‘Voices & Visibility’ to launch new chapter for Kawartha Art Gallery

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: The Kawartha Art Gallery is inviting artists to submit work, for its 2026 Annual Juried Exhibition, which will focus on the relationship between women, art, and political change.

Voices & Visibility: Women, Art, and Political Change will run from October 7th to December 19th. The exhibition will explore themes including: democracy, advocacy, leadership, identity, protest, belonging, representation, human rights, and community engagement.

Artists, aged 18 and older, from across Ontario, are eligible to submit work in a variety of disciplines, including: painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed media, sculpture, fibre art, photography, and digital art.

According to the Gallery’s Executive Director, artists may draw on personal experiences, historical events, current issues, or imagined futures while developing work for the exhibition.

The theme marks a shift in the Gallery's approach to its annual juried exhibition, as it focuses on issues intended to encourage discussion about civic participation, representation, and the role of women in shaping communities.

"Artists have long understood the transformative power of creative expression, and science is now affirming what they have known for generations," said, Gallery Executive Director, Susan Taylor.

"A growing body of research demonstrates, participation in the arts can improve mental health, reduce loneliness, strengthen social connection, and enhance overall well-being," Ms. Taylor added. "This year's Annual Juried Exhibition reflects that evidence, inviting visitors to experience art not only as a form of creative expression, but as a catalyst for connection, understanding, and meaningful community dialogue."

The exhibition follows the Gallery's recent Empty Seats exhibition and community discussion which focused on civic participation and representation. The 2026 juried exhibition will continue those conversations through the perspectives of participating artists.

A total of $2,000 in cash awards will be presented, as part of the exhibition, including the $1,000 Ken Found Memorial Award for Highest Achievement.

The award recognizes the artist whose work demonstrates the highest level of artistic excellence while also reflecting the theme and intent of the annual exhibition. It was established through the Ken Found Art Fund, in recognition of Ken Found's support of local artists and contribution to the cultural life of the Kawartha Lakes community.

Voices & Visibility will also be the first exhibition held at the Gallery's new location, at 19 Cambridge Street South, in Lindsay.

Online submissions for the exhibition close Monday, September 28th. The exhibition will run from October 7th to December 19th, with an Awards Reception scheduled for Saturday, November 7th.

More information about the call for entries and submission requirements is available, through the Kawartha Art Gallery.