Exhibitions

Pride 2026, Be Creative Juried Exhibition – Call for Entry

NPCC invites artists (16+ years of age) who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ community members to submit up to two artworks to NPCC’s Pride Month Juried Exhibition. The theme for this year’s exhibition is Be Creative, Be You, Be All In!

Visual artwork in any medium is welcome.

On Friday, June 5, 2026, NPCC is hosting a fun-filled evening of events to celebrate Pride month including the exhibition reception and awards ceremony. You’re invited to take part in the festivities by participating in our free art activities, checking out our drag show and meeting members of our Resident Groups! All events are free of charge.

We graciously acknowledge our community partner, Toronto Pearson.

Important Dates

Exhibition Dates:
May 26 to June 11, 2026

Exhibition Location:
Art Space Connect Gallery
Neilson Park Creative Centre, 56 Neilson Drive, Etobicoke, ON M9C 1V6

Due Date for Call for Entry:
Monday, April 13, 2026

Artist Notification Emailed On: 
Friday, April 17, 2026

Delivery of Accepted Artworks to NPCC:
Sunday, May 24, 2026, 9 am to 4 pm

Installation of Artworks:
Monday, May 25, 2026

NPCC Celebrates Pride Event:
Friday, June 2026, 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Exhibition Awards Ceremony and Celebration:

Friday, June 5, 2026 at 8:30 pm

Pick up of Accepted Artworks:
Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 9 am to 4:30 pm

Awards

First Prize $500
Second Prize $300
Third Prize $200
Four Honourable Mentions $100 each

Juror
Steve Rose

Steve Rose is a graduate from OCAD (BFA) and holds a master’s degree from the University of Windsor (MFA).

He has exhibited his work extensively and has a diverse and experienced background in art education.

In addition to his active independent studio practice, Steve enjoys lecturing on fine art, artistic movements and art history. Steve is constantly involved in mentoring artists in various creative collaborations and workshops.

His work is collected in private and corporate international collections.

Instagram: @steverose.ca

Steve Rose

Call for Entry

Selection Process

  • All submitted artworks will be juried by NPCC’s Pride Committee members.
  • Decisions will be made on the digital images submitted by the artist.
  • Juror, Steve Rose, will choose and announce the award winners on Friday, June 5, 2026.
  • The juror’s decision is final.
  • Selected artists will be notified by email by April 17, 2026 of acceptance or not into the exhibition.
  • NPCC reserves the right to use submitted images for publicity purposes.

Submission Guidelines

  • Each artist may submit up to two visual artworks in any medium.
  • Entry is free of charge.
  • Submissions are complete after the application form and images are received.
  • Digital images submitted for jurying must be in a .jpg format. Images should be labelled as follows: LastName_FirstName_ArtworkTitle.
  • Artworks must be original, created within the last two years and not displayed previously in the galleries at NPCC.
  • All submitted 2-D artwork must not exceed 50 pounds.
  • Artworks must be wired and ready to hang. D rings are acceptable provided they are a minimum
    of ½ inch in diameter.
  • Wire should be placed no lower than 6 inches from the top and must be 3 inches below the top of the frame.
  • Wire should be appropriate for weight of the artwork. Large artwork should be wired with triple strand wire.
  • Please wrap sharp edges of wiring with tape.
  • Fibre Art/Textiles should be submitted with proper display equipment. It can be hung with a pocket/sleeve sewn to the top back with a rod or dowel to extend one inch either side of the artwork.
  • Artworks must have two temporary NPCC labels attached to it listing the artist’s name, phone number, title of artwork, medium and price taped to the back.

Sale of Art

  • Sales of artwork are processed by NPCC. Artists will be notified by email when artwork is sold.
  • NPCC will arrange for the purchaser to pick up the artwork.
  • Cheques for artwork sales will be issued and mailed to the artist within 30 days after the show closes, less 15% commission to NPCC.
  • HST is applicable on all sales. HST will be remitted to artists on submission of their HST registration number, otherwise HST will be reported and remitted by NPCC.

Social Media

We encourage artists to share posts on their social media and websites and tag us @NPCCarts
Follow us @NPCCarts on Facebook and Instagram
Visit us at www.neilsonparkcreativecentre.com

Online Application Form

Artists that identify as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community are eligible to apply. Please fill in the following form and upload your images.
Name
Please check if your first artwork is for sale.
Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload
Please upload a .jpg file. Label your files in the following format: Last Name_First Name_Artwork Title
Please check if your artwork #2 is for sale.
Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload
Please upload a .jpg file. Label your files in the following format: Last Name_First Name_Artwork Title
How did you hear about the Call for Entry for NPCC's Be Creative Exhibition?
By selecting Yes, I am indicating to the acceptance of the submission guidelines and selection process and am the sole artist and owner of the submitted artwork(s). (copy)

About Neilson Park Creative Centre
Neilson Park Creative Centre (NPCC) is a charitable organization, charity registration number 132270703RR0001. NPCC was established in 1992 to provide a permanent home for Resident Groups, artists, creators, makers, supporters. NPCC continues to respond to the needs of its members and supporters on the western edge of Toronto. NPCC is located at 56 Neilson Drive, Etobicoke, ON M9C 1V7. Phone 416-622-5294. Email Cory at gallery@neilsonparkcreativecentre.com Website www.neilsonparkcreativecentre.com

NPCC-Pride-Logo-1
toronto-pearson

Thank you to our community partner, Toronto Pearson

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