost is $300.

You’re invited to join in fundraising to support people experiencing or who have experienced Breast Cancer in Nova Scotia. Rn’R (Reconnect n’ Revive) Nova Scotia Breast Cancer Retreat Charity are collecting donations of original works of art for an Art Auction to take place online and at the retreat, September 18 – 20. Women across the province come together annually to find support and respite after having a breast cancer diagnosis. The Retreat helps women create connections and support lines with those they may have never met if not for the event. This brings together newly diagnosed breast cancer survivors and those that have been out of treatment or living with the cancer for years. This helps bring hope and a kinship that lasts indefinitely. With assistance through donations, sponsors and purchase of Ad space, they pay for the facilities, food, speakers, instructors, entertainment, decor, and help those that cannot afford the small registration fee to attend the retreat without cost to themselves. They rely on our volunteers to raise funds through small events such as the art auction. A receipt can be forwarded upon request. Please consider contributing for the Rn’R Retreat and helping those in your community connect to support. Charity HST# R125030429. If you would like to arrange for art collection, or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Jennifer Georgeff, Art Auction Coordinator 902-402-0495, jengeorgeff@hotmail.com. For cash donations, Email or e transfer: breastcancerretreatns@gmail.com or donate direct via website: nsbreastcancerretreat.ca

The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia will offer free access to all Nova Scotia residents under 25. Alongside this change, they are also making changes to their membership program. Now there will now be two membership options at the AGNS: single ($75) or dual ($125). This includes unlimited admission, a discount in the shop, and access to member-only events and programs. They will no longer be offering other memberships, including the artist membership (previously $45). Their new Annual Pass for just $28 that provides unlimited admission to the AGNS for one year. While this doesn’t offer all of the same perks as membership, it does create a new, low-cost option for people who just want to visit the AGNS as often as they like. If you want to promote either the Free Access under 25 or Annual Pass check out their website.

Buy a ticket for the Home of Our Hearts Lottery. 13 incredible Cape Breton arts and culture organizations have teamed up to launch something pretty special – In the face of budget cuts, they’re choosing collaboration over competition – because our arts scene isn’t just important… it’s the heartbeat of this island. There is a 50/50 draws every two weeks and proceeds support all 13 organizations. When you buy a ticket, you’re not just taking a chance to win – you’re helping keep craft, art, music, theatre, language, and culture alive in Unama’ki Cape Breton. Grab your ticket!

Creative Homes Halifax has studio space for rent! They run a studio block in Halifax’s North End out of 3200 Kempt Road and currently have both private and shared studio spaces available. Creative Homes Halifax is a home for creative space in Kjipuktuk/Halifax. Their space is home to makers of all kinds, from painters and textile artists to printers and animators. Both the shared studios and private studios at 3200 Kempt Road can accommodate a variety of practices. Contact them to see if Creative Homes Halifax could be the right space for your creativity. Join a new artist community space connecting and collaborating with others. Rent in the shared studios is from $200-$350 per month.

Peer Gallery in Lunenburg is celebrating their 25th Anniversary this year! The season opened April 16 and they are open 12:30 to 4:30 pm, Thursday through Sunday. Check out the Gallery members’ exhibition of painting, drawing, original prints, metal arts, and ceramics by Allyson Simmie, Anne Tweed, Audrey Nicol, Barbara McLean, Carol Morrow, Christopher Joyce, Diana Baldwin, Douglas Boutilier, Joan Bruneau, Melissa Nichols-McConnel, Sally Warren, Sharon Fox Cranston, Teresa Bergen and Tom Ward.

A warm congratulations to this year’s Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival juried artists! They’re excited to share the selected artists for the 2026 Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival! This year’s juried group brings together a diverse range of talent, each ready to capture the dramatic landscapes, shifting tides, and unique spirit of our community. Join them June 16 – 21, 2026, as artists paint on location throughout the community, culminating in exhibitions and events that celebrate creativity in the open air. Learn more about the artists, schedule, and how to get involved at pipaf.ca.

Budget cuts will end Artists in the Schools! The Nova Scotia Government’s budget cuts are devastating to the arts, our natural environment, social services, mental health and equity programs. Among these heavy-handed cuts, they eliminated 100% of the provincial support for the Artists in the Schools programs, including PAINTS. If you are an educator, a parent, or a student, you already know that schools are asked to do more with less every day, and arts programs are often first to go. Artists in the Schools programs need to grow, not end. The government can do better. Send a letter to your MLA, the Premier and the Ministers of CCTH & Finance and ask them to reinstate funding for Artists in the Schools.

Kjipuktuk/Halifax galleries, museums, cultural and educational institutions, community groups, and local businesses are invited to submit their plans to participate in Nocturne: Embodied City as part of our signature night-time art experience on Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 6:00 PM – midnight. They encourage proposals of all kinds: interactive installations, performances, community engagement, workshops, collective creating, film screenings – and more! Nocturne’s 2026 Festival Curator, Annalise Prodor selected the theme Embodied City to inform this year’s festival. Applicants are invited to explore this theme within their proposals. Deadline: August 1, 2026, 11:59PM (ADT).

Aisle 4 is pleased to announce the online launch of Silencing in the Arts, a multi-year research project that traces the extent and impact of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) on the Canadian visual arts sector. The project aims to shed light on the culture of silence that permeates the artworld, and the cycles of abuse and professional misconduct that are perpetuated as a result. They initiated Silencing in the Arts out of widespread, sectoral concerns of artists and arts workers signing NDAs without clear understanding of their rights; organizations quietly dissolving without public accountability; and the growing culture of censorship in our industry. The project examines how these compounded issues impact the personal and professional wellbeing of cultural workers across Canada, as well as reinforce power imbalances, limit transparency, and hinder growth in the sector more broadly. Through research and advocacy, they aim to expose these challenges and push for meaningful change. This includes a free online resource for artists and arts workers to better understand their rights when it comes to NDAs, and a national survey to collect vital information about the impacts and prevalence of NDAs in the Canadian visual arts sector. Have you signed, or been asked to sign, a legal agreement that prevents you from speaking about your experience working with a Canadian arts organization? Please consider contributing to this continued research through this anonymous survey. Results will serve to inform arts institutions, funders, and policymakers about the serious harm caused by silencing, advocating to end the misuse of NDAs in the arts sector.

Did you know that The Kalaman Group is now offering fine art logistics and transport services throughout the Maritimes?  Alongside their ongoing work in collection management, cataloguing, and appraisals, their team now provides in the Maritime region:

• White-glove fine art transport for art and objects;
• Expert handling and installation services;
• Custom packaging for delicate and high-value pieces;
• Emergency support for last-minute or time-sensitive packing and moves; and
• Flexible, short leg rural route coverage

Whether you’re preparing for an exhibition, relocating a collection, or need help moving a single piece — The Kalaman Group is here to support with care, discretion, and precision. If you would like to learn more or discuss an upcoming project, feel free to reach out anytime via email (contact@kalamangroup.ca) or fill out their intake form here.

Kiley Brown is a therapist, artist, and founder of The Living Room Therapy. They recently launched a therapy clinic for creatives (artists, writers, performers and so on). It is a cozy, integrative space where artistry and mental health meet. Their work is rooted in the belief that creative people hold a deep capacity to transform pain into meaning, but that process can often feel isolating without the right kind of support. Kiley focuses on working with artists, makers, and creative professionals who are navigating burnout, identity shifts, or the emotional ups and downs that come with a life of expression. As both a therapist and creative, they understand how personal and vulnerable the creative process can be and how mental health care tailored to that experience can make all the difference. Accessibility is really important, so they also offer a sliding-scale fee structure and options for artists without insurance or those experiencing financial strain. The goal is to make mental health care feel approachable, affirming, and genuinely supportive for those doing creative work in the world.

Arts Consultants Canada / Consultants canadiens en arts (ACCA) have released the results from the 2025 feasibility study for a Canadian network for cultural management. This 2025 study assessed the appetite and requirements for a ‘Canadian Network for Cultural Management’—a community of practice that would fill an identified gap and facilitate knowledge sharing, professional development, and collaboration among cultural management professionals and post-secondary educators. They are pleased to share the Executive Summary of the study’s final report with you, along with the detailed full report attached as a PDF. You may read the Executive Summary, and there is also a download link for the full 50-page report.Thanks to the many people in Canada’s cultural sector who participated in this feasibility study.

Andrew David Terris, arts advocate and former Director of Visual Arts Nova Scotia, passed away in 2025. A special award has been established by the Nova Scotia Talent Trust to honour Andrew’s contribution to the arts in Nova Scotia. If you would like to make a donation to support this award, please visit their website and select “Andrew David Terris Legacy Award” from the drop-down menu.

Join 2b at the Video Difference Arts Hub on Quinpool Road in Halifax. They currently have a private 105sqft office available for long term lease that could be perfect for your organization’s office or as a studio for an individual artist.  They’ve been so thrilled to host several pop-events in the Video Difference Lobby.  Whether it’s an afternoon, or a full weekend takeover- it’s the perfect space for a thrift shop, art market, etc! They also have artist housing available. The process and policies for housing have been evolving, and they’ve been making changes/adjustments to better suit the incoming inquiries, schedules, etc. If you are interested in any of these spaces, please send an inquiry to bookings@2btheatre.com. 

NYC podcast History UnErased chooses a local Nova Scotian artist’s graphic novel for inclusion in LGBTQ school curricula. Lynette Richards’ book Call Me Bill (Conundrum Press) reveals the life of ‘the mysterious female sailor’, who died in the 1873 wreck of the SS Atlantic. Listen to the podcast here.

The Gail and Stephen A. Jarislowsky Institute for Studies in Canadian Art at Concordia University is pleased to present Craft & Craftivism: A Biographical Dictionary of Contemporary Ceramic, Fibre, and Glass Artists in Canada, a free, three-volume e-publication co-edited by Loren Lerner, Janice Anderson, Shannon Stride, and Karine Antaki. This publication features professional biographies of nearly 350 artists, with an emphasis on the artists’ works in relation to materials, techniques, processes, creative inspiration, and artistic vision. Also featured are artists who blend craft with activism, using their works to convey social and political commentary, challenge the status quo, and advocate for change.

Gallery on Lincoln, a contemporary fine art gallery owned and operated by 11 respected Nova Scotia artist-entrepreneurs, officially opened its doors on April 3, 2025. Gallery on Lincoln is located at 167 Lincoln Street, in the very heart of “Gallery Row” in Lunenburg, NS – one of Canada’s most-loved UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The gallery features a dynamic collection of contemporary landscape, figurative, still life, and abstract works created by a talented and professional group of artists whose work is held in public and private collections around the world. Gallery artists include Catherine Bagnell Styles, Michelle Darwin, MJ Dominey, Lynn Ellis, Janet Griffen, Mary Kersell, Paulette Melanson, Mary Morey, David Shimp, Katy Maria Shimp, and Sharon Wadsworth- Smith.

Creative Pictou County is thrilled to have an artist studio in the new deCoste Culture Hub at 99 Water Street in Pictou. This beautiful open space is ready for artists to teach their craft to the community. Artists can rent on an hourly basis. For full details including rental rates and how to apply, please visit their website.

There are many things to consider when shipping art abroad. Each country has its own requirements for temporary and permanent imports. Prepare in advance to avoid unexpected travel delays! Make sure you have your paperwork in order ahead of time. Check out CARFAC’s tips on taking artwork over the border. Due to ongoing tariff discussions between Canada and the United States, there may be changes affecting the movement of artworks across the border. They strongly recommend consulting a customs broker and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for the most up-to-date and accurate information on current regulations and potential costs. If you want to know more about the ever changing situation with tariffs, they have a note on that as well.

The Canadian government has passed Bill S-202 which will create Canada’s first parliamentary visual artist laureate (like the poet laureate). The visual artist laureate position will be a two-year term, with a mandate to promote, foster, develop and bring awareness to the visual arts in Canada. The visual arts laureate will produce art or “cause to be produced artistic creations at the request of the Speaker, especially for use in Parliament on occasions of state,” as well as sponsor artistic events, including exhibitions, and give advice on the collection and acquisitions for the Library of Parliament. Details are still being finalized, but the position will be open to all Canadians and the primary official language will alternate.  Applications for the new position will be made to the Library of Parliament. The Speaker of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Commons will select the parliamentary visual artist laureate from three names submitted in confidence by a committee that includes the Parliamentary Librarian of Canada, the director of the National Gallery of Canada, the commissioner of Official Languages for Canada, the chairperson of the Canada Council for the Arts and the president of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts or designates.

Nova Scotia based Caribou Loft Art Prints is a growing e-commerce retailer specializing in large format giclée art prints with a Canadian influence. They’re currently seeking up-and-coming Canadian artists, painters, photographers and digital creators to partner with them in an endeavour to bring Canadian inspired art to the home decor market. Artists represented at the loft will remain full copyright holders of their work, receive a 30% commission on sales and rentals, and receive a 10% discount at their print lab. They’re also waiving all fees associated with the digital scanning of any artwork under contract with the loft where applicable. All styles are encouraged to submit. Please be sure to tell them about yourself and include links to your work. They’re also happy to answer any questions you may have. Visit www.caribouloft.art or e-mail your submissions directly to: submissions@caribouloft.art.

ArtSeen is a digital venue that showcases contemporary art programming, creators and practices from a variety of artist-run and community arts organisations. In spring of 2020 ARTSPLACE, located in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, was awarded funding through the Canada Council Digital Strategy Fund to develop capacity to run hybrid (digital and in-person) programming and to develop a strategy to amplify its programming impact. After a period of consultation with various stakeholders, it was decided creating a website designed as a digital venue would best serve our shared initiatives. ArtSeen first went live in Fall 2022 and officially launched December 2023. The project continues to recruit partners to work collaboratively, broaden contemporary art audiences and amplify the work of artist-run and community-led initiatives and the artists they present. Would your gallery or organisation like to be an ArtSeen collaborator?
ArtSeen is managed and maintained by ARTSPLACE. They are always looking to add to our community of contributing partners. If your organisation is interested in learning more about how to join ArtSeen, please contact admin@arcac.ca.

Therapeutic Arts Practitioner Gerard McNeil MEd, BEd (VAS), BFA,TAPC is excited to offer a new therapeutic arts service. This service is designed for those who want new ways to explore personal growth, stress reduction and overall mental wellness. To facilitate these therapeutic services a range of media from drawing to digital imaging will be utilized with a focus on personal development and wellness for individuals and community wellness for organizations and groups. McNeil is offering Personal Development and Wellness sessions (including Creative Wellness Through the Lens, and Creative Wellness One–to–One) as well as Community Wellness (Creative Wellness Through Connections). For more information about this therapeutic arts service, you can check out the website www.gerardmcneil.com/creative-wellness.html, contact Gerard by phone at 902-456-0861 or by e-mail at gmcneiltap@gmail.com.

Do you like to sketch? Want to share your passion for urban sketching with other like minded artists? Why not join the Urban Sketchers Halifax Facebook group.  Here you can share your urban sketches with other members and you will have the opportunity to attend a weekly sketchout.  Each week, they meet at a different location and sketch that location on-site in your medium of choice.  You are not obligated to attend each week, but the opportunity is there.  They are a very friendly, helpful group that love to share their passion for urban sketching.  They would love to have you join.  No fees of any kind.

Plein air painting/sketching immerses you in your surroundings. Artists often find their outdoor work is more spontaneous and vibrant than studio work. To succeed you need simply need to be persistent, and patient. Painting with others builds camaraderie and self-confidence. We recommend you join in group critiques. They are educational and act as social contact. Several plein air groups exist in Nova Scotia. Of those listed here, the groups meet weekly, rain or shine. You decide whether to come or not. No event is canceled or rescheduled due to weather. PAAHRM and PAAAV (Plein Air Artists HRM and Plein Air Artists Annapolis Valley) meet Thursdays with an optional date on a weekend. Some prefer weekdays. Some prefer weekends. Some like to go twice to each paint-out site. There are no fees involved with any of these groups. All artistic levels are accepted.

AFCOOP is proud to begin streaming 50 selected works from their nearly 50 years of helping members and the greater community make great films! There is so much work in the basements and closets of Atlantic filmmakers that is in danger of being lost to time. The AFCOOP Archives seeks to address this imminent loss by providing digital storage and an online streaming portal for the preservation and dissemination of AFCOOP members’ and community films.

Artists in Canada has a fixed pension plan for visual artists. Started in 2016. This Pension Plan is for all Canadian Artists (Visual Artists, Musicians, Writers, Performance, Graphic, Web development and Film Artists). Commercial, Public Art Galleries and Art Resource businesses and their staff are also eligible.

ART= WORK T-Shirts Available! VANL-CARFAC is excited to be re-launching the ART=WORK campaign in partnership with the Mary MacDonald Foundation. This joint fundraiser will support visual artists, curators, and art workers living in Newfoundland and Labrador through programs and awards distributed by their organizations. The T-shirts are $20 each and come in sizes include, XS (ladies S), S, M, L, XL, 2XL.

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Awards and Funding

Tourism Nova Scotia is offering the Tourism Digital Assistance Program for Communities which will provide up to $15,000 in services from a qualified digital expert to help communities bridge the digital gap and improve their online marketing and services to attract visitors and encourage spending. The pilot program expands on the successful Tourism Digital Assistance Program for businesses and will also be delivered in partnership with Digital Nova Scotia.

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Education

Wonder’neath in Halifax has some great workshops coming up this summer! You can register now for Slow Photography Synthesis with visual artist Natalie Goulet happening July 12, 10am – 5pm and Bioplastic Fantastic with Catherine Euale on July 16 & 23, 5 – 9pm. In Slow Photography Synthesis participants will obtain practical experience with cameraless processes, learn to make their own eco-friendly developer for film and paper negatives, and engage in critical discussion of ecological and ethical implications in photography. You’ll will discuss the physical and chemical components and impacts of photography, how to integrate sustainable approaches, and how these ways of thinking and working can be echoed across disciplines. This workshop covers how to make vibrant, colourful images with traditional black and white photo paper through Lumen printing (photogenic drawing) and Phytography, which activates the internal chemistry of plants and common household ingredients to selectively develop areas of silver gelatin paper and film. They are also re-offering Bioplastic Fantastic. What if your garments, packaging, or objects were made from seaweed? Halifax sits at the edge of the Atlantic, and the ocean is full of material possibilities we’re only beginning to work with. In this hands-on two-part lab, you’ll explore the slimy, tactile, surprisingly beautiful world of bioplastics and bio-based composites. You’ll experiment with casting, extruding and moulding objects from seaweed, eggshells, crab and oyster shells, dehydrated kitchen scraps, fibres and natural pigments. Learn more and register on the Wonder’neath website.

Lights, camera, action, all from your smartphone. Parrsboro Creative is offering a workshop on Cinema Practice Techniques with Your Smart Phone. Join artist Kimberly Smith for an energetic two-day course exploring the visual craft of cinema using the tool you already carry every day. Through improv, movie games, and hands-on group exercises, participants will create short films while learning the language of cinematic storytelling. Open to ages 15+ and all experience levels. Finished videos screened on a professional-size movie screen. The workshop is Saturday, July 11 & Sunday, July 12, 9 am – 4 pm at The Hall, 44 King St, Parrsboro. The course fee is $200.

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Sign up for Watercolour Experience with Denise Comeau at Arts Haven & Big Blue Gallery in Belliveau Cove. Spend a day by the ocean reconnecting with colour, place and creativity. Join contemporary Acadian artist Denise Comeau for a peaceful watercolour experience inside the School House at Arts Haven — a relaxed coastal setting where art, conversation and creative renewal come together. Rooted in the landscapes and culture of Baie Sainte-Marie, this experience offers an opportunity to slow down, observe and create through watercolour. The workshop is Saturday, June 27, 10 am – 3 pm and costs $130. A limited number of Mini Retreat Experiences are available for guests wishing to extend their stay. The Mini Retreat includes two nights accommodation at Big Blue and participation in the Denise Comeau Art Experience ($380). 

Build practical management skills for the arts and culture sector online. Now entering its fifth year, the University of New Brunswick’s Certificate in Contemporary Management in Arts and Culture (CMAC) is a part-time, fully online, 10-month program designed for Canadian current or aspiring arts and culture managers, arts and culture professionals or artists moving into management roles. CMAC helps participants build practical skills for today’s context in leadership, governance, planning, operations, financial management, fundraising, marketing, advocacy, and community engagement. The program is cohort-based, with online coursework, virtual discussions, expert insights, and a capstone project. The next cohort begins September 8, 2026. Deadline: July 10 and enrolment is limited.

Deanne Fitzpatrick Rug Hooking Studio in Amherst has just finished creating something they’re really proud of: Create Beauty Everyday an 88-page, ad-free magazine all about art, creativity, and rug hooking. It’s filled with beautiful imagery and heartfelt stories from artists and makers from across Canada and the US, people who find beauty in the everyday. They are excited to connect with new artists and craftspeople to feature in future issues. Check out their magazine here and all their online courses here.

Wondering what a tariff is, how it’s collected, and how it affects Canadian artists? With so much uncertainty in our trade relations with the US, Canadian artists who sell art in the US or rely on American materials could be facing rising costs and new export challenges. Staying on top of changes to export rules can be frustrating and stressful. With this in mind, CARFAC has compiled some resources to help you navigate this challenging environment. Check out their resources on what Canadian artists need to know about US tariffs.

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Employment 

Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design has put out a call for expressions of interest for wool spinners. There are multiple positions available for Independent Short-Term Contracts. Remote/Home-based Compensation: Competitive project-based compensation – details to be finalized with selected spinners Candidates must live in Cape Breton a minimum of six months a year to be considered. Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design is seeking skilled wool spinners to create yarn for a Cape Breton inspired wool sweater project. The hand knit Cape Breton Sweater is textured style and reflects the history and culture of Cape Breton Island. This project is inspired by the county sweater designs commissioned by the Cape Breton Development Corporation (DevCo) and produced by Cape Breton Woolen Mills (Irish Cove) in the late 1970s. They are committed to keeping this project local, from the concept to the completion. This includes engaging with local sheep farmers, spinners, knitters and designers. They welcome applications from individuals who can contribute their spinning expertise to this meaningful project celebrating Cape Breton’s textile heritage. For background information on the Wool Sweater project, please refer to their website.

Christmas At The Forum 2026  Vendor applications now open! Join one of Atlantic Canada’s largest and most anticipated holiday shopping events! Christmas at the Forum returns to Halifax Forum Complex from November 5–8, 2026, bringing together over 300 vendors and more than 18,000 shoppers looking for unique gifts, artisan products, gourmet foods, holiday décor, fashion, jewelry, and much more.  Expected Attendance: 18,000+ shoppers with 300+ vendors. Booths cost between $720 – $2,880. Interested in becoming a vendor? Click here. Contact mrktevents8@gmail.comwith any questions.  Spaces are limited and vendor categories are reviewed to ensure a diverse and high-quality shopping experience.

We look forward to welcoming you to Christmas at the Forum 2026!

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Craft Nova Scotia is seeking an experienced, innovative, and collaborative Executive Director to lead the organization into its next phase of stability, growth, and long-term sustainability. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director provides overall strategic leadership and organizational oversight. The ED works in close partnership with staff, members, funders, partners, and the broader craft community to advance Craft Nova Scotia’s mission while ensuring strong governance, financial sustainability, and sector leadership. Craft Nova Scotia is supported by a small and experienced staff team, including an Operations Manager, Bookkeeper, Studio Technicians, Communications Manager, and Volunteers who lead day-to-day delivery within their respective areas. The Executive Director provides strategic direction, cross-organizational leadership, and external representation, ensuring alignment across all areas of work. The ED leads the team as the primary ambassador for the organization, strengthening relationships across Nova Scotia and championing the value of craft in Nova Scotia’s cultural and economic landscape.This is a full-time permanent position (35 hours/week) with a salary range of $80,000 – $85,000. Deadline: July 8, 11:59pm.

The Atlantic International Film Festival is currently accepting applications for the contract position of Industry Programs Manager for AIFF 2026.The Industry Programs Manager is responsible for the planning and execution of industry programming including: AIFF Partners, the Filmmaker Lab, and public industry programming. The Industry Programs Manager will work with key stakeholders, locally, nationally and internationally to facilitate programs and initiatives designed to strengthen, promote and diversify the screen-based industry in Atlantic Canada. Employment: 3.5 month contract, July – October. Remuneration: $2,200 / biweekly. To apply for the Industry Programs Manager position, please forward a resume and cover letter to employment@atlanticfilm.ca. Please have Industry Programs Manager in the subject line. Deadline: July 2. 

ARTSPLACE in Annpolis Royal is hiring a Marketing and Communications Coordinator. The Marketing and Communications Coordinator will contribute to enhancing visibility, reach and effectiveness of their programming. Effective communication of exhibitions and events is crucial to attracting new visitors, fostering community involvement, and building relationships with media, local business, donors, and artists. The role is designed to provide support in key areas, as well as assist with general administrative duties. This position is subsidized through the Nova Scotia Student Summer Skills Incentive so the successful candidates must be enrolled full-time at a post-secondary institution (University or College) for September 2026. This contract is a minimum of 8 weeks (duration based on your availability), and pays $18. Hour for 35 h/ week. Please submit CV and cover letter to admin@arcac.ca. Deadline: Open until filled.

Nocturne is pleased to announce their call for the 2028 Festival Curator! The Festival Curator will develop a vision/theme for the festival and will curate the Anchor Project program. Nocturne’s Anchor Project program consists of site-specific installations and performance art activations at sites across Halifax and Dartmouth. The selected applicant(s) will receive a curatorial fee of $10,000 CAD for development of the theme, selection of artists, and administration of the curator-selected Anchor Project program for the 2028 festival. Proposals for curatorial teams will also be accepted. Deadline: July 6, 11:59 pm (ADT).

Confederation Centre in PEI is hiring a Curator. Reporting to the Director of Confederation Centre Art Gallery (CCAG), the Curator directs the gallery’s exhibition and public programming initiatives and oversees collecting, research and publications. The Curator is the public face of the artistic direction of CCAG, mediating between the work of Canadian artists and publics. The Curator plays a key role in cultivating and sustaining strong, long-term relationships with artists, donors, Board members, staff, volunteers, and other CCAG stakeholders, including a variety of engaged publics. The ideal candidate is a creative, self-driven professional with exceptional interpersonal and organizational abilities. They possess a well-established network and a strong knowledge base in Canadian and contemporary art. The Curator is expected to travel for studio visits, research, and relationship-building opportunities. They encourage applications from the BIPOC community, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Where requested, they will provide accommodations to candidates for all aspects of the recruitment and selection process. This position is represented by The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local B906. The starting annual salary as of April 1, 2026 (0-6 months) is $69,574. This is a full-time, permanent position for 37.5 hours per week.

A list of presenters/galleries that pay the CARFAC/RAAV Minimum Fee for artist exhibitions was compiled by CARFAC Maritimes to guide the membership in their search for paying venues. You will find public galleries, galleries in other establishments, artist cooperatives and artist run centres. They will update the list on a regular basis. Should you find any information missing or incorrect, kindly let them know at anna.rail@carfacmaritimes.org  with the pertinent information and they will make the necessary changes immediately. Here is the link to the list:  http://www.carfacmaritimes.org/en/exhibition-opportunities-maritimes/

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Events

Celebrate Creativity at the Peggy’s Cove Area Festival of the Arts 2026. The Peggy’s Cove Area Festival of the Arts, selected as one of the top 10 reasons to visit Halifax in 2026, is returning this July, bringing together artists, makers, and creative enthusiasts for two weeks of artistic celebration throughout the beautiful Peggy’s Cove and St. Margaret’s Bay region. Paint Peggy’s Cove (July 10–12, 10 am – 5 pm) is when artists will spend three inspiring days creating new works throughout the iconic village of Peggy’s Cove and visitors are invited to watch artists at work. Once complete, each day’s works, as well as studio pieces by the same artists, will be on view and for sale in a large Mongolian yurt located a short walk from the Peggy’s Cove Information Centre.The children’s art tent located next to the yurt will offer free creative activities each day. The Festival’s Studio Tour (July 17–19, 10 am – 5 pm) invites visitors behind the scenes into local artists’ studios and creative spaces. Discover paintings, pottery, sculpture, photography, jewellery, textiles, woodwork, and more while meeting the artists who create them. Visitors can also participate in the Studio Tour Passport Program for a chance to win a $500 gift certificate toward an art purchase from a participating artist. For more information, visit the Festival’s website.

Guysborough Arts Festival 2026 is July 14–19. This year’s inaugural Guysborough Arts Festival is built around the theme “In Good Company.” It’s about community. Neighbours. Looking out for one another. Creating, celebrating, and gathering together. From July 14 to 19, Guysborough will come alive with art, music, theatre, workshops, and creative experiences throughout the community. bFestival highlights include: Live music, The Wednesday Wellness Days Wellness Wall Project, Broken Toys Sculpture Workshop with Moni Duersch, Seashell & Rock Painting with Sandy Winter and Patty MacIsaac, a Quilt Display by the Chedabucto Bay Quilters Group, and more.

The Atlantic Provinces Art Gallery Association/Association des galeries d’art des provinces de l’Atlantique (APAGA/AGAPA) was formed in 1975 and encourages inter-institutional collaboration and discussion of issues that effect cultural and artistic development in Atlantic Canada. Its members include provincial, public, university, and artist run galleries from across Atlantic Canada. Each year members from Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island gather in a new regional location for an annual conference where they discuss matters of professional interest to galleries in the area. The 2026 APAGA Conference is fast approaching! They’ll be gathering in Wolfville, NS and we’re excited to come together around this year’s theme: Skill Sharing & Building Communities. One of the comments they often receive from members is wanting more time for discussions, hearing case studies and sharing practical tips for navigating the complexities of our institutions and our region. This conference will arranged around thematic sessions to provide a platform for APAGA members for skill sharing and knowledge exchange. The APAGA Conference is June 24 – 27, 2026 at Acadia University Art Gallery in Wolfville.

The StFX Art Gallery will re-open with its newest (and largest) exhibition marking its 50th anniversary year, the StFX Art Gallery 50/50 juried exhibition (July 9 – September 19), featuring 50 artworks by 50 artists! Please save the date – July 9, 2026 – so you can attend the opening reception!

Join ArtWorks East on June 26 from 6–9 pm for the Summer Gallery Opening Reception. Enjoy local art, meet participating artists, listen to live music, and celebrate creativity and community on the Guysborough waterfront. Admission is free. The ArtWorks East Summer Gallery officially opens for the season on June 27. Located on the Guysborough waterfront, the gallery features artwork, jewelry, quilting, woodworking, stained glass, and more by artists and artisans from across Guysborough County. Open through September. Learn more at artworkseast.ca/gallery.

Saint Mary’s University Art Gallery presents an Artist Talk on Saturday June 27, 1-3 pm for the exhibition The Harbour View Motel by Sarah Sears & Meghan Macdonald. Join artists Sarah Sears and Meghan Macdonald for an informal discussion of their exhibition, The Harbour View Motel, Saturday June 27th, from 1 to 3 pm.

Ambulatory Outdoor Artist Talk on Saturday July 25, 1pm! Walkie Talkie with Barbara Lounder starting at ARTSPLACE, walking around French Basin Trail. On closing day of In Place: Objects, Photographs, Stories, join artist Barbara Lounder in a Walkie Talkie using objects from the current ARTSPLACE exhibition, such as walking sticks, carrying yoke, and blindfolds. Suitable for all ages and abilities. Free to participate (donations welcome). In case of rain, the activity will continue at ARTSPLACE.

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Lunenburg School of the Art is presenting Art Projects for Schools, a public lecture by Terry Smith-Lamothe: Thursday, June 25th, 2026, at 7:00p.m. This is a free event, no registration required. Site specific art for schools offers an opportunity for local participation by students, staff and community members and nurtures a sense of pride and ownership in the building. Art produced for a school building can include references to local history and culture and identify the building as “belonging” to that particular community/place/time. By fostering a sense of pride and ownership in the school, through student participation in the process, there has been a nice side-effect — the building is less likely to be vandalized or otherwise disrespected. Join architect and artist Terry Smith-Lamothe for a look at projects for schools across Nova Scotia and beyond — mosaics, wall tiles, murals, stained glass and concrete impressions are just some of the media on display in this talk.

You are invited to the Goblin Market June 26 & 27, 6 pm – sunset at The Centre for Art Tapes, 2238 Maitland Street in Halifax. Presented in partnership with the UKAI Projects. After nearly two months of meeting and collectively shaping the event, Goblin Market artists are inviting you to an immersive, interactive, and intimate encounter considering art as a site of exchange. Through these interactions both visitors and artists are contributing to a collective narrative about how we survive, build, and imagine together.

Halifax Mural Festival is back July 4–11, and we can’t wait to watch the city come alive again. Get ready for live music, artist talks, community market and more to explore at the Halifax mural festival. Well-established and emerging artists, bringing colour to iconic locations in Halifax and transforming our city one wall at a time. Stay tuned for the artist lineup and more details about all the events coming this summer.

Medway Community Forest Cooperative Forest Market is on Saturday, June 27, 10 am – 2 pm at the Lunenburg School of the Arts. This is a free event, no registration required. Join in for a special spring edition of the Forest Market—a smaller, thoughtfully curated gathering of local vendors, artisans, and organizations, all connected by a shared love of the woods. They’re excited to be partnering with Save Our Old Forests (SOOF) and NS Forests Forever to bring this event to life. From handmade goods and local products to conservation groups and forest-based traditions, it’s a chance to connect with the people and stories rooted in our landscapes. Come browse, chat, and support local—hope to see you there!

Carnival of Colours, a fundraiser for Chester Art Centre, expands into a weekend of art, music, and immersive experience in Chester, NS. The Chester Art Centre invites you to experience an unforgettable celebration of creativity as Charm Diamond Centres’ Carnival of Colours returns in 2026, now expanded into a vibrant, three-event festival weekend. Taking place Friday, July 3rd and Saturday, July 4th, 2026 , this signature fundraiser transforms Chester into a dynamic hub of art, music, and immersive experiences. all in support of arts and arts education on Nova Scotia’s South Shore.

Critique as Gift Crit Club is launching pilot crit program open to the arts community in Halifax and beyond. Three in-person sessions are scheduled for May 26, June 28, and July 26 at Wonder’neath, 2482 Maynard Street, Halifax. Critique as Gift is an ongoing research project exploring new ways of practicing critique by collaborators Laura Bucci and Katherine Diemert. For full info and to book your spot visit: https://critiqueasgift.wordpress.com/. You can present work or participate solely as a responder. A minimum of 8 participants are needed to run the program and a maximum of 16 participants can be in attendance, this includes the 3 presenting artists. Laura and Katherine will both be present as facilitators. Their intention is to create an environment that supports the artist in doing their best work. They do this by guiding attendees (presenters and responders) in using a modified critique framework based on Critical Response Process (CRP) founded by Liz Lerman. They also help the presenting artists prepare for the crit with a ‘Prep’ email that invites reflection on their needs. They highly recommend that you review the CRP website before you attend your first session. Want to receive feedback on your creative work? You can present work in progress or a finished single artwork, or a series, 2D, 3D, performance, or other media pending space and equipment needs. Reserve your spot and express interest at checkout that you’d like to present. The first 3 people to express interest in presenting will be able to receive a critique. You can present at one event and register as a responder for any of the other dates. You can attend all three events but only present once for this three-month period.

Gallery on Lincoln, a contemporary, artist-owned and operated fine art gallery, has reopened for its second season on Lincoln Street, in the heart of Lunenburg’s vibrant arts district. The gallery offers a thoughtfully curated collection of contemporary work spanning landscape, figurative, still life, abstract, photography, and 3D media. It brings together a talented group of Nova Scotia artists whose work is held in public and private collections around the world. After a successful first year that welcomed thousands of visitors from across North America and beyond, the gallery returns with fresh energy and new work for the season ahead. Gallery artists include Catherine Bagnell Styles, MJ Dominey, Lynn Ellis, Janet Griffen, Mary Kersell, Paulette Melanson, Mary Morey, and Sharon Wadsworth-Smith. New this season are Guy Cranston and Heather Sayeau. Gallery on Lincoln is open April through December, 11 am–5 pm daily (closed Tuesdays).

Head to the Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design to see Ground Rules: Materia! They’re excited to welcome you to this powerful new exhibition curated by Fabiyino Germain-Bajowa, bringing together the work of 12 artists across ceramics, textiles, painting, sculpture, and sound. Ground Rules: Materia explores how the smallest moments—shaped by land, movement, and shared experience—come together to influence our collective future. Developed during a five-day residency in Cape Breton Highlands National Park last June, the exhibition invites visitors to slow down, look closer, and reflect on the quiet power held in everyday details. The exhibition runs April 16 – June 26.

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Residencies

The Cape Breton Centre for Craft is partnering with Parks Canada to present the 2026 Artist in Residence program in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Taking place from September 28 – November 6, 2026, this residency offers professional artists dedicated time and space to immerse themselves in their creative practice amidst the stunning landscapes of Ingonish. Whether you’re beginning a new body of work or advancing an ongoing project, this residency provides the opportunity to focus, reflect, and create in a peaceful natural setting. The residency features a stipend of $1,500 per selected artist for the duration of the residency (up to two) and furnished accommodations located in Ingonish, provided by Parks Canada. It is expected that if more than one artist is selected, that they will share the space equitably for the duration of the program. A form of public access and programming must be offered by the artist during the residency in consultation with Parks Canada and the Centre, e.g., artist talk, workshop, school visit etc. Artists are responsible for their own transportation and a vehicle is highly recommended. Deadline: June 26, 4 pm.

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The City of Ottawa Public Art Program invites professional artists or artist teams to submit qualifications for the opportunity to be Vanier’s Artist-in-Residence March 2027 to September 2027. This community-led initiative is designed to foster meaningful engagement and dialogue with the Vanier community, and the insights gained will inform the creation of a final legacy artwork(s). The community is looking for a reliable, collaborative and adaptable artist or artist team. This role will benefit from a candidate with diverse community engagement experience, current or past ties to Vanier and the ability to fully communicate in both official languages. After the residency, the artist or artist team will be asked to provide a proposal for a legacy artwork(s) and they will be provided with an additional budget and timeline to plan and implement this final legacy artwork(s). This Request for Qualification is an equal opportunity project, open to local, national and international professional artists and artist teams with experience in creating permanent public art and working with multidisciplinary teams. Budget: $40,000 CAD plus HST if applicable for Artist-in-Residence. An additional budget of $40,000 to $70,000 can be provided to create a final legacy artwork(s) after the residency. Deadline: June 26, 11:59 pm (Eastern Daylight Time).

The Shannon Residency at Beinn Mhàbu offers artists the opportunity to live and explore their craft in Mabou, Cape Breton Island. Artists are provided with meals, living accommodations, and a workspace for six weeks on Cape Breton’s beautiful western coast known for its living Gaelic culture and unspoiled beauty (any additional fees incurred by artist are the artists’ responsibility). The historic setting within a newly-renovated building — recognized for past educational, community, and spiritual contributions, and now on a new journey as a cultural education hub — provides a peaceful and reflective space, perfectly suited to the creation of new ideas or development of one’s craft. Opportunities exist to immerse oneself in the living Gaelic culture of the wider region, to engage with the Beinn Mhàbu student population, and with North America’s only Gaelic immersion primary school, Taigh Sgoile na Drochaide. Artists may be based within any medium – writing, poetry/song, visual arts, music, dance, craft, film, etc. Proposals may focus on creative expression, research, education, collaborative explorations, according to the artists’ wishes. Taking into consideration the mandate of Beinn Mhàbu as a culturally-rooted and community-focused institution, applicants should demonstrate how their work might relate to local Gaelic culture and/or how they might integrate with the wider community of Mabou and surrounding areas during their time here. Please note that travel costs to and from Mabou, as well as any costs with the artists’ work are the responsibility of the artist. Deadline (for two 2027 Winter/ Spring terms): July 31.

Bareneedstudios Artist Retreat and Residency is located in Bareneed on the Port de Grave Peninsula, a one hour drive west from St. Johns, Newfoundland. The year-round dual studio space offers artists, curators and creative types a getaway from their everyday existence – an experience framed within a unique geographic and cultural context. Bareneedstudios encourages cultural exchange through local, provincial, national and international artists-in residence for durations of one to six months. It will accept artists of all kinds, but with some exceptions based on the materials used. Art modalities sustained by Bareneedstudios but not limited to include: visual arts, small scale sculpture, writing, film-making, theatre arts, music, craft, dance. The residency costs $600 CAN per studio per week and applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Ou Gallery is a warm and beautiful space curated to support creatives in their artistic journey on Vancouver Island; a stunning, nature-filled place. Come to decompress, gather new inspiration alongside like-minded artists and writers, and devote space and time to create. The Ou-telier is an independent and process based residency; a place for you to decompress, experiment, research and play. They love hosting folks who are self-directed, focused and kind, and our hope is that you will leave the residency feeling rested, renewed and inspired. They welcome applications from emerging and established writers, painters, photographers, textile and 2D artists. Artists have 24/hr access to their own designated studio in a shared space. Each studio is approx. 250 square feet in a historic boatbuilding workshop with open rafters and original fir floors. Fees: 2 weeks $1,250 CAD, 4 weeks $2,500 CAD. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

A Position on Retreat focuses on creating experiences of connection to the natural world, personal well-being, and self-actualization to cultivate creative expression and flow. They aim to create experiences between the natural world of Lake Cowichan on Vancouver Island and the curated groups of artists that reorient us to the collective goals of peace, acceptance, and wholeness. The program welcomes all media of artistic expression, including painting, drawing, digital photography, video, film, 3D animation, AI, creative coding, game development, XR, emerging digital practices, web3, creative and academic writing, and more. They aim to balance digital/emerging practices with traditional practices. Residents can select whether they would like individual/self-directed time or if they would like to participate in skill and conceptual development. They also offer thematic residencies throughout the year. Two-week residencies cost $1300. There is no deadline to apply.

Studio H Canada International Artist Residency and the Northern Women Arts Collaborative are excited to announce a new textile residency in honour of artist, activist, and social worker Irene Borins Ash (1952-2020). Irene was passionate about weaving and art in all its forms. She gifted the studio her Leclerc Tapestry Loom and to honour her memory and her art, we are now offering a partially funded, one-month intensive textile residency. This residency is open to proposals of experimental to traditional and hybrid approaches to weaving. Textile artists interested in tapestry weaving using the Leclerc Loom (Tissart model pre-1990), are invited to apply for this special residency to undertake new work and research in Metchosin, BC Canada – the unceded territories of the Sci’anew First Nation. The selected artist may choose a one-month period for the residency, but some months may be more relevant in the local community. The selected artist is welcome to propose a longer period for the residency which may not be fully funded. $1,500 CAD stipend. January 2024-April 2024.

Studio H Canada art residency and exchange is hosted in Metchosin, a rural municipality of Victoria, BC. Artists from around the world and Canada, in all disciplines and media, are invited to engage in collaborative projects or to develop new work on their own in this creative and inspiring setting. The vision of the Studio H Canada Art Residency program is to create meaningful, collaborative connections between artists from around the world and Canada, in all media and walks of life, that will result in new art, opportunities, friendships, and supportive circles of creativity. Artists can create, exhibit, do public presentations and workshops, research, and network. Fees for the art residency average $40 – $60 per day. There is no deadline to apply.

The Ross Creek Centre for the Arts in Canning offers residencies to professional artists working in one or more of the following media: visual art, writing, theatre, dance, film, music, performance art, photography, fibre arts and video. Their residencies provide a spectacular rural environment free from distraction. Each season offers a unique and changing landscape guaranteed to inspire artists of all disciplines. Apply individually or as a collaborative team looking to make some creative explorations in a safe and welcoming space. Ongoing submissions are welcome.

Apply to be an Artist-in-Residence at the Caetani Cultural Centre (a historic heritage house) in the small town of Vernon, BC. The residency is open to emerging and established artists and writers in most mediums: installation, earthworks, sculpture, painting, drawing, photography, digital media, printmaking, etc. Fees range from $10 – $35 per day, depending on the room, studio and season. There is a minimum two week stay. Applications for Caetani Cultural Centre’s Self-Directed Artist-in-Residence Program are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Looking for artist residencies? Res Artis: Worldwide Network of Arts Residencies is a 26 year old network of arts residency operators from around the globe. Their easy to navigate website has tons of listing of open calls from organizations around the world, or you can search their list of residencies by location, disciplines, fees, and more. They also link all the residency descriptions back to the individual arts organizations websites.

The 360 Xochi Quetzal Artist and Writer’s Residency Program is located in Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico on the shores of the largest lake in the country where the perfect year-round climate and stunning lake and mountain views have long established the region as an international artist mecca. They now offer four live/work spaces. Residents will be inspired by the natural beauty, history and culture of this special part of central Mexico. They offer a personal residency that can be applied for throughout the year.

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Submissions

Inkwell Modern Handmade Boutique in Halifax is seeking to consign handmade products for their retail and online stores! Do you have work you’d like to see featured at Inkwell? Or maybe you know a maker who produces great handmade items? The talent of the local and international maker community is infinite. They believe representation matters and those who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, Disabled and any minority groups are encouraged to apply. Know a maker who might be interested in working with Inkwell? They look forward to seeing what you’ve been making!

The J. Franklin Wright Gallery in Port Hawkesbury welcomes submissions from visual artists at all stages of their career for their 2022 season. Submissions must include; CV, Biography – 100 words max, Project Proposal – 500 words max (please note in your proposal whether there are any special requirements), 5- 10 images relevant to your project (Image list – artist’s name, title of work, medium, dimensions and date). Please see their page for more information and floor plan of the gallery. There are no hanging fees; however, a 25% commission from sales arranged directly between the artist and the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre is charged. Please forward submissions to: ryansharon2012@gmail.com. There is no deadline for submissions.

The CSARN Mentoring Program. CSARN (the Canadian Senior Artists Resource Network) offers emerging and transitioning professional artists the guidance of a mentor with a lifetime of talent and experience to share. Their award-winning mentors have inspired and empowered and they want to empower the next generation of artists so that they also can change the world. There is no cost to our program. In fact, mentors for their time and cover mentees’ expenses. Mentors and mentees must be professional artists. If you are not sure you qualify, read the Canadian Artist Code. For more information see their website. 

The Clay and Glass Gallery in Waterloo is looking to build a database of artists who work with glass, clay, and ceramics. This database would be for research purposes with the intention of finding artists to potentially work with in the future- whether that is through exhibition opportunities or otherwise. Interested artists are encouraged to visit the following link: https://forms.gle/cnxk3rob6yZp19uS8 or contact Cheyenne Mapplebeck directly at Cheyenne.mapplebeck@gmail.com.

C Magazine is seeking to expand their pool of writers. Do you want to write for C Magazine? If yes, enter yourself in their Writer Directory. The purpose of this directory is to allow writers at all experience levels to express interest in working with C Magazine, and to tell them a bit about themselves, without pitching a specific piece. By completing this form, you are consenting to the possibility that you could be contacted by C’s editorial team for an assignment at any time. They pay all contributors a minimum of 35 cents/word (CAD).  If you’d like to pitch something specific, please visit the submissions page to read about C Magazine’s sections, style, and submission guidelines.

Artwork Archive just published their Complete Guide to Artist Grants and Opportunities. They’ve compiled a list of artist grants, residencies, and calls-for-entry in the upcoming year and although some of them are US specific, there are several international opportunities as well. You can download a free copy of the guide and start submitting your applications!

The Teichert Gallery at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is currently accepting submissions. New works are juried biweekly by their volunteer accessions committee who meet every other Monday. The deadline for submission is every other Sunday before 3pm. Artists may submit up to five works at a time. Please have your works titled (title should be written on the back of the work along with your name) and attach or email your biography, CV, or both. You will need to determine the sale price for you work. The gallery’s commission rate is 35%. If you are unsure about pricing your work they encourage you to browse around the gallery and look at comparable works. Works may be dropped off anytime during gallery hours, no need to set up an appointment. For more information see their submission guidelines.

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Nova Scotia Exhibition Listings

ACADIA UNIVERSITY ART GALLERY, WOLFVILLE: Textiles as Resistance, Sonja Boon, Alexandrya Eaton, Murray Gibson, Hannah Genosko & Sarah Mosher, Pam Hall, Antoinette Karuna, Alissa Kloet, Chloe Lundrigan, Michelle MacKinnon, Shawn O’Hagan, Allyson Rousseau, Daniel Rumbolt, and Jennifer Lee Wiebe, June 26 – November 4. Opening reception: June 26, 7pm.

ANNA LEONOWENS GALLERY (NSCAD), HALIFAX: Gallery 1: Art Seeds, MAAE group exhibition; Gallery 2A: DIVALICIOUS, group exhibition curated by Devin Schweighardt; Gallery 2B: Machines and other Living Organisms, Mary-Sue Scratch; Gallery 3: FENCE COLLECTIVE, group exhibition, June 23 – 27. Gallery 2A: bigfeelingsmall, Max Bell; Gallery 2B: Inside, Out and Backwards, Czarina David, Aaron Tsitouras; Gallery 3: the tip of the tongue, the teeth, the lips, Melanie Evelyn and Kenna Robinson, July 7 – 11. Opening reception: July 6, 5:30pm.

ARTCAN GALLERY, CANNING: Relics of Neverville, Frank Forrestall, June 6 – 27. ARRAY, Mary Blatherwick, Bryson Chisholm, Ron Hayes, Brian Hotson, Eve Hutten, Basma Kavanagh, Gemma Leslie, Monique Silver, Lisa Tondino, Carolyn Withers, July 4 – 25. Opening reception: July 4, 7 – 9pm.

ART GALLERY OF NOVA SCOTIA, HALIFAX: Conceptual Art and the Camera, January 24 – November 30. Mi’kma’ki Artists’ Spotlight: Gordon Sparks, until September 13. Jawbone Corner: Watercolours of Henry M. Rosenberg, ongoing. Blacklight, May 3 – ongoing. TA’N A’SIKATIKL SIPU’L | CONFLUENCE, ongoing. Maud Lewis, ongoing. From One to Many Natures, ongoing. Place In Mind, Annika Sinclair, April 11 – September 13. (Tea)chings: Clay mask medicine, March 14 – December 31. On The Matter of Memory: The Drawings of Harold Cromwell, until September 13.

ARTSPLACE, ANNAPOLIS ROYAL: Library Gallery: Peripheral Visions, Sage Sidley, June 6 – 27. Chapel Gallery: We Are Nova Scotia, Anne Launcelot, June 6 – July 2. Mym Gallery: Inscapes: A Photographic and Mixed Media Exploration, Cheryl Mootoo, June 6 – July 25. Main Gallery: In Place: Photographs, objects, stories, Katherine Knight, Barbara Lounder, June 6 – July 25.

BIG BLUE GALLERY, BELLIVEAU COVE, Vessel, Janet Moore, June 5 – 28.

THE BLUE BUILDING GALLERY, HALIFAX: Pieces, Tim Brennan, Kayza DeGraff-Ford, Ursula Johnson, Yujia Shi, B. Brookbank, Tyshan Wright, June 27 — August 22.Opening celebration: June 27, 5 pm – 7:30 pm.

CAPE BRETON CENTRE FOR CRAFT & DESIGN, SYDNEY: Ground Rules: Materia, Diana Brown, Elise Campbell, Ashley Anne Clark, Miranda Crabtree, Daniel Edmonds, Kristi Farrier, Caoife Garvey, Teresa Jolliffe, Mary Larade, Liam Ross, Cyd Sparrow, and Catherine Vardy, April 16 – June 26. The Earring Show, group exhibition, until June 30.

CAPE BRETON UNIVERSITY ART GALLERY, SYDNEY: The Art of Living, opens July 11.

CHESTER ART CENTRE, CHESTER: Fishers, Curtis Botham, June 11 – 28. Drenched in Colour: group exhibition during the Carnival of Colours, July 3 – 5. The Feel of Water, Coleen M. Davidson, July 9 – 26. Opening reception: July 9, 5 – 7pm.

THE CRAIG GALLERY, DARTMOUTH: Main Gallery and Case Gallery: Spectrum, Dartmouth Visual Arts Society, May 27 – June 28. Main Gallery and Case Gallery: What Holds: VANS 2025-26 Mentorship Program Exhibition, Jordan Johnson, Kamila Orbegoso, Shane Song, Jessica Steele, Melanie Colosimo, Margarita Fainshtein, Mathew Reichertz, and Christopher Webb, June 30 – July 26. Opening: July 2, 5 – 7 pm. Emerging Artist Talk: July 18, 1 pm.

CREATIVE WORKS GALLERY, PARRSBORO: Celebrating Plein Air, Dale Fehr, Michael Fuller, Joy Laking, and Benjamin Pittman, June 1 – 26.

DALHOUSIE ART GALLERY, HALIFAX: Present: Past / Future, Ed Pien, Co-curators Catherine Sicot and Pamela Edmonds, May 8 –  August 16.

DECOSTE CULTURE HUB, PICTOU: Gender Series: Am I Queer? Vivianne LaRivière, until July 18. Intermission, The Pugwash Artist Collective, until September 16. Floating, Paul Edmond, until July 18. Harrison’s Little Shop of Horrors, Harrison Evely, until July 18.

ELTUEK ARTS CENTRE, SYDNEY: Sailing, Paulina Osorio, February 7 – June 27. Gallery 203: 3 Works, Ryan Josey, June 26 — September 5.

THE FRASER, TATAMAGOUCHE: Gallery 2 and Gallery 3: Saltwater Elegies: Floorcloth Paintings, Su Rogers;  Lobsters-Shamans of the Sea, Adrienne Black Connell, June 12 – July 7. Wandering Through the Unknown, Frank Forrestall; Steeped in Place, Gillian Lazanik, July 10 – August 4.

GALLERY ON LINCOLN, LUNENBURG: Now open for the season. Catherine Bagnell Styles, Guy Cranston, MJ Dominey, Lynn Ellis, Janet Griffen, Mary Kersell, Paulette Melanson, Mary Morey, Heather Sayeau, and Sharon Wadsworth-Smith.

HARVEST GALLERY, WOLFVILLE: Drew Klassen, July 11 – August 2. Opening reception: July 11, 1 – 3pm.

ICE HOUSE GALLERY, TATAMAGOUCHE: Sensing Place, Catherine Vardy, May 2 – June 14.

J. FRANKLIN WRIGHT GALLERY, PORT HAWKESBURY: Catch a Fallen Sky, Eilidh J. Bassani June 29 – August 2.

KATZMAN ART PROJECTS, HALIFAX: Summer Group Exhibition, David Zsako, Lyse Lemieux, Tian Xiao Lei, Nelson White, Kristina Søbstad, Jack Bishop, July.

LUNENBURG ART GALLERY, LUNENBURG: Pink!! A Celebration of Pride and Inclusivity, June 5 – 27. Small Stuff artist: Guy Cranston, June. Sand, Sea & Sky, group exhibition, July 3 – August 1; Small Stuff artist: Mel Doiron, July.

LUNENBURG SCHOOL OF THE ARTS, LUNENBURG: My Horae, Erin Philp, Artist-in-Residence (Winter 2026), June 4 – 28. Interactions, Joan Bruneau, July 2 – August 2. Artist talk & Opening reception: July 2, 7 pm.

MMFI GALLERY (MARIGOLD CULTURAL CENTRE), TRURO: Salt & Sand, Alexander McKinnon, June.

MARY E BLACK GALLERY, HALIFAX: Mega Bitch, Libbie Farrell, June 12 – July 19.

M(EYE) LIVING GALLERY, THE HAWK, CAPE SABLE ISLAND: Ernie Dexter, opens June 28, 2 – 4pm.

MSVU ART GALLERY, HALIFAX: Brain Child, Allyson Mitchell, June 13 – August 8. George Bernard Jr: Light & Legacy, June 20 – August 9.

PEER GALLERY, LUNENBURG: Peer Gallery Celebrates 25 Years of Art in Lunenburg, Members’ Exhibition, June 3 – 28.

ST FX UNIVERSITY GALLERY, ANTIGONISH: StFX Art Gallery 50/50 juried exhibition, July 9 – September 19. Opening reception: July 9.

SMU ART GALLERY, HALIFAX: The Harbour View Motel, Sarah Sears & Meghan Macdonald, May 9 – July 12.

SECORD GALLERY, HALIFAX: Between Here and There, F. Scott MacLeod, June 5 – 27.

SISSIBOO COFFEE BAR AND GALLERY, BEAR RIVER: Summer Paintings, Flora Doehler June 1 – July 14.

TIDES CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY, KENTVILLE: Coastal Charisma, Patty Lively, June 3 – 28.

LE TRÉCARRÉ, CHURCH POINT: Duo Exhibition and Artist Residencies: Nathalie Grimard and Christiane Patenaude, June 27– July 26.

VIEWPOINT GALLERY, BEDFORD: Main Gallery: Greetings from Here and There, Dean Hirtle, June 4 – 28. Featured Member Gallery: Organic Forms – Natural Colours – Textured Worlds, Sandy Macintosh; Fresh Ideas Gallery: Still Lifes with Camera, Graeme Coxon, June 4 – 28.

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Visual Arts Nova Scotia makes every effort to provide information which is relevant and as complete, up-to-date and accurate as possible. However, neither Visual Arts Nova Scotia (nor any of its employees) can be held responsible to users of the information or any other person for any errors or omissions, or for any losses, costs or claims which arise as a result of relying on such information or advice. The publication of information does not imply an endorsement.

To have your notice or current Nova Scotia exhibition included, please complete this form or email communicate@visualarts.ns.ca. All Gallery and Group members of Visual Arts Nova Scotia, will be linked to their individual web pages for exhibition listings, VANS does not include links for other exhibition listings.

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