Call for Artists: Halton municipalities seek proposals for Culture Days 2026

Oakville, along with Halton Region municipalities - Burlington, Halton Hills, and Milton - invites multidisciplinary artists, artist teams, and collectives to submit proposals for an interactive arts activity as part of Culture Days 2026.

This opportunity offers a $4,000 budget ($2,200 commission and up to $1,800 for material costs) to support an engaging, participatory project taking place during Culture Days from September 18 to October 4, 2026. The selected artist(s) will deliver their activity at predetermined indoor locations in each of the four municipalities, with programming expected to take place on September 19-20, September 26-27 and October 3-4.

Applications due by 4 p.m. on March 30, 2026 to culture@haltonhills.ca.

Eligibility and project requirements

Artists must be 18 years of age or older to apply. Eligible projects must:

• Offer a community-based arts or cultural activity in each municipality (Oakville, Milton, Halton Hills, and Burlington).
• Be a free, indoor, drop-in style activity designed for large group participation. 
• Clearly align with Culture Days’ goal of fostering unity and collaboration.
• Encourage self-expression while exploring themes of home and belonging

Permanent public art projects or installations are not eligible. Examples of eligible projects include interactive workshops, collaborative art initiatives, and participatory performances such as music and dance.

Submissions must include:

• A detailed project proposal
• Budget breakdown
• Artist biography
• Samples of previous work
• Curriculum vitae
• Signed artist declaration

Full application details are available at haltonhills.ca/callforartists.

A selection panel of local artists, arts professionals, and community representatives will review submissions. The successful project will be announced this spring. The selected artist will then collaborate with municipal staff to coordinate project logistics in each community.

About Culture Days

Culture Days is a national celebration of arts, culture and creativity, running from September 18 to October 4, 2026. The festival encourages hands-on participation and highlights the role of arts and culture in shaping vibrant communities.