TAC IHM 2026: FAQ

What is included for artists in the application fee?

• If your artwork is approved:

  • The exhibition experience will aid in building your resume and artistic presence.

  • Artists will receive a copy of the TAC magazine that includes art that was approved for the exhibition and respective artist statements. This is subject to finding a sponsor for the magazine.

  • Artists will be invited to the opening night reception.

  • Artists who are premium members will be promoted on social media and will be able to sell their pieces on the TAC Website’s shop.

 

What is the IHM Exhibition?

• The IHM (Islamic Heritage Month) Exhibition is TAC’s flagship exhibition for the arts that is hosted annually. Our aim is to draw attention to the diversity of where Muslims come from and place a spotlight on Muslim artists.

 

Where will the exhibition be taking place?

• This year’s exhibition will have two gallery locations:

  • Holcim Gallery at the First Ontario Arts Centre located in Milton, Ontario

  • Cloverdale Mall (in Partnership with Arts Etobicoke) located in Etobicoke, Ontario

 

Is there a theme we have to follow for the exhibition?

• Yes, there is a theme for the exhibition. The theme is 1001 Stories: Colours of Faith & Home. 

• Your artwork must be relevant to the provided theme and your vision must be expressed in its artist statement.

 

What is the selection criteria for artwork?

• Selection criteria includes the artwork’s relevance to the theme, its artistic quality, creativity, cultural sensitivity, its adherence to Islamic guidelines, its adherence to format requirements (size, medium, etc.) as outlined on the IHM 2026 page of our website which can be found here.

• The identities of all judges on the selection committee are kept confidential to maintain the integrity of the selection process.

 

Are there size requirements?

• If your artwork has a width of 40 inches or larger or your artwork has a height that is 60 inches or larger, please reach out to us at exhibitions@theartistcube.com so that we can confirm if we can accommodate the piece. Otherwise, sizing at this time is open.

 

Do you only take Islamic art or other kinds of art too?

• All kinds of artwork that are within the guidelines of Islamic teachings (no nudity, no vulgarity, no explicit faces, etc.) and format requirements is appropriate.

• If you are unsure if your artwork is within the Islamic guidelines and would like some guidance, please reach out to info@theartistcube.com.

 

Can we apply with the same pieces to both locations?

• No, you will have to submit different original artwork for each location of the exhibition.

 

If our work is digital or is photographic, can we have the same artworks at both locations?

• Each exhibition requires separate artwork. Do not submit the same artwork for both locations.

 

Can several small canvases that make up a singular art piece be considered one piece?

• If your small canvases are put on one board, the board is then framed, and requires only one D hook and wire hanging mechanism in total to hang, then it is considered one piece.

 

I use a different name for my artist name than my legal name, is that fine?

• Yes, an artist name being different from your legal name is acceptable. Your legal name is not required.

 

What kind of exhibition is this?

• This is a curated gallery art exhibition.

 

How many paintings are you looking to display?

• For the Holcim Gallery, mixed sizing can fit approximately 50 paintings depending on their sizes, especially if there are a limited number of large paintings.

• For Arts Etobicoke, not including 3D installations, a minimum of 30 paintings can be accommodated.

• Each artist can submit 3 art pieces, but there is no guarantee that all 3 will be accepted based on the submissions that come in.

 

Will there be an opening reception at each gallery?

• Yes, you will be sent an invite.

 

Do artists need to actively be present for all of the exhibitions?

• Artists do not need to be present for the exhibitions. They do have to be present for dropping off and picking up their artwork for which they should be punctual. If an artist arrives prior to or later than the scheduled drop-off and pick-up times, we are not responsible for your artwork. There will be no members of the TAC Team or the galleries present outside of these time slots.

• If unable to attend the drop-off, pick-up times, it is your responsibility to find someone to drop-off and pick-up your artwork for you.

• Our team understands that emergencies can arise. In such a scenario, please reach out to the exhibitions team promptly at exhibitions@theartistcube.com to see if we can accommodate.

 

What are the drop-off/pick-up times and where will it take place?

• Times for drop-off and pick-up can be found on our website here.

• Drop-off and pick-up will take place at the gallery locations.

 

Can we sell our art at the exhibition?

• Yes, the artwork that is exhibited at the exhibition can be sold. However, if you do not wish to sell your artwork, it can be marked as NFS (Not for Sale).

 

Do you help artists get into the exhibit market and art community?

• Yes, the purpose of TAC is to help Muslim artists to build their artistic presence. Building your resume involves exhibiting work, marketing yourself effectively, and pricing your artwork appropriately. TAC’s goal is to assist you in your journey.

• Premium members of TAC are able to put their artwork in TAC’s online shop and are also promoted via social media.

 

It is my first time exhibiting, is it possible to get assistance/guidance?

• TAC aims to provide mentorship opportunities soon.

• You can book a 30 minute mentoring session to help you. To book a mentoring session, please reach out to info@theartistcube.com and you will be sent a list of mentors to choose from and cost information.

 

Mentorship - What to Expect? How does it work? Will we have to pay an additional fee?

• There will be an additional fee for mentorship.

• Mentors are experienced artists who can discuss and critique your artwork with you. After you have started your art piece, you can book sessions with a mentor.

• Sessions can be 30 minutes to an hour long. Sessions will be $25 for each 30 minute session, which will be paid in advance via TAC’s website.

• If you register for 4 or 8 sessions in one go, you will receive a discount accordingly:

  • 10% off, if 4 sessions are purchased.

  • 15% off, if 8 sessions are purchased.

  • If purchasing each session separately, a discount will not be provided.

• If you are an artist with limited or no gallery experience, we recommend prior to submitting your application to have a mentor look over your application so that they can provide you with guidance to increase your chances of success.

 

Does TAC have external funding?

• TAC does not have external funding, our funding comes from artists, our membership costs and the application fees we charge to exhibit artworks.

• This internal funding pays for, but is not limited to the following:

  • Renting of gallery space

  • Paying workshop instructors

  • Printing flyers and the TAC magazine

  • Paying for social media advertising

  • Hosting welcome receptions at exhibition locations for artists, dignitaries and sponsors

  • Hosting the AGM (Annual General Meeting)

 

Can we upgrade our membership levels prior to the exhibition?

• Yes, you can. To do so:

  • Send an e-transfer to theartistcube@gmail.com with the following in the notes: Upgrading Membership - Your Name.

  • Once you receive the confirmation email for funds deposited, send it to both exhibitions@theartistcube.com and finance@theartistcube.com letting us know that you upgraded your membership tier.