Call for Submissions Now Open for Convergence at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery
The Tom Thomson Art Gallery is now accepting submissions for Convergence, its biennial juried exhibition dedicated to environmentally engaged contemporary art. Running from October 18, 2025, to January 17, 2026, the exhibition will feature a dynamic selection of work by emerging and established artists from across Ontario whose practices explore the complex and evolving relationship between people and the planet.
Presented every two years, Convergence offers a professional platform for artists to exhibit their work and engage with diverse audiences. With a dedicated focus on environmental themes—including ecology, climate change, sustainability, natural landscapes, and the ways we experience and interact with the natural world—the exhibition reflects the Gallery’s ongoing commitment to fostering dialogue around ecological concerns through contemporary art.
Convergence aims to showcase a wide range of perspectives and artistic approaches, celebrating creativity, innovation, and the power of art to engage with one of the most urgent issues of our time.
Artists must be based in Ontario, and all submitted work must relate in some capacity to the exhibition’s environmental focus.
Deadline for submissions: August 27, 2025 at 5pm ET
Full submission guidelines and eligibility criteria are available online at OwenSound.ca/Convergence-2025
For more information, please contact Shannon Bingeman, Curator of Exhibitions & Collections, at 519-376-1932 ext. 5003 or email to sbingeman@tomthomson.org
“Rooted in our vision to be ‘an open landscape for exploring art,’ Convergence invites both artists and audiences to engage in meaningful exchange, discovery, and reflection. The exhibition will serve as a dynamic meeting point for diverse ideas and perspectives, fostering a vibrant community of artists dedicated to environmental engagement through their work.”
— Shannon Bingeman, Curator of Exhibitions & Collections, Tom Thomson Art Gallery
"As we launch the call for submissions for Convergence, we are excited to invite artists to explore and express their perspectives on the critical relationship between humanity and our environment, underscoring our commitment to fostering dialogue on ecological issues through the transformative power of contemporary art. We look forward to witnessing how these artists respond."
"As we launch the call for submissions for Convergence, we are excited to invite artists to explore and express their perspectives on the critical relationship between humanity and our environment, underscoring our commitment to fostering dialogue on ecological issues through the transformative power of contemporary art. We look forward to witnessing how these artists respond."
— Aidan Ware, Director and Chief Curator, Tom Thomson Art Gallery
“We are proud to support the return of Convergence at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery. This exhibition reflects our community’s commitment to creativity, dialogue, and environmental stewardship. By showcasing the work of local and Ontario-based artists who explore ecological themes, Convergence enriches our cultural landscape and inspires us all to think deeply about our relationship with the natural world.
— Mayor Ian Boddy, City of Owen Sound
Quick Facts:
- Open to all Ontario-based artists (18 years of age and older).
- Artists may submit up to two works and submissions can include painting, drawing, mixed media, textile, sculpture, photography, new media, and video.
- The deadline to apply is August 27, 2025 at 5pm ET.
- Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of external professionals.
- Selected artists will receive honorariums.
- $3,000.00 will be awarded in prize money presented by Algonquin Outfitters.
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