Call for Proposals: Rotunda Gallery Exhibition Program (Canada)

The Rotunda Gallery is located on the ground floor of City Hall. This gallery features month-long, self-curated exhibits of original work from visual artists.

Since 1995, the Rotunda Gallery has promoted exhibits of a professional standard reflecting contemporary practice in the visual arts to build and promote the development of visual arts in the area. The program welcomes diverse viewpoints and media (painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, mixed media) supporting the principles of intellectual freedom while respecting the public nature of the location.

The gallery is a unique exhibition space, with a curved, wooden hanging wall that includes a 48-foot picture rail, and 48 inches of vertical hanging space above a wall-length bench where visitors can rest. The space is ideal for displaying two-dimensional artwork, hung using the existing suspended rod picture rail. Each piece of artwork must work with this hanging system. They encourage artists to visit the gallery to familiarize themselves with the space and the hanging hardware.

The program will run from January to December 2025. They’re looking for up to six artists for the year, with each exhibit lasting two months.

Types of Art

• The space accommodates two-dimensional work only (they cannot accommodate sculptures unless they can be wall-mounted using the existing hanging system).

What they offer?

• They will provide CARFAC (Canadian Artist Representation/Le Front Des Artistes Canadiens) exhibition fees to each selected artist.

Who should apply?

• They will consider applications from Ontario artists. Applicants from the Region of Waterloo or with a connection to the region will be given preference so they can continue to build and promote the development of visual arts in the area.
• They will not award Rotunda Gallery space to the same artists in consecutive years. The goal is to maximize the number of applicants who can showcase their work.

Evaluation Criteria

• The space accommodates two-dimensional work only (no accommodation for sculpture unless it can be wall mounted using the existing hanging system)
• applicants from Waterloo Region will be given preference with the aim to build and promote the development of visual arts in the area
• work must be original
• printmaking and photography editions are welcome, but photocopy prints are not permitted
• images included in the application package must accurately represent the actual or proposed works to be exhibited
• The committee will choose artists based on:
  • excellence and innovation: jurors are looking for submissions that show dedication to the development of excellence and innovation in the artist’s work.
  • artistic merit: would the work have an impact on the artistic and/or cultural development of the community? Does it have the potential to draw new audiences? Does the work engage the viewer with questions and wonder?
  • relevance to the artistic and cultural diversity of the community.
  • existing exhibition history: this can be local, national or international, demonstrating your ability to prepare a series of works for an exhibition.

For more information, visit City of Kitchener.