NWCG’s Artists in Residence Annual Program
Artwork has been central to the annual NWCGs. Artists’ participation in 2023 emerged organically, but their vital contributions and subsequent gallery show were so successful that an Artists in Residence program launched in 2024. The 2025 Artists in Residence gained a sponsor, Northern Credit Union. Tim Tait and Keira Essex share their work at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery April 21-29, 2026.
For the 2026 NWCG, 1) the Artists in Residence Program is continuing, and 2) a Photo Voice Challenge is being thrown down!
1. Call for Artists in Residence 2026
Are you an artist whose work speaks to the land, water, and future generations? Do you use your creativity to challenge environmental injustice and uplift your community? Do you work across art forms—blending visual, digital, spoken, or performance arts to spark change?
The 4th Annual Northwest Climate Gathering invites all artists whose work speaks to the urgent need for climate justice in Northern Ontario to submit a proposal. Artists working in any medium and at any stage in their development are welcome to apply. Submit your proposal by September 18th: sooner is better!
Up to four selected artists will be asked to attend the Gathering from 10-3 pm on Saturday, Oct. 17th to engage with local activists, to involve participants in art practice, and to be inspired by the Gathering.
2. Photo Voice Challenge: Mobilizing for Climate Action
Take a photo of how climate change mobilization is reflected in your everyday life. Reflect and explore: how do global issues—like climate action, inequality, community well-being, and sustainable development—appear in everyday spaces? Record Thunder Bay’s strengths and express your concerns. Take photos and submit to the Northwest Climate Gathering by October 10th, 2026. A slide show will be created for viewing and discussion at the Northwest Climate Gathering.
SHOW What do you See? How does it relate to Our lives? What can we Do?
How to Participate
Forms to apply for the Artist in Residence program and the Photo Voice can be found in our Google Drive folder.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IFhtLAtobSn_w7FgcDpKd802DQoOxz7G?usp=drive_link
To submit your expression of interest, to get help with forms, or to learn more, contact:
📧 nwclimategathering@gmail.com
🌐 https://www.northwestclimategathering.ca/
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Read more about the 2024 Artists in Residence here.
