Call for Expressions of Interest

Post Date

Call for Expressions of Interest

Pan-Territorial Indigenous Contemporary Art Showcase at ART021
Shanghai, China, November 12–15, 2026

Summary

The Consulate General of Canada in Shanghai, China is proposing a pan-territorial showcase of Canadian Indigenous contemporary artwork from across Yukon, Northwest Territories (NWT), and Nunavut, at the ART021 Contemporary Art Fair during Shanghai Arts Week, November 12-15, 2026

The NWT Arts Program would like to invite expressions of interest from NWT Indigenous artists who would like to have their work considered for this project. 

  • Chosen artists would submit 3–4 medium or large-scale pieces of artwork for showcase and sale (on consignment).
  • Artwork must be available for shipping in the first week of September 2026. 
  • Artwork will be packed, shipped, and insured at no cost to the artist. 
  • All sales will be facilitated by a secure, central broker at ART021 and artists will receive 100% of their listed sale price minus applicable taxes.
  • Unsold artwork will be returned in the same manner and artists will be compensated for any unsold items under the applicable CARFAC rates. 
  • The showcase area will be staffed by the Canadian Consulate Trade Commission and include a component of artist videos to ensure authentic storytelling.

This project is contingent on the approval of funding, which will be confirmed by the end of June 2026. Artist travel is not included and is not necessary for participation, however, artists holding valid passports who are interested in traveling to Shanghai for this project and other potential opportunities held in conjunction with ARTS021 can apply to the Artist Travel and Tour Fund.

EOI Submission Details

To express your interest in this project, please provide the following information in an email to nwtarts@gov.nt.ca by Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM (local time):

General information:

  • Name, contact information, and current community of residence.
  • Indigeneity and discipline of work you create
  • Website and/or social media links 
  • Whether you are a registered business 
  • Whether you are represented by a gallery or arts organization 

Short Responses (1–3 paragraphs each):

  • Why you are interested in this opportunity and how your work would contribute to the showcase 
  • Exhibition history, representation, or notable recognition (include dates and locations where possible) 
  • Description of your artistic practice and materials 

Project Proposal:

  • Description and sizes of the 3–4 medium or large-scale works you would submit
  • Estimated price range for each piece 
  • 3–4 images of your work (finished, similar, or conceptual) 

Important Notes

  • Artists responding to this EOI may be included in proposal for ART021 to event organizers as well as in applications to secure funding for the project. 
  • The project is not guaranteed until funding is secured.
  • The project may be modified or cancelled at any stage prior to final approval.
  • If the project is approved to proceed, partners will work together to select artists from the EOI applications, working to ensure works are suitable for the showcase (considering the constraints noted above), and there is a balance of disciplines and Indigenous groups from Northern Canada represented in the showcase. 
  • Selected artists will be contacted in early July 2026 and will be able to confirm their continued interest and participation at that time.