Capital City Art

FAQs

• What is Capital City Art?

  Capital City Art promotes and celebrates visual art through promotion of local art and artists, curation of community art and through events linked to EPL collections and exhibits. It comprises both physical gallery spaces in our branches, online displays through EPL.ca and by offering free classes for those who want to explore and learn more about the visual arts.

• What is the Roots & Routes exhibit?

  Our lives take us on unexpected journeys—to new places, new people, new experiences. What Routes have you travelled? Have change and turbulence left you feeling Rootless? What is it like to uproot yourself and plant new Roots elsewhere? We invite you to explore the many Routes you’ve travelled and the Roots you cherish.

  Starting July 15^th until August 16^th, we invite  Edmonton and area artists at any level in their artistic journey to submit works that evoke the theme of Roots & Routes.

  The Roots & Routes exhibit is an unpaid exhibition opportunity.  The exhibition will run from September 15, 2024 until November 30, 2024. 

• Can EPL accommodate exhibit of three-dimensional works?

  Yes, there are several locations with cases suitable for exhibition of three-dimensional works. Priority will be given to works demonstrating quality, originality, and consistency of style and form.

• How will EPL promote an exhibit of my art?

  The Library may promote the exhibit on the Library website, in social media and other promotions. The Library may also archive the exhibit on the Library website.

• Who can apply to display their art in a Capital City Art Gallery space?

  Capital City Art seeks to engage with artists associated with the Greater Edmonton Area and the Enoch Cree Nation. These may be individuals or groups of artists. EPL also provides space for exhibits through our partnerships with not-for-profit arts groups, educational institutions and community organizations.

• How can I apply to display my art in a Capital City Art Gallery space?

  Artists are asked to fill out the Capital City Art Gallery Submission Form. Through the form you will include a description of the exhibit, provide an artist biography and sample images of your work. You may select one or two preferred branches for your exhibit and identify a preferred timeframe for the exhibit. To see details on Capital City Art Gallery spaces across EPL branches, click on “View Gallery Details.” After you submit your request, a staff member from the branch will contact you directly about your submission.

• What criteria are used for selecting exhibits?

  • Due to limited space, preference will be given to artists from the Greater Edmonton Area and Enoch Cree Nation who have not displayed recently in a CCA gallery space.
  • Exhibits must be suitable for public spaces serving people of all ages and supporting a welcoming environment.
  • Exhibits may be for individual artists or groups of artists.
  • Artwork will be chosen for quality, originality, and consistency of style and form.
  • Artwork should be ready for hanging/display.
  • The branch leadership team shall determine if an exhibit is appropriate for display in the branch CCA Gallery Space and reserves the right to refuse any exhibit.
  • CCA Gallery spaces endeavour to be responsive to the diverse cultural interest of the community and are aligned with EPL’s Mission, Values and Community-led Philosophy.
  • CCA Gallery spaces may not be used for commercial or political purposes, for the solicitation of business, for profit, or for fundraising, other than fundraising that supports the Library.

• Can I see what the CCA Gallery spaces look like at each branch before I select my preferred location?

  Yes! You can view gallery details here or link to information from within the submission form.

• What are the artist's responsibilities?

  • Each artist or group wishing to exhibit in a CCA Gallery needs to sign an Agreement to Exhibit contract.
  • The artist is required to provide current contact information and is asked to in timely communication with EPL in order to ensure effective coordination for the exhibit.
  • Artwork should not be in formats that are easily damaged or stolen, as the Library cannot provide security.
  • Hanging works should be framed or otherwise suitably prepared for use with hanging systems available in or approved by the Library.
  • The exhibiting individual or institution must agree to cover all costs related to display beyond the available infrastructure at each location.
  • For liability reasons, artists must install their own artworks.
  • For liability reasons, EPL is not able to store artworks before or after an exhibition.
  • Artists must be prepared to set up and take down their exhibits within their allotted time slots.
  • Artists are encouraged to provide insurance to cover loss or damage to their works. The Library is not responsible for loss or damage.
  • No material, including advertisement, may be affixed to any part of the interior or exterior of the Library without prior approval.
  • The artist understands that library gallery spaces are provided at no cost to the artist and that no payment is made to the artist for exhibition of their works.

• How long will my art be displayed?

  Generally, exhibits are in place for no less than 1 month. The exhibit schedule will be discussed once the works have been accepted for exhibit.