Calls for Entry • Canadian Crafts Federation

Craft News and Calls for Entry

Last modified:

July 7, 2025

Stay up-to-date with the latest calls for entry, news and opportunities from our members and affiliates. You’ll also find events and craft sector reports from both national and international communities.

Click here to see French opportunities and calls for entry.

From our Membership | Opportunities | News | Exhibitions

Latest from our Membership

Campaign • ON

Save Craft Education in Ontario: A Call to Action ↗

Students, educators, and industry advocates are raising urgent alarms about the future of craft education in Ontario. Amid widespread post-secondary cuts, flagship studio-based craft programs at George Brown College, Sheridan College, and OCAD University are facing suspension and uncertain futures. Craft Ontario is calling on the craft community you to join their #SaveCraftEdOn campaign. Visit Craft Ontario’s website to take action: you’ll find letter templates to contact your MPP and post-secondary administrators, as well as downloadable graphics to help spread the word online.

Exhibition and Events • Saskatoon, SK | May 3, 2025 onward

Saskatchewan Craft Council Dimensions 2025 ↗

Dimensions is the Saskatchewan Craft Council’s open, juried exhibition which encourages and rewards excellence in hand-crafted work. Dimensions programming aims to celebrate Saskatchewan craft by nurturing meaningful connections, community, education, and artistic development. There are a number of upcoming events related to Dimensions 2025:

May 3 – 20: Public Open House – All shortlisted works will be on display at SCC Gallery so the public can view all the works selected for in-person jurying and learn more about the Dimensions process.
May 10: Dimensions Celebration: Awards & Exhibition Announcement – Join the SCC at 2 pm at the Remai Modern to celebrate Dimensions 2025. Jurors will announce the selected works and award winners. A livestream link will also be available.
May 29 – August 23: Dimensions 2025 Exhibition – All selected works for Dimensions 2025 will be displayed in SCC Gallery for the summer! Reception date: TBA

Call for Entry • MB | July 8, 2025

Manitoba Craft Council – Expressions of Interest for Exhibitions and Programming ↗

The Manitoba Craft Council has launched a new Expression of Interest call for exhibitions and programming for 2026-2028. Open to artists based in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario, the revised submission process focuses on accessibility and inclusivity—prioritizing images and ideas over formal written proposals. Visit their website to learn more about this new application process.

Call for Entry • Clarenville, NF | July 11, 2025

Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador Members Showcase ↗

The Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador invites members to submit work for a special Members Showcase at the new Clarenville Events Centre Gallery. Running during the high-traffic months of August and September, this curated exhibition will highlight 10–12 innovative works that push the boundaries of craft. Artists are encouraged to submit pieces that demonstrate technical skill, creativity, and a bold artistic vision.

Call for Expressions of Interest • Maritime Provinces | July 13, 2025

Collect 2026 ↗

Craft Alliance Atlantic is seeking Expressions of Interest from contemporary craft artists based in Atlantic Canada for their gallery exhibition at the 22nd Annual Collect Art Fair, taking place February 27 – March 1, 2026, at Somerset House in London, UK. This opportunity is open to both emerging and established craftspeople with gallery exhibition experience who are actively pursuing international exposure or representation. Selected artists will form a curated group to showcase the strength of Atlantic Canadian contemporary craft on the global stage.

Call for Expressions of Interest • St. John’s, NF | July 15, 2025

2025 CCNL Fine Craft Christmas Fair ↗

The Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador is now accepting Expressions of Interest for its 2025 Fine Craft Christmas Fair—the province’s only juried craft market of the holiday season. Celebrated for over 50 years, the fair highlights high-quality handmade work and attracts thousands of shoppers each year. Open to craft makers whose products meet CCNL’s standards of excellence, booth spaces will be offered based on jury approval and availability. Set to run from November 6–9, 2025 in St. John’s, the fair offers makers a premier opportunity to showcase their work in a professionally supported, festive atmosphere.

Job Opportunity • Winnipeg, MB | July 15, 2025

Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library Communications and Engagement Assistant ↗

The Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library (MCML) is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic recent graduate for a 33-week paid internship as a Communications and Engagement Assistant, running from August 13, 2025 to March 28, 2026. This internship will offer hands-on experience in programming development, exhibition planning, and visitor services in a supportive and creative environment. This position is funded through Young Canada Works; applicants must meet eligibility requirements.

Call for Submissions • Winnipeg, MB | July 27, 2025

MCC’s 2026 Group Show – I’ve got something to tell you… ↗

The Manitoba Craft Council invites submissions for its 2026 group exhibition I’ve got something to tell you…, an exploration of storytelling through jewellery. Artists are encouraged to submit works that use the body as a site for expression, whether humorous or heartfelt, traditional or experimental. Open to MCC members residing in Manitoba or northwestern Ontario, this juried exhibition will open January 9, 2026, at the C2 Centre for Craft.

Call for Submissions | August 1, 2025

Studio Magazine Call for Pitches ↗

Studio Magazine is calling for submissions / pitches / articles for their Fall 2025 issue around the theme RESONANCE. This issue of Studio will examine how craft relates to the world, and how is it used a tool for storytelling/worldmaking. How does craft build relationships between people, communities, generations? What are the connections between materials, and how can they be seen in new ways? What role does history/tradition play in modern craft, and how has craft transformed? How does Canadian craft impact the world, yet build a unique voice? Learn more about topics of interest and submission requirements on Studio’s website. Pitches are accepted in English and French.

Call for Entry • Winnipeg, MB | August 6, 2025

Vinterfest Market at IKEA Winnipeg ↗

The Manitoba Craft Council and IKEA are seeking MCC members to take part in the fourth annual Vinterfest Market, a festive holiday craft sale inside IKEA Winnipeg. Taking place December 19–21, 2025, this three-day market offers selected craft artists the chance to sell their work in custom booths, connect with new audiences, and benefit from major foot traffic during the final shopping weekend before the holidays.

Funding Opportunities • ON | August 15, 2025

Ontario Arts Council Exhibition Assistance Program ↗

The Ontario Arts Council’s Exhibition Assistance Program offers grants of $500 to $2,000 to help cover the costs of producing or participating in an upcoming exhibition. As a third-party recommender, Craft Ontario reviews craft-based applications submitted through the OAC’s Nova portal and forwards selected recommendations to the OAC for final approval. Apply today! Applicants do not need to be Craft Ontario members.

Call for Submissions • BC | August 31, 2025

The CCBC Shop & Gallery Window Installation Program ↗

The Craft Council of BC’s 2025 Installation Program invites artists to animate the CCBC Shop & Gallery window with engaging, craft-based installations that respond to space, context, and audience. This opportunity encourages artists to explore a specific theme or idea while experimenting with creative alternatives to traditional display methods. Installations should spark curiosity, invite interaction, and offer a fresh perspective on contemporary craft from both inside and outside the shop.

Call for Vendors • Winnipeg, MB | September 5, 2025

Made in the Middle Craft Market 2025 ↗

The Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library invites applications for the Made in the Middle Craft Market, taking place Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Norwood Community Centre in Winnipeg. This juried market features original, handmade items. Vendors will be provided with a table and promotional support, with discounted table fees available for MCML members. Apply by September 5, 2025 to be considered for this well-loved market.

Opportunities

Call for Submissions • Virtual

Submit to Inuit Art Quarterly ↗

IAQ is currently accepting submissions for their upcoming issue! The IAQ publishes engaging thoughtful stories, for both the print magazine and our website, from across Inuit Nunangat and beyond that centre the experiences and work of Inuit artists across all mediums. They a publish a wide range of stories, including artist interviews, historical analyses and personal essays. Pitch an article today!

Artist Residency • NB | July 25, 2025

The Cross-Cultural Creation Residency ↗

The Association acadienne des artistes professionnel.le.s du Nouveau-Brunswick (AAAPNB), ArtsLink NB, and Mawi’Art: Wabanaki Artist Collective are joining forces once again to offer the Cross-Cultural Creation Residency. This biennial event brings together three Francophone artists, three Anglophone artists, and three Indigenous artists, and allows each artist to work on a personal creation while immersing themselves in the creative universe of the other participants. The convergence of perspectives and practices opens the door to bold creations rooted in a spirit of dialogue and sharing, going beyond linguistic and cultural barriers. This year, the ten-day residency will take place from September 24 to October 3, 2025 in Tracadie-Sheila at Villégiature Deux Rivières.

Market • Almonte, ON | July 26, 2025

The Cross-Cultural Creation Residency ↗

The Mississippi Valley Textile Museum is excited to be hosting the Craft & Colour Vendor Market, in partnership with The Inclusion Project. Come and learn about, explore and support local artisans who are Black, Indigenous and People of Colour.

Call for Vendors • Vancouver, BC | July 31, 2025

Western Front Toque Craft Fair ↗

Toque Craft Fair is an annual holiday market and community fundraiser hosted by the non-profit artist-run centre Western Front. Welcoming over 4,000 visitors each year, Toque Craft Fair showcases a curated selection of vendors representing the very best of BC–based artists, craftspeople, and designers. This year’s fair will take place from December 5-7. They are inviting new individuals or groups to join our existing roster of vendors. Applicants can request a full table (90″x30″) or a half table (47″x30″) that will be shared with another vendor.

Call for Board Members | August 1, 2025

The Canadian Society of Decorative Arts/ Cercle canadien des arts décoratifs 2025-2026 Call for Board of Directors Nominations ↗

Are you passionate about stewardship and building community through art? Join the CSDA/CCAD as a member of their board of directors! They are eager to grow their board and are on the lookout for emerging leaders.

Artist Residency • Lunenburg, NS | August 29, 2025

Winter 2026 Artist-in-Residence at Lunenburg School of the Arts ↗

The Lunenburg School of the Arts invites emerging artists to apply for its Winter 2026 Artist-in-Residence program. This 16-week residency (February 4 – May 27, 2026) offers artists dedicated studio access in the heart of historic Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, along with a $500/month stipend and the opportunity to present their work in a final exhibition and artist talk. Open to recent graduates and early-career artists in any medium, the residency is designed to support the development of creative practice in a vibrant cultural setting.

Event • Mactaquac Provincial Park, Bright Parish, NB | August 29 to 31, 2025

Mactaquac Craft Festival ↗

The Mactaquac Craft Festival is making a grand return from August 29–31, 2025, at Mactaquac Provincial Park! Once a beloved event in the Maritimes, the festival is back — celebrating all things craft with hands-on workshops, live demos, family-friendly activities, and a bustling open-air artisan market. Come rediscover the magic, meet the makers, and take home a piece of Atlantic Canada’s rich craft culture.

Event • Almonte, ON | September 6 to 7, 2025

Almonte’s 30th Annual Fibrefest ↗

Come on out to Almonte’s 30th Annual Fibrefest! Over 80 fibre vendors from across the province and beyond will be selling finished goods and textile supplies. To celebrate their 30th anniversary (and the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum’s 40th), they’re hosting a sheep-to-shawl competition. See teams create a shawl from start to finish on Saturday, and come back to see them judged and auctioned off on Sunday!

Symposium • Toronto, ON | September 26 to 27, 2025

CSDA/CCAD 43rd Annual Symposium ↗

The 2025 Decorative Arts and Design Symposium is heading to Toronto for a two-day program designed for collectors, researchers, and enthusiasts alike. Attendees will enjoy exclusive access to collections, private tours, and engaging lectures that explore the rich world of decorative arts and design. Stay tuned for full program details — and if you’re not yet a CSDA/CCAD member, now’s the perfect time to become one!

Symposium • Virtual | September 26 to 27, 2025

SNAG Metalsmith Tides & Waves Virtual Symposium ↗

Tides & Waves is a virtual symposium series exploring the deep and continual flow of international ideas in contemporary jewelry and metalsmithing. Each iteration focuses on a different geographical region. This year SNAG celebrates the diversity of Indigenous peoples in North America. Join them for a 2-day participatory virtual symposium filled with speakers, demonstrations, breakout discussions, practical tips, and more.

Exhibitions

Mississippi Valley Textile Museum • Almonte, ON | Until July 19, 2025

Gear ↗

Visit Gear, a solo exhibition by the CCF/FCMA’s very own board member Bettina Matzkuhn, at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum this summer. This exhibition examines human presence in the backcountry by deconstructing old backpacks. Matzkuhn has sewn densely embroidered images of landscapes into these packs, where the silk, cotton and linen contrast with the packs’ synthetic textiles. Congratulations to Bettina on this major exhibition!

Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery • Waterloo, ON | May 31 to September 14, 2025

Excellence in Clay: 25 Years of the Winifred Shantz Award ↗

For a quarter century, the Winifred Shantz Award for Ceramics has been celebrating the best of emerging ceramic artists in Canada. This year is no exception, as Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery and the Keith and Winifred Shantz Fund for the Arts recognize the winner and finalists of 2025, as well as each winner in the award’s 25-year history. The only national award for emerging ceramic artists in Canada, the impact of the award is unmatched. Visit the exhibition, with work. Through works from the Gallery’s Permanent Collection, as well as works loaned from the Art Gallery of Burlington and Gardiner Museum, celebrating each of the award’s twenty-five incredible winners.

Alberta Craft • Edmonton, AB | June 21 to October 18, 2025

Craft Perspectives ↗

This year, Alberta Craft is celebrating its 45th year! As part of the celebration, they are presenting Craft Perspectives, an exhibition of new works inspired by historical objects, archival collections, and cultural artifacts found across the province. Artists have delved into museum vaults, explored archival treasures, and uncovered forgotten stories—reimagining them through the lens of contemporary craft.

Ontario Craft • Toronto, ON | June 28 to August 10, 2025

Mask Medicine ↗

Mask Medicine is a solo exhibition by Gordon Sparks that explores the past and present of Mi’kmaw masks and skin markings as vital carriers of cultural knowledge. The exhibition centers around three types of Mi’kmaw masks—storytelling, dancing, and ceremonial—each used to share lived experiences and ancestral teachings of all our relations. Each wooden mask is accompanied by a large-scale drawing of a human figure, filled with visual symbols representing the birds, plants, fish, animals, and insects connected to each mask’s story. Visit Mask Medicine at the Craft Ontario Gallery today.

Alberta Craft • Calgary, AB | June 28 to August 30, 2025

Treat ↗

Treat is an exhibition dedicated to the pets we love and care for. This show invites visitors to celebrate the enduring bond between humans and their pets through the lens of craft. Visit Alberta Craft’s Calgary Gallery today to see a variety of works that celebrate this special bond.

Canada Council for the Arts • Ottawa, ON | Untill May 19, 2026

Resistant Fibres ↗

Curated by Julie Graff, Resistant Fibres highlights textile and fibre works of art from the Canada Council Art Bank collection by artists who use this medium as a powerful tool for protest, resistance, celebration, joy, and healing. Visit the exhibition today!

News

Fall 2024

The Craft Alliance Atlantic Association launches online initiative, Craft Portfolio, to share contemporary fine craft from the Atlantic provinces ↗

Winter 2024