The Annual Postcard Project is back and this year we celebrate 35 years of the Alternator!

Once again the Alternator is celebrating our diverse creative community through our Annual Postcard Project. To commemorate our 35th year in the Kelowna arts community we invited our members to fill the walls of the gallery salon-style with original artworks and postcards.

The Annual Postcard Project is an opportunity for local artists to exhibit their work in the Alternator’s professional gallery space, creating a grand mosaic that showcases both the people involved with the gallery and the work they produce. This annual members’ exhibition doubles as an exhibition and sale where visitors could take home (or gift!) a part of the Okanagan’s rich arts community. Artists will take home 75% of sales while the remaining 25% supports the Alternator’s programming.

Everything in the gallery is up for sale, from artworks on the wall ranging from paintings, prints, and ceramics to our series of original, handmade postcards made by our member artists. To reflect on 35 years of the Alternator, we also invited artists spanning the last 3 decades to contribute their own unique postcards. Check out our online gallery of these special Alternator Artist Postcards here:

All artworks in the exhibition are unique originals and available for sale with prices ranging as low as $15.00 and up. People are encouraged to visit early, however, as works in the exhibition are sold, they will be removed from the wall and taken home with their new owners.

The Annual Postcard Project is back and this year we celebrate 35 years of the Alternator!

Since 1989, the Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art has supported a wide variety of Canadian artists through exhibitions, community programming, and collaboration. We foster the arts in our community by supporting and developing the talents of local and national artists. To commemorate our 35th year we once again would like to invite our membership to celebrate with us!

Member artists can create an edition of unique handmade postcards, submit artworks to be sold for the studio sale, or both. You are not required to submit to both aspects but are highly encouraged to. This year, postcard editions are 5 postcards, and participants have an option to sign up for 2 sets for a total of 10.

To encourage the creative flow,  the Alternator will be hosting two postcard-making events leading up to the exhibition. These Members-only events on June 6th and 20th will be casual evenings of community building and postcard making. On June 6th, join us at Kettle River Brewing over delicious food and drink from 6-8pm. Then, on June 20th, join us for our second postcard-making party at the gallery. Basic supplies will be provided, but guests are still encouraged to bring their own art materials. Please RSVP on Eventbrite for the June 6th event!

Our Annual Postcard Project exhibition will open on July 12, with an opening reception taking place that evening from 6 - 8pm - mark your calendars to join us as we celebrate the exhibition, and our milestone 35th Birthday, as a community!

The Postcard Project invites 35 Alternator member artists (one for each year of our existence!) to create 5 or 10 original postcards. The works may be watercolour, collage, photographs or any other 2D media that will fit on the 4x6” postcard substrate (postcard blanks will be provided by the Alternator). In the spirit of the Alternator mandate, we welcome experimental interpretations of this project. A piece of creative writing? A painting made by your pet? Dance instructions? We want to see it! This will be a limited run of 350 unique postcards so don’t delay in registering as spots are limited, first come, first served! 

The numbered, limited edition postcards will be exhibited in-gallery and offered for sale to our visitors for $15 each with 75% of proceeds going directly to the artist, and the remaining 25% to the gallery to support the Alternator’s programming. The public will be encouraged to send their purchased postcard out to friends or family or keep it for themselves.

The Studio Sale is an open call for submissions for Members to submit up to two guaranteed artworks and one juried artwork (any medium / theme) for inclusion in an exhibition taking place in the Main and Project Gallery. The maximum artwork size is 36”x36”. Artworks may be offered for sale at any price with 75% of proceeds going directly to the artist, and the remaining 25% to the gallery to support the Alternator’s programming. Works will be removed from the wall as they are sold so buyers can walk away with their newly purchased art.

How​ ​to​ ​Participate:

Step​ ​1:​ ​Membership

Sign​ ​up​ ​for​ ​or​ ​renew​ ​your​ ​Alternator​ ​membership.​ ​You​ ​can​ ​sign-up​ ​online​ ​​or​ ​in​ ​person​ ​at​ ​the​ ​gallery.​ ​

Not​ ​sure​ if your Alternator membership is still active? ​ ​Contact​ ​us​ ​at​ ​250 868 2298​ ​or​ ​at​ ​info@alternatorcentre.com and we can help you out!

Step​ ​2:​ ​Register​ ​to​ ​Exhibit​ by June 23, 11:59 p.m.

Complete and submit the registration form either through the Alternator website or by completing a printed form that can​ ​then​ ​be​ ​submitted​ ​in​ ​person or​ ​emailed to​ ​info@alternatorcentre.com. Artists can sign up for either the Postcard Project, Studio Sale, or both.

Postcard Project & Studio Sale Registration Form (Online)
Postcard Project & Studio Sale Registration Form (PDF)

Step​ ​3:​ ​Label​ ​and​ ​drop​ ​off​ ​your​ ​artwork

POSTCARD PROJECT
Pick up your blank postcards (if applicable)

Artists participating in the Postcard Project will be provided with 5 or 10 4x6” blank postcards. Cards may be picked up at the Alternator between May 7 - June 22. Any medium is welcome as long as the piece remains 2D and limited to 4x6”. 

Unsure if your medium will work on the provided postcard paper? Not to worry! Folks are welcome to use their own paper as long as they are mounted with archival glue to the provided postcard upon delivery. For example, many photo-based artists have printed their photos and attached them to the postcards. This way, no matter your medium there is a way to participate!

Completed postcards should be returned to the Alternator between June 25 - 29 during gallery hours. If you are unable to drop off your completed postcards during these times, please email info@alternatorcentre.com to make alternate arrangements. Please identify your work by completing the following inventory form and return when dropping off artworks.

Postcard Project Inventory

STUDIO SALE

The public will take home purchased Studio Sale artwork with them immediately. As such, we ask that artwork is dropped off in good condition and ready to hang or install. For instance, artwork that is on warped frames or that does not have required hardware (i.e. wire) for hanging will not be accepted. 

Label​ ​and​ ​identify​ ​your​ ​artwork​ by filling out and attaching labels below.

Studio Sale Label Form (PDF)

Labelled artwork can be dropped off at the Alternator between June 25 - 29 during regular gallery hours. If you are unable to drop off your work during these times, please email info@alternatorcentre.com to make alternate arrangements.

All​ ​artwork​ ​identification​ ​must​ ​be​ ​included and​ ​securely​ ​attached​ ​to​ ​your​ ​art​ ​at​ ​the​ ​time​ ​of​ ​drop-off. Please be sure to note which of your submitted pieces are your 2 guaranteed works, and which is an additional work submitted for jurying.

Step​ ​4:​ ​Sales

75% of any sales go directly to the artists after the end of the exhibition. Cheques are typically delivered in September. Please note, new this year, total payable earnings under $20 will be automatically credited towards future membership payments.

Additionally, participants will have the option to donate their earnings to the gallery.

Important Dates

Exhibition Dates: July 12 - August 10 

Opening Reception / 35th Birthday Party: July 12, 6-8pm

Submissions open: May 6 

Submissions close: June 23

Blank Postcard Pickup: May 7 - June 22

Postcard Making Members Event: June 6 & 20 (more details to be announced!)

Artwork dropoff: June 25 - 29

Artwork Pickup: August 13 - 17

Cheques sent out: September TBD

Still need convincing? Take a look at exhibition photos from previous years!

The Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art invites applications for the position of:

COMMUNITY OUTREACH ASSISTANT

Application Deadline: May 13 2024, midnight

Anticipated Contract Start Date: June 4 2024

Contract length: Fixed (10 weeks. 35 hrs/week)

Remuneration: $17.40/hr

This is a government funded employment opportunity through the CANADA SUMMER JOBS program. As such, all applicants must meet eligiblity requirements for the CANADA SUMMER JOBS program. 

The Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art is a non-profit artist-run centre in Kelowna, BC. Our mandate is to support the development of innovative contemporary work by local, national and international emerging and mid-career artists. The Alternator operates two exhibition spaces, hosts professional development workshops and facilitates community-based arts events.

Working with the Artistic and Administrative Director, the employee will participate in a range of arts-based community outreach activities.

The preferred applicant will have experience in visual and/or media arts, and a familiarity with artist-run centres. They are a highly responsible team player with excellent interpersonal and organizational skills and are able to demonstrate personal initiative and leadership within a collective environment. 

Major responsibilities include: supporting the Alternator’s community outreach activities, assist in daily administrative duties including volunteer coordination, general exhibition installation and maintenance, and offer support to the Artistic and Administrative Director and Board of Directors.

Assets include:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• A familiarity with the Mac environment, including Word, Excel, Adobe CS and template-based web design platforms.

• Physical ability and knowledge to perform preparatory and installation work.

• Ability to work with a team as well as independently.

• Flexibility to work daytime, evening and weekend shifts.

To apply, submit a single PDF document (titled ‘YourFirstNameYourLastname.pdf’) containing a cover letter, resume and contact information for two references to HR@alternatorcentre.com. Please write 'Attn. Hiring Committee' in the email subject line. Deadline May 13 2024, midnight. Applications will not be accepted in person.

The Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art encourages applications from under-represented cultural workers of all backgrounds including, but not limited to, Indigenous, Black, and racialized persons; refugee, newcomer and immigrant persons; two-spirit, LGBTQ+ and gender non-binary persons, persons with diverse abilities, and those on low-incomes.

We thank all who express interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 

The City of Kelowna - Kelowna Community Theatre is currently accepting programming submissions for the Art@KCT exhibition program for the 2024 exhibition calendar.

Art@KCT is a professional exhibition program within the Lobby of the Kelowna Community Theatre presenting the work of visual artists from the Central Okanagan through a schedule of year-round professional exhibitions featuring accessible, thought-provoking public art. 

The program presents the work of a variety of local artists to showcase Kelowna’s expansive creative community, and provides professional development and progression opportunities for local artists. It consists of two professional exhibition spaces:

Rise@KCT is a 42 linear-foot exhibition wall in the southeast quadrant of the Lobby. It features encased plywood walls, gallery lighting and is well suited for exhibiting large and small-scale 2D artworks.

Cube@KCT is a 11 linear foot exhibition space in the northwest quadrant of the Lobby. It features encased plywood walls, gallery lighting and is well suited for exhibiting medium and small-scale 2D artworks. There is also limited capacity to exhibit 3D or digital works in this area.

Art@KCT is rooted in the following values:

Professional

Art@KCT exhibits the work of established and emerging artists in the Central Okanagan who have completed their training period. The program helps artists to live and work as artists in our region by paying appropriate CAR/FAC fees, and by employing a professional curatorial process to aid in professional development. Artworks exhibited as part of Art@KCT must adhere to professional exhibition standards. 

Accessible

For exhibiting artists, this means offering a clear, transparent submission and selection process focused on continuous improvement.

For the viewing public, this means presenting exhibitions that are connected to / relevant to our community, appropriate for the audiences who visit the Theatre, and supplementing these exhibitions with didactic panels using clear and concise language. 

Diverse

Artwork exhibited through the Art@KCT program should be diverse in medium and theme, as permitted by the physical limitations of the exhibition space available. 

Art@KCT is intended to complement existing exhibition opportunities in Kelowna, and support emerging local artists who may not be served by other programs or organizations. 

Art@KCT welcomes submissions from under-represented artists of all backgrounds including, but not limited to, Indigenous, Black, and racialized persons; refugee, newcomer and immigrant persons; two-spirit, LGBTQ+ and gender non-binary persons, persons with diverse abilities, and those on low-incomes or living in poverty. Art@KCT is committed to ensuring equitable access to our submissions process. Submitting artists are invited to contact the Program Consultant if they require any accommodations to participate.

Works will be selected by our Selection Committee based on the following criteria:

• Adherence to program values and eligibility.

• Quality of the artwork. 

• Clarity of the written proposal.

Further, the committee will balance a variety of perspectives, mediums and themes when establishing the annual exhibition calendar.

We are committed to fostering artists' professional development and are proud to pay successful applicants CAR/FAC fees. 

The Art@KCT exhibition program is well suited to early-career artists seeking professional exhibition opportunities, or more established artists seeking new opportunities to exhibit in their home community.

HOW TO SUBMIT

Submissions will only be accepted through the online submission portal. Visit the submissions portal here. 
Below is an overview of the submission requirements.

• Name, Address, Email, Website, Phone Number.

• Declaration of residence (tick box).

• Exhibition space (Rise@KCT or Cube@KCT) you are proposing work for (tick box).

• Declaration that proposed project is completed (tick box).

AND, in a single PDF document, the following information:

1. Overview of your artistic practice. Include information about your artistic vision, concepts and ideas that motivate your artistic practice (maximum 250 words).

2. Overview of the project you are proposing to exhibit. Include information about the context for your project, how it supports your broader creative practice, and your vision for the space once the work is installed (maximum 250 words). 

3. (Optional) Overview of proposed public outreach activities to support your exhibition (for example, workshops, artists talks etc). Please note, acceptance of your exhibition proposal does not guarantee acceptance of your outreach proposal. If your project requires both components to be accepted, please indicate this clearly in your submission. 

4. CV summarizing your professional history and achievements. If more than one artist is included in your proposal, include CVs of all involved artists. Maximum two pages per artist (ie: two artists = four pages).

5. Maximum 10 high-quality portfolio images in support of your application.

• Images must include documentation of the proposed project.

• Images should correspond with those listed on the image list. 

• One image per page. Images may be oriented vertically or horizontally.  

• If your work is focused on video, sound or other media, please utilize a sharing platform to store your work and provide links and passwords to appropriate files in your image list.

6. Image list for your portfolio. Include: artist name, title of work, medium, date of creation and dimensions. Links and passwords to video support material should also be included in this section, as required.

7. Presentation Details. Include information on how works are framed or finished for public presentation, preferred hanging / installation method or special installation considerations (maximum 100 words).

Note: Please title your submission PDF as follows:
Rise Gallery Submissions: KCT_RISE_[LAST NAME]_[FIRST NAME].pdf
Cube Gallery Submissions: KCT_CUBE_[LAST NAME]_[FIRST NAME].pdf

Submissions for the 2023 Art@KCT exhibition schedule should be received by October 25 2023 (midnight). 
Applicants included in this intake can expect to hear final results of their submission by January 5 2024.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US

Artists selected for exhibition will be supported in the following ways:

• Exhibition royalties in accordance with the current CAR/FAC Fee Schedule (A.1.6 Exhibitions in Other Public Places).

• Staff assistance with exhibition installation.

• Community outreach opportunities (subject to approval), with additional CAR/FAC fees as appropriate.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

The Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art’s Annual Members’ Show and Sale is back with the third edition of the Postcard Project and Studio Sale! This year we invite you to celebrate the Alternator’s 34th Birthday with this community-centered exhibition and sale taking place from July 7 - August 12, 2023.

Similar to previous years, the Annual Members’ Exhibition: Postcard Project & Studio Sale, will take on two distinct components. Artists will have the option to participate in either the Postcard Project, Studio Sale, or both.

Like last year, we will be hosting an event to accompany the exhibition in celebration of our 34th Birthday and our creative community, stay tuned for upcoming details!

The Postcard Project invites 34 Alternator member artists (one for each year of our existence!) to create 10 original postcards. The works may be watercolour, collage, photographs or any other 2D media that will fit on the 4x6” postcard substrate (postcard blanks will be provided by the Alternator). In the spirit of the Alternator mandate, we welcome experimental interpretations of this project. A grocery list? Instructions for performance art? A map leading to a buried treasure? We love it!! This will be a limited run of 340 unique postcards so don’t delay in registering as spots are limited, first come, first served! 

The numbered, limited edition postcards will be exhibited in-gallery and offered for sale to our visitors for $10 each with 75% of proceeds going directly to the artist, and the remaining 25% to the gallery to support the Alternator’s programming. The public will be encouraged to send their purchased postcard out to friends or family, keep it for themselves, or have the Alternator mail the postcard on their behalf (within Canada; address to be provided by purchaser).

The Studio Sale is an open call for submissions for Members to submit up to two guaranteed artworks and one juried artwork (any medium / theme) for inclusion in an exhibition taking place in the Main and Project Gallery. The maximum artwork size is 36”x36”. Artworks may be offered for sale at any price with 75% of proceeds going directly to the artist, and the remaining 25% to the gallery to support the Alternator’s programming. Works will be removed from the wall as they are sold so buyers can walk away with their newly purchased art.

How​ ​to​ ​Participate:

Step​ ​1:​ ​Membership

Sign​ ​up​ ​for​ ​or​ ​renew​ ​your​ ​Alternator​ ​membership.​ ​You​ ​can​ ​sign-up​ ​online​ ​​or​ ​in​ ​person​ ​at​ ​the​ ​gallery.​ ​

Not​ ​sure​ if your Alternator membership is still active? ​ ​Contact​ ​us​ ​at​ ​250 868 2298​ ​or​ ​at​ ​info@alternatorcentre.com and we can help you out!

Step​ ​2:​ ​Register​ ​to​ ​Exhibit​ by: Saturday, June 24, 11:59 p.m.

Complete and submit the registration form either through the Alternator website or by completing a printed form that can​ ​then​ ​be​ ​submitted​ ​in​ ​person or​ ​emailed to​ ​info@alternatorcentre.com. Artists can sign up for either the Postcard Project, Studio Sale, or both.

Postcard Project & Studio Sale Registration Form (Online)
Postcard Project & Studio Sale Registration Form (PDF) 

Step​ ​3:​ ​Label​ ​and​ ​drop​ ​off​ ​your​ ​artwork

POSTCARD PROJECT
Pick up your blank postcards (if applicable)

Artists participating in the Postcard Project will be provided with 10 4x6” blank postcards. Cards may be picked up at the Alternator between May 27 - June 24. Any medium is welcome as long as the piece remains 2D and limited to 4x6”.

Completed postcards should be returned to the Alternator on Saturday, June 24, or between Tuesday - Friday, June 27 - 30 during gallery hours. If you are unable to drop off your completed postcards during these times, please email info@alternatorcentre.com to make alternate arrangements. Please identify your work by completing the following inventory form and return when dropping off artworks.

Postcard Project Inventory

STUDIO SALE

The public will take home purchased Studio Sale artwork with them immediately. As such, we ask that artwork is dropped off in good condition and ready to hang or install. For instance, artwork that is on warped frames or that does not have required hardware (i.e. wire) for hanging will not be accepted. 

Label​ ​and​ ​identify​ ​your​ ​artwork​ by filling out and attaching labels below.

Studio Sale Label Form (PDF)

Labelled artwork can be dropped off at the Alternator on Saturday, June 24, or between Tuesday - Friday, June 27 - 30 during regular gallery hours. If you are unable to drop off your work during these times, please email info@alternatorcentre.com to make alternate arrangements.

All​ ​artwork​ ​identification​ ​must​ ​be​ ​included and​ ​securely​ ​attached​ ​to​ ​your​ ​art​ ​at​ ​the​ ​time​ ​of​ ​drop-off. Please be sure to note which of your submitted pieces are your 2 guaranteed works, and which is an additional work submitted for jurying.

Important Dates

Exhibition dates: July 7 - August 12

Submissions open: May 22

Submissions close: June 24

Blank postcard pickup: May 27 - June 24

Postcard waitlist opens: June 27

Artwork dropoff: Saturday, June 24, Tuesday - Friday, June 27-30

Artwork pickup: August 15 - 19

Cheques sent out: September

Still need convincing? Take a look at exhibition photos from previous years!

The Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art is currently accepting programming submissions for our Members’ Gallery from local artists and curators!

Since launching in 2011, the Members’ Gallery has exhibited the work of over 500 artists, ranging in experience from novice artists exhibiting their work for the first time, to established professional artists using the space to experiment with new projects. 

The Alternator Members’ Gallery is a community programming space dedicated to supporting the professional development of local emerging artists and community groups. The program offers Members’ Gallery participants access to our highly visible Window Gallery that faces onto the Rotary Centre for the Arts corridor and attracts up to 200,000 visitors per year. This space is well-suited for artists and curators with prior experience that are seeking to advance their practices and experiment with the unique dimensions and visibility of the gallery. We encourage participants towards innovative installation approaches that engage visitors and align with the Alternator’s mandate.

The Alternator’s mandate is to exhibit work that is engaged, experimental and collaborative. If your work fits into any of these categories then it will likely be a good fit for the Members’ Gallery. 

Further, the Members’ Gallery space offers a unique hybrid between a traditional exhibition wall and a micro-installation site. We encourage artists to consider the opportunities of this specific space when selecting work for exhibition. To view examples of how the Member’s Gallery space has been activated by artists in the past, please see our archive. If you require additional information on displaying in this space, please contact us - we are more than happy to chat.

You can learn more and submit to be on the Members’ Gallery list here!

The Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art is now accepting exhibition proposals from artists and curators for the 2024 programming of the Main Gallery and Project Gallery.

The Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art is an artist-run centre located on unceded syilx territory, in what is now called Kelowna, BC. Since 1989 the Alternator has shown the work of emerging Canadian and international artists with an experimental approach, particularly those engaged in social and cultural issues. 

Works will be selected by our Programming Committee based on the following criteria:

• Compatibility with the Alternator's mandate

• Quality of the artwork (with an emphasis on experimental approach)

• Clarity of the written proposal

• Production cost and availability

Further, the Programming Committee seeks diversity of perspective, medium and theme when establishing our annual exhibition calendar.

We welcome submissions from under-represented artists of all backgrounds including, but not limited to, Indigenous, Black, and racialized persons; refugee, newcomer and immigrant persons; two-spirit, LGBTQ+ and gender non-binary persons, persons with diverse abilities, and those on low-incomes or living in poverty. We are committed to ensuring equitable access to our submissions process. Please contact us if you require any accommodations to participate.

We are committed to fostering artists' professional autonomy and are proud to pay successful applicants CAR/FAC fees. The deadline for applications will be March 20, 2023 (Midnight).

To see the full description of submission requirements for both the Main and Project Galleries please visit submit page.

The Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art’s Annual Members’ Show and Sale is back with the second edition of the Postcard Project and Studio Sale! This year we invite you to celebrate the Alternator’s 33rd Birthday with this community-centered exhibition and sale taking place from July 8 - August 6, 2022.

Similar to the previous year, the Annual Members’ Exhibition: Postcard Project & Studio Sale, will take on two distinct components. Artists will have the option to participate in either the Postcard Project, Studio Sale, or both.

This year we will be hosting an event to accompany the exhibition in celebration of our 33rd Birthday and our creative community, stay tuned for upcoming details!

The Postcard Project invites 33 Alternator member artists (one for each year of our existence!) to create 10 original postcards. The works may be watercolour, collage, photographs or any other 2D media that will fit on the 4x6” postcard substrate (postcard blanks will be provided by the Alternator). In the spirit of the Alternator mandate, we welcome experimental interpretations of this project. A grocery list? Instructions for performance art? A map leading to a buried treasure? We love it!! This will be a limited run of 330 unique postcards so don’t delay in registering as spots are limited, first come, first served! 

The numbered, limited edition postcards will be exhibited in-gallery and offered for sale to our visitors for $10 each with 75% of proceeds going directly to the artist, and the remaining 25% to the gallery to support the Alternator’s programming. The public will be encouraged to send their purchased postcard out to friends or family, keep it for themselves, or have the Alternator mail the postcard on their behalf (within Canada; address to be provided by purchaser).

NOTE: Registration to participate in the postcard project is now full. You can still register, and will be on a waitlist if any spots become available! Registration is still open for the studio sale.

The Studio Sale is an open call for submissions for Members to submit up to two guaranteed artworks and one juried artwork (any medium / theme) for inclusion in an exhibition taking place in the Main and Project Gallery. The maximum artwork size is 36”x36”. Artworks may be offered for sale at any price with 75% of proceeds going directly to the artist, and the remaining 25% to the gallery to support the Alternator’s programming. Works will be removed from the wall as they are sold so buyers can walk away with their newly purchased art.

How​ ​to​ ​Participate:

Step​ ​1:​ ​Membership

Sign​ ​up​ ​for​ ​or​ ​renew​ ​your​ ​Alternator​ ​membership.​ ​You​ ​can​ ​sign-up​ ​online​ ​​or​ ​in​ ​person​ ​at​ ​the​ ​gallery.​ ​

Not​ ​sure​ if your Alternator membership is still active? ​ ​Contact​ ​us​ ​at​ ​250 868 2298​ ​or​ ​at​ ​info@alternatorcentre.com and we can help you out!

Step​ ​2:​ ​Register​ ​to​ ​Exhibit​ by: Thursday, June 30th,​ ​2022, 11:59 p.m.

Complete and submit the registration form either through the Alternator website or by completing a printed form that can​ ​then​ ​be​ ​submitted​ ​in​ ​person or​ ​emailed to​ ​info@alternatorcentre.com. Artists can sign up for either the Postcard Project, Studio Sale, or both.

Postcard Project & Studio Sale Registration Form (Online)
Postcard Project & Studio Sale Registration Form (PDF) 

Step​ ​3:​ ​Label​ ​and​ ​drop​ ​off​ ​your​ ​artwork

POSTCARD PROJECT
Pick up your blank postcards (if applicable)

Artists participating in the Postcard Project will be provided with 10 4x6” blank postcards. Cards may be picked up at the Alternator between June 7 -  June 11. Any medium is welcome as long as the piece remains 2D and limited to 4x6”.

Completed postcards should be returned to the Alternator between​ ​June 30 - July 2 during gallery hours. If you are unable to drop off your completed postcards during these times, please email info@alternatorcentre.com to make alternate arrangements. Please identify your work by completing the following inventory form and return when dropping off artworks.

Postcard Project Inventory

STUDIO SALE

The public will take home purchased Studio Sale artwork with them immediately. As such, we ask that artwork is dropped off in good condition and ready to hang or install. For instance, artwork that is on warped frames or that does not have required hardware (i.e. wire) for hanging will not be accepted. 

Label​ ​and​ ​identify​ ​your​ ​artwork​ by filling out and attaching labels below.

Studio Sale Label Form (PDF)

Labelled artwork can be dropped off at the Alternator between​ ​June 30 - July 2 during regular gallery hours. If you are unable to drop off your work during these times, please email info@alternatorcentre.com to make alternate arrangements.

All​ ​artwork​ ​identification​ ​must​ ​be​ ​included and​ ​securely​ ​attached​ ​to​ ​your​ ​art​ ​at​ ​the​ ​time​ ​of​ ​drop-off. Please be sure to note which of your submitted pieces are your 2 guaranteed works, and which is an additional work submitted for jurying.

Important Dates

June 1 - Registration opens
June 7 - 11 - Blank postcard pickup
June 14 -18 - Postcard waitlist notified & pickup
June 30 - Registration deadline
June 28 - 30 & July 2 - Artwork dropoff
July 8 - Exhibition opens
August 6 - Exhibition ends
August 9 - 13 - Artwork pickup
September - Cheques mailed out

Still need convincing? Take a look at photos from 2021’s event below!

The Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art is currently accepting programming submissions for The Assembly, a new, thematic, online members’ exhibition project series.

Launching in January 2022, this project is an opportunity for members to exhibit their work digitally within the Alternator website. 

We are currently inviting Alternator members (and prospective members) to submit work responding to the theme of Sustainability.  (Sustainability means meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs -- not just environmentalism, but also concerning social equity and economic development.)

This is an unjuried exhibition opportunity. A maximum of 25 works will be included in the online exhibition. Submitted works that fulfill the theme will be included on a first-come, first-served basis.

What you can expect from us

As part of the Assembly, the Alternator will create an embedded section within the Alternator website to host the membership exhibition. This area will feature a curatorial essay on the theme of Sustainability, along with separate pages for each artwork included in the project.

In keeping with the Alternator’s mandate of supporting artists, those selected for participation in the project will receive a $50 honorarium.

The Alternator will also host an online outreach event/opening reception for the project and encourage all artists selected for inclusion to participate.

Submission Requirements:

Submitted artworks must be able to be effectively presented in the digital realm. This includes, (but is not limited to)  visual art (photo or video documentation of work), coded or generative artworks video, sound, or written word (up to 1000 words). 

Only works adhering to the theme of sustainability will be included in this exhibition. Artists must include a brief statement outlining how the submitted artwork addresses this theme as part of the submission process. 

Each artist may only submit one artwork for inclusion in the project. 

In order to participate, artists must either be a current Alternator member in good standing, or obtain an Alternator Membership on confirmation of their inclusion in the project. 

The submissions form for The Assembly will open December 9 2021 (11am), and remain open until January 20 2022(11:59pm) As this program is first-come, first served, artists are encouraged to prepare their submission in advance of the December 9 submission opening. Don’t delay in submitting your works to the Assembly, as space is limited!

Please prepare the following information before beginning your online submission:

• Name, Address, Email, Phone Number of submitted

• Brief artist(s) biography  (maximum100 words) (what about collaborative works?)

• Overview of how the proposed artwork addresses the theme of Sustainability (maximum 150 words).

• A declaration that the submitted artwork is completed (tick box).

• Artist(s) name, the title of work, medium, date of creation and original dimensions.

• Links to Artist(s) website and social media profiles

Artwork Guidelines

Images:

• Format: Only .jpg, .gif, or .png

• Maximum File Size: 20 MB

• Maximum image width: 2500 pixels 

• Colour mode: RGB (red, green, blue)

Video: Vimeo and YouTube links will be accepted. Please include any passwords if videos are not currently public, as required. 

Audio:

• Format: .mp3, .m4a or link to Soundcloud file

• Bit Depth: 16bit

• Bitrate: 128 kbps max (96 kbps recommended for spoken word)

• Channels: Mono or Stereo

• Maximum File Size: 160 MB (If your audio file is larger please use Soundcloud.)

Written: Written submissions (poetry etc) may be attached as an OCR optimized  PDF file, .doc or link to Google document. 

Other: We acknowledge that there are various types of artwork that may fall into other modes of experience, such as a game or an app. If you have work that requires special directions to experience it, please include screenshots as images, and then additional directions within the ‘other information’ section of the submission form. 

Submitted materials must be embeddable on our website. 

Diversity and Equality

We welcome submissions from under-represented artists of all backgrounds including, but not limited to, Indigenous, Black, and racialized persons; refugee, newcomer and immigrant persons; two-spirit, LGBTQ+ and gender non-binary persons, persons with diverse abilities, and those on low-incomes or living in poverty. We are committed to ensuring equitable access to our submissions process. Please contact us if you require any accommodations to participate.

FAQS

Who can submit work?

All applicants selected to exhibit work in The Assembly must be Alternator members. However, if you don’t currently have an Alternator membership but would still like to submit work for consideration, that’s okay! On acceptance of your submission, you will be prompted to complete your membership.  

How do I become an Alternator member? 

Becoming a member is easy and affordable. The Alternator has opportunities for both paid and volunteer memberships.  (Please note: Volunteers must have completed 12 hours of volunteer work prior to registration.) For more information or to become a member, visit: https://www.alternatorcentre.com/memberships/

The Alternator fosters inclusivity regardless of social, economic or other barriers. If you want to be involved with this exhibition but there are financial or other barriers preventing you from joining in, please reach out so we can enable your participation.

Are collaborative works eligible? 

Yes. Only one collaborating artist must have a membership, and only one honorarium will be paid per artwork. 

Can I submit more than one artwork? 

No. Each member may only submit once to each intake. 

Can I submit a work in progress? 

Artworks must be completed in order to be eligible. Works in progress or speculative works are not eligible.

Does the Alternator offer support for professional documentation?

No,  the Alternator cannot currently provide support in documenting your works. However, we have identified a number of online resources that may provide some guidance in this area:

4 Steps to Photographing Your Art Like a Professional Or How To Photograph Your Art

Will phone pictures be sufficient for documentation?

Yes. Phone images can be used for documentation. Here are some videos that provide some great tips if you are using a phone camera to document your work. Please note: Photo and video documentation shot on a phone will need to adhere to the submission guidelines outlined above: 

How to Photograph Art WIth Your Phone Or Photographing your 3D Art with an iPhone/Smartphone

When will I hear if my work will be included in the Assembly? 

Artists submitting to this call can expect to hear the final results of their submission by January 21st 2022.

Besides the opening, will there be other opportunities to connect with the other participating artists or audience? 

Opportunities that take place within the digital realm will be considered. For instance, if you are a video artist and are hosting an online screening of your video. However, additional honorariums will not be paid for outreach activities. If you have additional ideas for extended outreach related to the Assembly, please include details in the ‘other information’ section of the submission form. 

What are other upcoming themes for The Assembly exhibitions? 

The Assembly’s next theme (Spring/Summer 2022) is ‘the human condition’. The human condition includes the characteristics and key events that compose the essentials of human existence, including birth, growth, emotion, aspiration, conflict, and mortality, the meaning of life or moral concerns. It includes different perspectives that come from philosophy, history, literature, anthropology, psychology, and biology, and religion.

Since 1989, the Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art has supported a wide variety of Canadian artists through exhibitions, community programming, and collaboration. We have dedicated ourselves to fostering the arts in our community through supporting and developing the talents of local and national artists over the years. To commemorate our 32nd year operating, we would like to invite our membership to celebrate with us!

This year our Annual Members’ Exhibition has a new spin and timeframe. The Annual Members’ Exhibition: Postcard Project & Studio Sale, will take on two distinct components. Artists will have the option to participate in either the Postcard Project, Studio Sale, or both. Participants are not required to submit to both aspects but are highly encouraged to.

The Postcard Project aims to foster connection despite these times of social and physical distancing. 32 Alternator member artists (one for each year of our existence!) will be invited to create 10 original postcards. The works may be watercolour, collage, photographs or any other 2D media that will fit on the 4”x6” postcard substrate (postcard blanks will be provided by the Alternator). In the spirit of the Alternator mandate, we welcome experimental interpretations of this project. A grocery list? Instructions for performance art? A map leading to a buried treasure? We love it!! This will be a limited run of 320 postcards so don’t delay in registering as spots are limited, first come, first served! 

The numbered, limited edition postcards will be exhibited in-gallery and offered for sale to our visitors for $10 each with 75% of proceeds going directly to the artist, and the remaining 25% to the gallery to support the Alternator’s programming. The public will be encouraged to send their purchased postcard out to friends or family, keep it for themselves, or have the Alternator mail the postcard on their behalf (within Canada; address to be provided by purchaser).

The Studio Sale is an open call for submissions for Members to submit up to two guaranteed artworks and one juried artwork (any medium / theme) for inclusion in an exhibition taking place in the Main Gallery. The maximum artwork size is 36”x36”. Artworks may be offered for sale at any price with 75% of proceeds going directly to the artist, and the remaining 25% to the gallery to support the Alternator’s programming. Works will be removed from the wall as they are sold so buyers can walk away with their newly purchased art.

How To Participate:

Step 1: Membership

Sign up for or renew your Alternator membership. You can sign-up online or in person at the gallery.

Not sure if your Alternator membership is still active? Contact us at 250 868 2298 or at info@alternatorcentre.com and we can help you out!

Step 2: Register to exhibit by Wednesday, June 30th, 2021, 11:59 p.m.

Complete and submit the registration form either through the Alternator website or by completing a printed form that can then be submitted in person or emailed to info@alternatorcentre.com. Artists can sign up for either the Postcard Project, Studio Sale, or both.

Postcard Project & Studio Sale Registration Form (Online)

Postcard Project & Studio Sale Registration Form (PDF) 

Step 3: Label and drop off your artwork

POSTCARD PROJECT

Completed postcards should be returned to the Alternator between June 30 - July 3, 2021 during gallery hours. If you are unable to drop off your completed postcards during these times, please email info@alternatorcentre.com to make alternate arrangements. Please identify your work by completing the following inventory form and return when dropping off artworks.

Postcard Project Inventory

STUDIO SALE

The public will take home purchased Studio Sale artwork with them immediately. As such, we ask that artwork is dropped off in good condition and ready to hang or install. For instance, artwork that is on warped frames or that does not have required hardware (i.e. wire) for hanging will not be accepted. 

Label and identify your artwork by filling out and attaching labels below.

Studio Sale Label Form (PDF)

Labelled artwork can be dropped off at the Alternator between June 30 - July 3, 2021 during regular gallery hours. If you are unable to drop off your work during these times, please email info@alternatorcentre.com to make alternate arrangements.

All artwork identification must be included and securely attached to your art at the time of drop-off. Please be sure to note which of your submitted pieces are your 2 guaranteed works, and which is an additional work submitted for jurying.

Step 4: Pick up your blank postcards (if applicable)

Artists participating in the Postcard Project will be provided with 10 4”x6” blank postcards. Cards may be picked up at the Alternator between June 1 and June 12. Any medium is welcome as long as the piece remains 2D and limited to 4”x6”.