🎨 Call for Artists: Creatives for Climate Action
Northwest Climate Gathering | October 18, 2025 | Thunder Bay, ON

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?

The 3rd Annual Northwest Climate Gathering invites all artists, especially youth and Indigenous artists to submit a proposal that speaks to the urgent need for climate justice in Northern Ontario and beyond. Up to three selected artists will be asked to attend the Gathering from 9-4 pm on Saturday, Oct. 18th to engage with local activists, to involve participants in your art practice if possible, and to be inspired by the Gathering.  See below for more complete description of the event. 

🌍 About the Gathering

Held in Thunder Bay, Ontario, the Northwest Climate Gathering is a regional convergence of land defenders, youth leaders, Elders, artists, and environmental organizers. It is a space for building solidarity, sharing stories, and mobilizing action. This year’s theme is “Building Resilience in an Uncertain World.” 

🧑🏽‍🎨 Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking artists of all ages and backgrounds, but we are particularly interested in supporting artists who:

• Are 16–30 years old
  
• Identify as First Nations, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous to any territory
  
• Engage with climate, land, water, Indigenous rights, or environmental themes
  
• Are passionate about contributing to a vibrant, land-based, and justice-oriented community gathering

🌱 Opportunities Include:

• Potentially sharing your work in exhibitions or performances after the Gathering at Lakehead University or in the community
  
• Collaborating with other artists and environmentalists
  
• Participating in art mentoring, interactive workshops and land-based learning
  
• Receiving a modest honorarium, materials support, and travel assistance (as available)
  

📝 How to Apply

Interested artists are asked to submit the following information via email to nwclimategathering@gmail.com 

1. Full Name
   
2. Age, address and phone number
   
3. Community/Nation or Cultural Identifier (e.g. First Nation, Métis, Inuit, or other Indigenous affiliation) if appropriate.
   
4. Creative Medium(s) (visual, digital, textile, spoken word, film, etc.)
   
5. A description (100-150 words) of your proposed idea or theme for this project. This could be a work-in-progress or something you’d like to develop specifically for the Gathering.
   
6. 3–5 images or samples of recent, completed work (can include photos, video links, or documentation of performances, depending on your medium)
   

7.   Optional: Include a link to your website, social media, or portfolio.

Deadline to apply:  Sept. 30, 2025.

To submit your expression of interest or learn more, contact:
📧 nwclimategathering@gmail.com
🌐 https://www.northwestclimategathering.ca/

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The 2024 Artists in Residence Exhibition is Up!

Visit the second floor of the Bora Laskin Education building at Lakehead University to explore the exhibit. Thank you again to the Lakehead Arts Integrated Research Gallery for their partnership on this project.

Read more about the Artists in Residence here.