Opportunities for Artists

Michael Wright Art Gallery (MWAG)
2253 Leigh Square Place, Port Coquitlam

The Michael Wright Art Gallery is our primary exhibition space. Designed as a circular building, the MWAG features a 23ft (approx.) high ceiling, rounded walls, and a 40ft (approx.) diameter floor space (see Fig.1). Artwork can be hung on the lower level of the 23ft high walls. Three-dimensional artwork and installations can be displayed in select areas on the floor of the gallery. The MWAG also features 17ft of additional wall space in the hallway entrance to the gallery (see Fig.3). This space is ideal for large collections of work and group shows. 

Please see the attached MWAG floor plan. [PDF/401KB]

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Fig. 1 | MWAG, 23 ft (approx.) walls and 40ft dia (approx.) floor
Fig. 2 | Additional wall space in the hallway entrance to the gallery

Outlet Gallery
2248 McAllister Avenue, Port Coquitlam

The Outlet Gallery features 20ft of glass display cabinets (see Fig. 3) as well as 23ft of wall space (see Fig. 4). Located within the Outlet building, this gallery is ideal for a moderately sized collection of works and the display of small to medium-sized sculptures, pottery, and ceramics. 

See the attached Outlet Gallery floor plan. [PDF/237KB]

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Fig. 3 | 20ft of glass display cabinets
Fig. 4 | 23ft of wall space

Port Coquitlam Community Centre
2150 Wilson Ave, Port Coquitlam

The Port Coquitlam Community Centre features 19ft of wall space (see Fig. 5) and is ideal for emerging or professional artists to display two-dimensional works of any media. This space is ideal for larger-scale collections of work.

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Fig. 5 | 19ft of wall space

City Hall Gallery
2580 Shaughnessy St, Port Coquitlam

The City Hall Gallery features 35ft of wall space and is ideal for emerging artists to display two-dimensional works of any media. This space is ideal for small collections of work. This gallery space is reserved for artists residing in Port Coquitlam only.

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Exhibition Proposals

Artists submitting an exhibition proposal must outline a curatorial concept or cohesive exhibition theme. The MWAG, Outlet, Port Coquitlam Community Centre, and City Hall Galleries each exhibit one theme per show, including exhibitions composed of multiple artists. We accept proposals from artists at all stages of their careers.

• The MWAG, Outlet, and Port Coquitlam Community Centre Gallery are unique and dynamic spaces, and we encourage diverse and creative proposals that inspire and engage the community. There are no geographic restrictions for applicants.
• The City Hall Gallery exhibits small collections of work from Port Coquitlam residents. These exhibitions are presented in the public domain allowing for an appreciation, understanding, and interpretation of our past and present through gallery programming.

The City of Port Coquitlam supports exhibiting artists with artist fees, marketing materials, and promotion (City website, newsletter, press release, social media). The City also supports the sale of artwork (optional).

Exhibition proposals must include all of the following items to be considered:

Michael Wright, Outlet, and Port Coquitlam Community Centre Gallery

1. C.V. or resume (Max. 2 pages)
2. Artist Statement (Max. 500 words)
3. Statement of Proposed Work and Exhibition Theme (Max. 2 pages)
4. Digital Image List, including filename, title, medium, size, year, and price. If the work is not for sale, please label as NFS.
5. Images of the artworks: 10 – 20 woks that you propose to exhibit in the MWAG or Outlet Gallery. All works must be available for the exhibition. Images must be labeled to match the corresponding digital image list in the following format: last name, first initial, sequence number. Example: Smith_J_01.jpg

City Hall Gallery 

1. Artist Bio, including confirmation that the artist resides in Port Coquitlam
2. Artist Statement (Max. 500 words)
3. Digital Image List, including filename, title, medium, size, year, and price. If the work is not for sale, please label as NFS.
4. Images of the artworks: 3 – 10 works that you propose to exhibit in the City Hall Gallery. All works must be available for the exhibition. Images must be labeled to match the corresponding digital image list in the following format: last name, first initial, sequence number. Example: Smith_J_01.jpg

Artist Collectives or Collaborative Groups

If submitting an application on behalf of a collective or as part of a collaborative proposal, one lead artist should provide their address and contact information, with the names of the other artists listed in the statement of proposed work and exhibition theme. Applications should include work samples from each artist (to a maximum of 20 total images, for other mediums please contact [email protected]), and individual resumes and bios should be provided for each artist. Collaborative groups will be required to share the gallery space and honorarium.

Selection Process

Exhibition proposals are reviewed by a selection committee that includes members of Port Coquitlam’s arts community. The selection committee makes recommendations based on the quality of the artists’ submitted material. Artists will receive notice of receipt of submissions. Applicants will be notified of the status of their application 4 to 6 weeks after the application deadline.

If selected, artwork must be provided exhibition-ready: works on paper must be matted and framed; canvases must be on a stretcher with finished edges or framed; three-dimensional works (for the wall or free-standing) must have appropriate hanging and/or supporting structures.