Member opportunities

CALL FOR ART RENTAL SUBMISSIONS on behalf of Kitchener-Waterloo Society of Artists (KWSA)                                  

Exhibition & Art Rental Program

Theme: Positive energy

Submissions Cut-off – July 21 2025

All Applicants Notified – July 25 2025

Art Delivery – July 31 and Aug 1 2025

Art Pick-up – February TBD

Client: Lerners

About Lerners LLP

This is a new office space in the city of Kitchener for the company but they have already participated in one rental period. Lerners LLP has grown to become one of Ontario’s largest firms with offices in London, Toronto, Strathroy, and Waterloo Region. Lerners has been recognized by peers, colleagues and clients and is listed in Canadian Lawyer Magazine.

For the current call, artwork will be in place from July 2025 to January 2026.

Lerners would like to continue the rental program and a new rental period with new artwork will begin in June 2025 and every six months following at their discretion.

APPLICANT & ARTWORK ELIGIBILITY    

1. Applicants must be paid-up KWSA members at the time of submission and rental period. Visit KWSA.ca for membership benefits, terms and to become a member.

2. Each member may submit for every rental period.

3. Original, current 2D artwork made within the last 2 years which addresses the theme. Works must be limited in edition, 25 or fewer copies, each signed and numbered. Artist proofs are accepted.  Prints must be framed and the price must include the frame.

4. A submission is a commitment to participate if selected. Work submitted must be available for that entire rental period if selected and delivered wired properly, ‘exhibition-ready’, and appropriate for installation on an office wall.

5. Please ensure your name and artwork title is recorded on the back.

6. An agreement specific to this project will be provided by email to the selected artists. 

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS 

Only complete submissions received by deadline will be considered. 

1. Submit using the following form: https://forms.gle/eACrpch8YpiHKicR8

2. Images are accepted by DropBox. The link is provided on the form.

3. About images: 

• Up to THREE good quality jpg images of original artwork made within the last two years. A variety of size and price ranges in a submission may increase changes of selection as there is a finite budget for each rental period and a number of smaller exhibition walls.

• Images should be titled by a number and last name (ex. 02_Smith) that corresponds to the same numbering on the form

• If a detail shot is necessary to understanding how the work will look in the space, please include it in your submission. Detail shots are not considered to be part of the 3 work submission limit.  

• Include images of all ready to hang work and a picture of the back of the image also.

IF SELECTED

1. All applicants will be notified by email and the Artist Agreement will be attached for successful applicants. The artist is responsible to bring a printed signed copy with their art at drop off.

2.  All art packaging is to be removed and taken by the artist or delivery designate at that time.

3. KWSA retains the right to refuse artwork delivered that is not as depicted electronically, or as described in the case of framing or display.

4. All submitted images may be used by the renter and Grand River Artist Collective for promotional purposes.

5. Artists are paid 4% per month of the total ‘regular’ value to rent your art work for display, which is a different scenario from a public exhibition. Please do not inflate your prices.

6.  If the renter purchases artwork on display, any rent paid to that point in time is deducted from the price.

EXHIBITION DETAILS 

 KWSA representatives will help the renting organization to select and hang the artwork. Artwork that does not meet the stated requirements may be excluded from the selection process without notice to the artist. The renter has a set budget and it is a factor for art selection.

The renter produces art labels and signage, mounted beside each displayed work.

Sales enquiries are directed to the artist contact info on the art label. Sold work must remain in place until the end of the rental period.  The artist is to notify KWSA of any sold work by title and price. KWSA will arrange for a red dot to be placed on the art label.

At this time the office is not open for visitors or general viewing of the rented work. This is not a public exhibition. KWSA will attempt to photograph the installed exhibition and share with members.

This partnership project is part of an important educational initiative on fair pay for artists, and that paying a small rental fee rent is just one of many better alternatives to free exposure. Please do not reduce or inflate your art prices. There is a limited budget for each exhibition. 

APPLICANT FAQ

1. What about sales and commissions? 

Artists who apply to rent their work through this program pay a submission fee of $10 to submit up to 3 pieces of artwork. Artists keep 100% of rental payments and sale prices.

2. What does KWSA do? 

An artist-run, non-profit organization, KWSA connects visual art practitioners with opportunities, community, and advocates for fair pay. The annual member fee pays to help fund the advertising, communications and professional fees.

3. Who selects the work, plans and installs the displays? 

 KWSA representatives will help the renting organization to select and hang the artwork. Artwork that does not meet the stated requirements may be excluded from the selection process without notice to the artist.

4. Other questions? 

Contact:  Andrea Filiatrault, VP of KWSA at KWSASHOWS@gmail.com