Hamilton Arts Week accepting applications for signature events

By HCMDec 22, 2023

10th annual Hamilton Arts Council event taking place June 5-14 with events across the city.

The 10th annual Hamilton Arts Week returns June 5 to 14 and is now accepting applications from artists and arts organizations to participate as signature events. Applicants can request between $500 to $4,000, which must primarily be used to support equitable payment of artists and event contributors.

Hamilton Arts Week is presented on behalf of the City of Hamilton by the Hamilton Arts Council, featuring 10-days of unique events and activities across the city.

A two-phase application process calls for expressions of Interest as a brief outline of your proposed activities, to be submitted by Jan. 7 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Activities can be for online, in-person or hybrid audiences, and should clearly align with one of the presentation streams, which include;

● Collaborating, or combining diverse artistic expressions or creative practices;
● Community building and connecting;
● Indigenous artists, themes and audiences;
● Innovating approaches or exploring compelling themes or;
● Reimagining spaces, places and zones.

Final signature event selection will be conducted by a panel of Hamilton-area arts practitioners and professionals. They are:

Angela DeMontigny: Renowned Indigenous Canadian (Cree/Métis) designer, artist, and entrepreneur, notably recognized for her contributions to the All Our Relations public art project at Hamilton’s West Harbour..

Sheila Murray: Esteemed author of Finding Edward (2023 Hamilton Literary Award-winner for fiction) and former documentary filmmaker, with a background in social justice and not-for-profit endeavours.

Shane Pennells: Accomplished Indigenous (Ojibwe) filmmaker and writer, acknowledged for his sustained two-decade commitment to utilizing the arts as a conduit for amplifying the voices and narratives of marginalized populations in Hamilton.

Angela DeMontigny, Sheila Murray and Shane Pennells are the adjudicators for the selection of Hamilton Arts Week signature events.

"Annually, Arts Week offers unique and inspiring insight into Hamilton's creative landscape,” says Megan Divecha, HAC’s programs & community engagement coordinator. “It's a celebration we share with the city's residents and visitors. We encourage artists and presenters to apply with the ambition of growing their professional networks and connecting with new audiences."

HAC encourages applications from artists or groups of all experience-levels, and that reflect the rich diversity of creative communities throughout the Greater Hamilton Area and Six Nations of the Grand River. For more information on Arts Week, to apply or to request application support, visit here.