Expression of Interest for MCC Exhibitions & Programming 2026-2028
Changes to Our Submission Process
At the Manitoba Craft Council, we’re evolving our exhibition proposal process to better serve artists and provide more opportunities for diverse work to be showcased.
Deadline: July 8th, 2025
What’s Changing?
- Eligibility:
- Our exhibition calls will now be open only to artists residing in Manitoba or Northwestern Ontario due to the high volume of out-of-province submissions in recent years.
- Proposal Requirements:
- We’re shifting away from requesting full exhibition proposals. Rather than a specific body of work and extensive writing, we now invite artists to submit an overview of their current studio practices.
- Submissions will focus on images and ideas, with less emphasis on written content.
- Artists can submit a variety of works that may or may not align with a specific theme or concept.
Why the Change?
- Accessibility: We want to reduce the time and effort artists must invest in lengthy written proposals, making the process more accessible.
- Increased Opportunities: With more submissions and limited exhibition slots, we aim to create more opportunities for duo and trio and small group shows, enabling more artists to be featured.
- Diversity of Work: Allowing artists to submit a broader range of works means we can better identify connections between pieces and curate more dynamic exhibitions.
- Inclusivity: The revised process aims to be more inclusive of artists with extensive experience but less formal visual arts training.
What’s Staying the Same?
- We continue to accept original work in any craft-based medium, including ceramics, fiber, metal, paper, recycled materials, stone, glass, and wood.
- Mixed media and interdisciplinary works that are primarily craft-based in materials or techniques are also welcome, provided the artist has proficiency in craft materials.
- Work will be assessed by professionals who understand the technical and conceptual sides of craft-based art.
- Application assistance will remain available to help guide artists through the submission process.
About MCC Exhibitions
MCC exhibitions explore and challenge the boundaries of contemporary and traditional craft. Successful applications will demonstrate a strong connection to craft through both material and conceptual considerations.
The MCC is committed to upholding professional standards, including payment of artist and curatorial fees in line with CARFAC guidelines. We also provide professionally designed exhibition materials and promotional support through MCC media and social channels.
Visit our website and social media platforms to get a feel for our exhibitions and see the Shirley Richardson Craft Gallery floor plan https://c2centreforcraft.ca/shirley-richardson-gallery-floor-plan
Apply here: https://forms.gle/5MnFybAqsx9hF6j87
Deadline: July 8th, 2025
Eligibility & Guidelines
- Membership: Applicants must become a member of the Manitoba Craft Council before exhibiting, but membership is not required at the time of application.
- Residency: We are only accepting applications from artists, makers, curators, and collectives residing in Manitoba or Northwestern Ontario.
- Experience: Applicants must have at least **5 years of experience** in their medium. This experience may be gained through formal education or self-directed studio practice.
- Craft Media: Successful applications should demonstrate a strong proficiency in the artist’s chosen craft medium. We welcome original work in any craft-based media, including ceramics, fiber, metal, paper, recycled materials, stone, glass, and wood. Additionally, mixed media and interdisciplinary works that are predominantly craft-based in materials or techniques will be considered, provided the artist has expertise and experience with craft materials and methods.
Ineligible Submissions:
- Drawings, paintings, and purely visual arts media like photo/video/painting will not be considered.
- Digital/video/photography works will only be considered if they are a compliment to applications with primarily hand crafted objects.
- Applications from artists with less than five years of experience will not be reviewed.
- Works previously exhibited in solo shows in Winnipeg are ineligible.
Submission Format
Please submit the following through our Google Form:
- 250-word overview: Include details about your training, artwork, and creative practice.
- 10 images of your past or in-progress work, plus an image list (see below)
- Artist CV
Support materials may include:
- JPEG images of your work (up to 10 items).
- Links to videos/audio (e.g., Vimeo, YouTube, SoundCloud) in your image list
Image List:
Provide a document with the following details for each image or support material:
- Image file name (or link to video/audio work)
- Title of the work
- Medium/materials
- Approximate dimensions
- Year created
Image & Attachment Guidelines:
- Submissions must adhere to word count and file limits.
- Name image files as follows: Number/FirstName/LastName (e.g. 01JohnDoe, 02JohnDoe)
- Ensure your image list corresponds to your image file names.
Submission Process:
- Submit all materials through Google Forms.
- We recommend drafting your documents in a word processor first to avoid submission errors.
- After submission, Google Forms will send a confirmation email. If you don’t receive it, please confirm your submission with us.
- Please note: It can take a couple of minutes for a submission to go through via google forms if your images are quite large. Wait for the page to change to a message “Your response has been recorded.” If you do not receive this message, please confirm with our office that we received your application.
Application Assistance & Questions
For questions, contact Katrina Craig at [email protected] or call the MCC at 204-615-3951 (Wed-Sat, 12-4 pm). Email is the quickest way to get answers.
If you need help preparing your application, please reach out to Katrina Craig at [email protected]. Detailed assistance will be available until June 20th, and we’re happy to answer simple questions right up to submission time.
