It’s time for our 4th Annual Pitch Days, and we’re ready to be impressed
Have you cooked up a concept for a show, event, or workshop so good it should come with a warning label? Is your crew sitting on a group exhibition that deserves attention? Good! We want to see it. We are seeking artists, collectives, and collaborators to bring fresh energy and compelling perspectives to our space.
Just remember: we are a commercial gallery. While we live for boundary-pushing art, we need ideas that not only resonate aesthetically but also convert into sales. We're looking for work that's not just brilliant, but commercially captivating—art that our clients simply must own. Think: "What will our patrons absolutely lose sleep over if they don't buy it?”
The Pitch: Bring More Than Just Samples
These meetings are not the place for a passive "Please hang my stuff" (that place is our Art Submission page). Pitch Days are different. We're looking for a true partnership. Your pitch should sell us on collaboration and client obsession: "Here's how we can partner together" and "Here's why your clients will adore this concept.”
Past pitch days have showcased truly remarkable talent and impact. Some of our favourites include: a spectacular group exhibition featuring nine female artists whose vibrant, cohesive body of work captivated our clients; a deeply moving show proposed by a cancer survivor that integrated an informative session on early detection with a fundraising auction that allowed us to donate nearly $10,000 to our local cancer centre; and the powerful work of an Indigenous artist offering fresh social commentary that immediately resonated with our collectors.
While we have been thrilled by past submissions, we are actively looking to expand into new categories. We would love to feature:
Elevated Functional Objects: Beautifully crafted pieces that offer utility beyond traditional wall art, such as sculptural lighting fixtures, custom-designed furniture, or unique architectural tiles or textiles.
High-Impact Retail Items: Unique, artist-driven "grab-and-go" pieces for our retail space, like premium tea towels, hostess gifts, or small, artisan-made ceramics.
Unconventional Concepts: Submissions for event-based or site-specific installations—show us something genuinely new and compelling for our gallery space. Your independent film's premiere? A body painting or special-effects makeup demonstration? Fashion show? Surprise us!
Your Time to Shine (45 Minutes is All Yours)
This is your opportunity to connect with us one-on-one. Each selected artist will receive a 45-minute slot to meet the team, share samples of your (or your group's) work, and sell us on why your specific vision is the perfect fit for our clientele.
What you can expect from us: A response within two weeks of your pitch. (Please check your spam folder, as some messages have been filtered out in the past.) Your information will be kept on file for three years, and your pitch will be considered in our yearly programming decisions.
For Emerging Artists
If you are just beginning your artistic practice, we encourage you to gain experience by contributing to our Holiday Art Market every November–December. It's a wonderful way to get your work on our walls, see what resonates with our clientele, and get your foot in the door. Look out for the open call which goes out every September on our website and social channels. You can also join our mailing list by e-mailing us at info@colbornegallery.ca
Ready to sign up for a slot?
This year, we have set aside Thursday, January 22, and Thursday, February 5. The 45-minute meetings start at 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM, and 3:00 PM. (Additional dates and times may be added if needed.)