top of page
Islamic Woman

Islamic Heritage Month Art Exhibit

TAC is building Muslim Artists from the ground up, under one umbrella. We envision a thriving community of artists full of talent, coming together to share their heritage.

​

IHM applications are now open for October 2025

​

"Canvas of Muslim Artists"

Honouring Heritage Through Art

​

Holcim Gallery, First Ontario Arts Centre, 1010 Main St E, Milton, ON L9T 0J4, 

Early Bird Submission: August 20th
Application Deadline: September 15th
​
Exhibition Dates: October 7-26th​​

Artwork Drop off: Oct 6th : 6pm-8:30pm
Artwork Pick up: October 26th : 12-2pm

Open Night: TBD

CALL FOR ARTISTS

​​​​​

​​​​​​​About the Exhibition​​

​

In celebration of Islamic Heritage Month, The Artist Cube presents Canvas of Muslim Artists: Honouring Heritage Through Art — a group exhibition featuring visual artworks by Muslim-identifying artists. The exhibit aims to reflect, preserve, and represent Islamic traditions, cultures, histories, and personal heritage.  This initiative supports diverse artistic expressions and celebrates the narratives within the global Muslim experience.

 

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Identify as Canadian Muslim

  • Be 18 years of age or older

  • Reside in Canada (mail-in and mail-out costs are the responsibility of the artist)

  • Submit original artwork aligned with the exhibition’s theme of Islamic heritage, identity, spirituality, or cultural memory

  • Ideally be available to participate in at least one community engagement activity, such as an artist talk, guided tour, or panel discussion; or volunteer for at least one exhibition day to welcome guests (optional but recommended)

  • Ensure submitted artowrk aligns with exhibit's guidelines and values

  • Refrain from submitting work that includes profanity, vulgarity, human figures, or imagery that contradicts Islamic teachings

​

Key Dates​

Early Bird Deadline : August 20, 2025 (11:59 PM EST)

Final Application Deadline : September 15, 2025 (11:59 PM EST)

Artist Notification : September 20, 2025

Artwork Drop-off : October 6th, 2025 6-8:30pm

Opening Night : October TBD

Exhibition Duration : October 7–26, 2025

Artwork Pickup : October 26, 2025, 12-2pm

​​​

Accepted Media & Artwork Specifications​

Submissions are welcome from a wide range of visual disciplines, including:

  • Painting (oil, acrylic, watercolour, mixed media)

  • Drawing (ink, graphite, charcoal, etc.)

  • Photography (digital or film)

  • Textile art

  • Calligraphy

  • Digital art/illustration (must be printed and framed, ready to hang)

  • Small-scale sculpture or 3D works

​​

Please note:

  • All wall-mounted pieces must have proper hanging hardware (D-hooks and wires - see image)

  • Artworks requiring plinths must be noted in your application with size

  • Size of plinths (pedestals) is limited to 24x36" or 24x24"

  • Fragile or complex works must include clear installation instructions

  • AI-generated works are not accepted

  • Artwork must have been created between 2023-2025

  • Artwork must be an original made by artist. Prints are not accepted

  • Artwork must comply within Islamic guidelines

  • Unframed work must be finished to the edges and in "Gallery Condition":

a) the sides of the canvas are painted in one solid colour, or

b) the painting image wraps around the edges.​​​

​

image.png

Selection Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated based on:

  • Artistic merit and originality

  • Relevance to the exhibition theme (Islamic heritage and identity)

  • Technical execution and craftsmanship

  • Diversity in perspectives, media, and disciplines

​​

Submission Procedure​

Please submit your completed application below:​

​

You will need to upload:

  1. Completed application form
     

  2. Artist Bio (150 words) – PDF or Word
     

  3. Artist Statement (150 words) – PDF or Word
     

  4. 3–5 images: past works and/or proposed artwork sketches (max 1MB each)
     

    • File naming format: Name-Title.jpg
       

  5. A crisp headshot photo (max 1MB) for the exhibit booklet
     

  6. A short statement (max 250 words) describing how your artwork connects to Islamic heritage
     

Artwork Size Limitations:

  • No work may exceed 40” in width or 48” in height (email us if you create larger pieces)
     

  • You may submit up to 3 works; at least 1 will be accepted if criteria are met

The Artist Cube will confirm which works are accepted after review and payment can be made accordingly.

​

Fees: ​​​

TAC Members:

  • Early Bird (until August 20):

$45 (first artwork) + $10 for each additional (max 3)

​

  • Regular Price(Aug 21 – Sept 15):

$55 (first artwork) + $10 each additional

​

For Non-Members:

  • Early Bird (until August 20):

$55 (first artwork) + $15 each additional

​

  • Regular (Aug 21 – Sept 15):

$60 (first artwork) + $15 each additional

​

Fees are non-refundable once accepted.
TAC retains a 20% commission on all artwork sold during the exhibition.

​

Method of Payment: 

E-transfer to : theartistcube@gmail.com​​​​​​

Contact

For inquiries, please contact Nafisa Motiwala at exhibitions@theartistcube.com​​​​​

Your Submission Includes:

  • Listing in the official artist booklet : Printed for the gallery and for artists upon request
     

  • Promotion on The Artist Cube website and social media (dedicated page on website)
     

  • A feature post highlighting your work and artist bio
     

  • Media exposure at the launch event
     

  • Invitations for friends and family to attend the opening night (limited numbers due to venue restrictions)
     

  • Opportunities for artist interviews and community engagement

​​

Expectations from Artists:

As a selected artist, we expect you to:

  • Ensure your Artwork is labeled on the front and on the back with: Artist Name; Artwork Name; Price; Medium.

  • Submit your artwork on time
     

  • Promote the exhibit via social media and email
     

  • Collaborate with @theartistcube when sharing event-related posts
     

  • Represent your work with authenticity and originality
     

  • Ensure your work aligns with Islamic values (no nudity, lewdness, distinct facial features, or content that contradicts Muslim ethics)
     

  • Treat volunteers, staff, and fellow artists with respect and professionalism

​​​​

Artwork Drop-Off & Pick-Up:​​

  • Drop-Off: First Ontario Arts Centre, Holcim Gallery, Milton ON: October 6th (Monday), 6-8:30pm

  • Pick-Up: First Ontario Arts Centre, Holcim Gallery, Milton ON:  October 26th (Sunday), 12-2pm

​​

  • Artists must have ID when they drop off their work. If someone else will pick up work, please make sure TAC team has been notified upon drop off and the name of the person is written on the sign in sheet. 
     

Promotion: Organizers reserve the right to promote artworks on social media, websites, and printed material.

​

Thank you. We look forward to your submissions!

APPLICATION FORM

The Artist Cube presents:

Canvas of Muslim Artists: Honouring Heritage Through Art

  • Maximum 3 submissions per artist.

  • Please read all instructions. Artwork will be rejected if guidelines are not adhered to.

  • Please make a note of all dates mentioned.

  • For any questions email: exhibitions@theartistcube.com

Multi-line address
AGE RANGE
14-18 YOUTH
19+ ADULT
ARE YOU AN:
EMERGING ARTISTS
ESTABLISHED ARTIST
Other

Please make sure the file name is your first and last name.

This picture will go in the artist booklet.

ARTWORK DETAILS

HOW MANY PIECES WILL YOU BE ENTERING?
1
2
3

File names should follow this format: Artist Name-Title.jpg


If you are ready to upload your final work to the exhibition, please skip the above upload and enter your final pieces below. If you are only uploading previously done work and will be working on new pieces for the exhibit, please indicate that below. You will be asked to send your final images with Artist Statements to : exhibitions@theartistcube.com before the deadline.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I AM READY TO SUBMIT ALL OF MY ARTWORK:

ARTWORK # 1:

All artwork on a canvas or wood board must be painted on the sides or framed. Size of artwork should include frame. Artwork must be secured using a wire and D-hooks (please find videos on google on how to correctly wire your work for hanging). Single saw-hooks will not be accepted. File names should follow this format: ArtistName_Title

You may apply to the exhibition without the finished painting (s) to secure a spot. You will be asked to submit the final artwork before the deadline.

ARTWORK # 2

ARTWORK # 3

HAVE YOU PARTICIPATED IN EXHIBITIONS BEFORE?
YES
NO

Let us know if your art needs a plinth or table for display.

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THIS EXHIBITION?

If selected, you will be asked to send in your dues to hold your spot. Please make sure you add our email address (theartistcube@gmail.com and info@theartistcube.com) to your address book. Thank you.

TYPES OF TAC EVENTS:

OUTDOOR ART SHOWS

TAC will hold art shows or become part of existing art shows to enable Muslim artists to showcase their art under a unified banner. 

Shows will be in a tent setting within a festival that TAC partners up with.​

​

INDOOR EXHIBITIONS

TAC will be renting galleries and displaying artists' work in exhibitions and creating a dedicated team to arrange this aspect of events.​

​This team requires some people who have a good eye for indoor space set up and ideally have curator experience.​​

JOIN THE MOVEMENT!

 Get the Latest News & Updates

Policy and Procedures

Contact

Address: 907 Transom Crescent, Milton, Ontario, L9T8K4, Canada 

bottom of page