Call for Submissions CLOSED
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Festival Starts: Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Last Day: Sunday, January 17, 2024
Installation shots from the 2018 exhibition Flow.
Opening Reception and installation shots from the 2016 exhibition: Cosmic Geometry
We're excited to see your new work!
After a long hiatus during Covid we are excited to be back with a new Festival and international Call for Submissions. Artists from around the world are invited to submit bodies of work, installations or individual pieces to the Festival. The curators will draw from the pool of submissions to create different thematic group exhibitions as well as dozens of solo shows and installations.
We are open to submissions of artwork from all countries which have been made between Jan. 2019 and April 2023.
The World of Threads Festival is a leading international showcase of contemporary fibre and textile art. We are a not-for-profit initiative with charitable status run by a few dedicated volunteers. We believe that some of the most exciting and compelling artwork being made today is happening in the field of fibre arts. Through our initiatives we have discovered some remarkable artists and brought them to the attention of Canadian and international audiences.
To see examples of our past exhibitions and artwork start with our Festival Artwork Greatest Hits. We are working on adding full shows to our new website.
Festival 2023 will be focused around our usual venue Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. In addition to the beautiful gallery, we will also be using the Display Area Gallery, the Corridor Galleries, lobby and open public spaces of the entire facility.
Your work may be for sale and we will try to sell it. There will be a 40% commission on any sales.
Please share this Call for Submissions with anyone you know who might be interested.
Three Options for Submitting
Body of Work – Maximum 10 pieces + details.
Individual Pieces – Maximum 10 pieces + details.
Installations – Maximum 10 images + details and renderings.
All artworks must be made between January 2019 and April 2023. We are open to artists from all countries. All works submitted will be considered for the main gallery exhibition. Bodies of work will be considered for the solo shows in the halls. Installations will be considered for the main gallery and the public spaces. We may also curate smaller group shows in the halls.
You can send us as many submissions as you want and we will consider them. There is a submission fee for each submission.
Installation shots from the 2014 exhibition: The Red & The Black
Synchronistic Curating
Something that's different about World of Threads Festival is that we let the art guide us. Festival curators Gareth Bate and Dawne Rudman don't have predetermined curatorial ideas or impose our concepts on the artists. Each new festival is a blank slate. Shows develop entirely out of the submissions we receive. To find our main exhibitions we look for connections and common themes between thousands of artworks. These works were made by hundreds of artists from around the world. Often artists seem to be on the same wavelength during a particular period. Over time, through many hours of sorting through artworks, the exhibition themes just emerge and become clear to us. All artworks are made from January 2019 to April 2023. This method has been very successful and resulted in compelling and unique exhibitions.
Important Festival Dates
Your work needs to be available from early Sept. 2023 to mid Jan. 2024.
Artwork shipments must arrive between: Sept. 11 - 15, 2023.
Artist in-person drop off dates: Mon. Sept. 11 - Fri. Sept. 15, 2023.
Festival install period: Mon. Sept. 18, to Oct. 9, 2023.
Festival starts: Tues. Oct. 10, 2023.
Opening Reception: Sat. Oct. 14, 2023.
Festival ends: Sun. Dec. 17, 2023.
Festival take down period: Mon. Dec. 18 - Fri Dec. 22, 2023.
Artists can collect work in-person between: Dec. 18 - 22, 2023.
Artwork return shipping to artists between: Tues. Jan 2 - 12, 2024.
Installation by Sun Young Kang
Festival Background
We began in Oakville, Ontario in 1994 as a single exhibition, expanding to a full festival in 1998 and becoming international in 2009. Festival 2018 attracted more than 60,000 visitors.
During the Festival we make a lot of effort to connect the artists for networking opportunities with each other. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow fibre artists from around the world in person. Some you may know only from social media. Bus tours bring in visitors from Toronto to Oakville for the opening reception.
Our website has become a central hub for lovers of fibre art with our Fibre Artist Interviews series. To date we have conducted over 137 interviews with Canadian and international artists. We have a following in 96 countries. We encourage you to spend some time on our new website to see what we have done in the past. We are also active on Instagram and Facebook.
In 2015 Dawne Rudman and Gareth Bate won the Oakville Arts Council Community Impact Arts Award, for bringing global attention to Oakville and elevating the fibre/textile art form around the world. In 2016 Dawne Rudman received the Community Spirit Arts Award, recognizing an individual that through their volunteerism has made an invaluable contribution to the Oakville community and contributed to nurturing and enhancing the arts. The World of Threads Festival was the winner of Oakville’s prestigious Community Spirit Award for Volunteerism in the Arts in 2007. The same year Dawne Rudman received Oakville Volunteer of the Year 2007, for her work organizing festival exhibitions.
Previous festivals have featured artists from: Countries: Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Channel Islands, China, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Guernsey, Hungary, India, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Lithuania, Mexico, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Norway, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Turkey, Ukraine and USA.
Canadian provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.
US States: California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin.
Installation shots from the 2012 exhibition: Quiet Zone
What Counts as Fibre Art?
That's a good question. Fibre art is incredibly diverse and our definition is continuously shifting. We’re open-minded. Our website has hundreds of examples of fibre artwork located under Blog and Past Artwork. You can see examples on this page.
Generally fibre art is made from perishable materials that use traditional techniques that include, stitchery, tapestry and papermaking.
We have exhibited a huge variety of techniques and media including: sculpture, installation, quilting, weaving and tapestry, hooking, knitting, installations, embroidery, lace making, crochet, felting, coiling, beading, thread painting, mixed media, soft sculpture, wearable art, basketry, sprang, paper-cut, recycled materials, fibre collage, assemblage, organic materials, stitch-relief, quilling and works using paper – the paper must hand-made or have been stitched or manipulated in some way.
However, more and more artists are using synthetic materials or materials that have nothing to do with fibre but use sewing or weaving techniques. We call that “fibre inspired” and we're totally open to experimental approaches. This is a term we coined to encompass artworks that use the techniques, forms, aesthetic or history of fibre arts but are not made from traditional soft or perishable fibre materials, e.g. bronze, wire, paint and plastic manipulation. We did an entire show based on "Fibre Inspired" called Memento mori. Unfortunely, we do not have the tech capability to exhibit video or sound work. Performance also doesn't work in this context.
What Doesn’t Count as Fibre Art?
We would probably not include works on paper that are essentially drawing or painting, unless the paper itself is somehow being manipulated or it depicts a fibre effect. If you are unsure if your work counts as ‘fibre or textile art’ before working on your submission please contact the Festival Chair: Dawne Rudman.
Installation shots from the 2016 exhibition: Late in the Season and 2014 exhibition: Solo Shows and Installations.
Galleries for 2023
Queen Elizabeth Park Community & Cultural Centre, Oakville
- The Gallery: This beautiful space is our principle gallery. We will be mounting a major group exhibition based on the submissions we receive.
- The Display Area: This large open gallery can be used for wall works, sculptural pieces and installations.
- The Corridor Galleries: We will again be mounting solo shows in the Corridor Galleries. This is why we are encouraging artists to submit full bodies of work. We plan to dedicate entire hallways to individual artists.
- Public Spaces: The facility has many open public spaces where we plan to exhibit installation work.
Curators:
Chair & Festival Curator: Dawne Rudman
Festival Curator: Gareth Bate
Installation shots from the 2016 exhibition: Cosmic Geometry
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is Oakville?
Oakville Ontario, Canada is part of the Greater Toronto Area and is situated 40 km west of Toronto on Lake Ontario. Oakville has a population of 214,000 and is well served by public transit to and from Toronto. It has a small but solid arts community. The World of Threads Festival is one of the most important events in the town. We hire buses to bring art lovers from Toronto out to Oakville during the festival. Many artists who visit the festival from abroad also check out the many museums and galleries in Toronto.
Downtown Oakville on Google Street View
- How do I get updates about the Festival?
Subscribe Here. - How many submissions do you get?
On average we receive about 300 submissions each festival. For Festival 2023 we looked at over 4000 images. - Can I submit more than one application?
Yes, you can submit as many as you want. In fact we encourage you to submit more because we then have more work to choose from. If you have multiple bodies of work, submit them. If you have installations and single pieces we would like to see them. A single work might be chosen for the main gallery show. There is a submission fee for each submission. - Will you acknowledge having received my submission and payment?
Yes, we will let you know that we received everything. Due to the volume of submissions received, it may take us a while to respond, but respond we will. - When will I know if I've been accepted or not?
We're committed to getting the selections finished by the end of June. We will tell you either way as soon as we've made decisions. Please note that artists will learn of their acceptance or not, at different times. So if you hear that a fellow artist was accepted, and you have not yet heard back, don't jump to conclusions. We are still deciding. - Will I get feedback on my submission?
We don't offer feedback about work or submissions. - If I exhibited last time can I get in again?
Absolutely. We have many returning artists and we encourage you to submit again. We've even had artists who have exhibited in nearly every festival. If you were in our Solo Shows in the past we will be looking for an evolution in your work. So it has changed in a noticable way or gone in a new direction. Obviously, having shown in a previous festival is not a garantee for this next one. - If my work didn't get chosen in the past, do I have a chance this time?
Yes. We are very excited to see how artists are evolving. If you submit new work we will be looking with fresh eyes. Especially, since it's been five years since the last festival! - Is the artwork insured while on display?
All work displayed at Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre is insured while on the premises. That includes the installation process and take down. - Do you pay artist fees?
We don't have the money to pay artist fees. We don't have the revenue of a gallery and the grant and submissions fees we receive pay for the basics of running the festival. - Is your venue accessible?
Yes, this venue is totally accessible. It's all on one level and wheel chair accessible. There are also accessible bathrooms. Service animals are permitted. - Why do you charge a submission fee?
We need to charge submission fees to make this event happen. We do a massive amount of work on behalf of the artists. Running the festival involves paying for exhibition space, promotional materials, professional installers, installation materials, liability insurance for the galleries, sponsored buses, opening reception, photography, graphic design, web design to name a few. - Do you accept proposals from groups or collectives?
No. The festival is for single artists or perhaps a duo collaboration. But we don't exhibit work by collectives or groups. Any project organized by an individual which uses the labour of multiple other people will be credited as by the single main artist in the program and website. Other people who were involved may be credited on a label in the show. - How is the work installed?
We have experienced installers working on the shows who know how to handle fibre work. Some are licensed to use lift equipment for hanging high up. Artists who are local or available during the installation period can also install the work themselves. We ask artists to give clear installation instructions. - Do you give assistance to artists to attend the Festival?
There's no way we could afford to do that. Artists attending pay their own way. Some have successfully applied for travel grants from their regions. - Is there an entrance fee to view the festival?
No. All festival gallery spaces are free to the general public to visit. - Who covers the shipping of work?
The artists are responsible for the costs of shipping work. This is not somethig we can afford to do. Some artists have applied for shipping grants from their local arts councils. - Do you have opening receptions?
Yes! We have had hundreds of guests attend our openings, including many from across Canada and around the world. Many of our participating artists (including international) attend the Festival. We also have buses that we rent to drive people from Toronto. - Do you sell artwork?
Yes. Work can be available to sell. There is a 40% commission on all festival sales. All labels include contact info for the Festival Chair to do the sales transaction. We don’t display prices on the labels but the price lists are available in the gallery. - Do you have display cases and Judy mannequins?
Yes. We have display cases of different sizes which we use to exhibit smaller sculptural works in the halls. We have lots of Judy mannequins available as well for clothng and wearable art. - Can I install my work myself?
If you are available to install your work during the specific times when we are doing that installation, then yes. That would be helpful. Some artists, in the main gallery or installation spaces have installed the work themselves in the area we designated for their work. - Do you accept submissions of video/film/sound/performance work related to fibre?
Unfortunately no. We don't have the tech capacity to exhibit video/film/sound works. Performance doesn't work within this context. - What is a body of work?
A body of work is a series of artworks which are all related thematically in some way. So they could have similar themes, visual elements, ideas or concepts. That doesn't mean they all look the same. But they are all related and there's a sense of stylistic consistency. - Do you accept proposals for projects or installations that have not yet been made?
No. We have to see the finished works completed before the submission can be accepted. We can't take the chance that it won't be completed in time for the festival. However, we will consider installations that have not yet been exhibited if you can show the work installed in a room or studio. - What is an Artist Statement?
An Artist Statement is a description of your artwork and art practice. You are telling the story of your artwork. We highly encourage you not to fill your artist statement with art speak. Just be yourself. Write in the first person. - What is the difference between a Bio and a CV?
A CV is a chronological listing of your career achievements. A bio is a narrative outlining your career path, purpose for making art, etc. Some of the information is the same, but it is presented as a narrative. A bio should be written in the third person. - How much weight do you place on the CV accomplishments?
We place no weight on CV accomplishments in making our decisions for the shows. The CV is only there as a reference. The work is what matters to us.
Click to Get Updates
Installation shots from the 2016 exhibition: Cosmic Geometry
How to Submit
Three Options for Submitting
Body of Work – Maximum 10 pieces + details.
Individual Pieces – Maximum 10 pieces + details.
Installations – Maximum 10 images + details and renderings.
Download the Submission PDF and follow the instructions. Scroll down this page for how to pay the submission fee. Make sure you've read the info on this web page first. One submission constitutes a Body of Work, or Individual pieces or Installations. You can make multiple submissions.
Eligibility
Artists cover the cost of shipping.
We are open to artists from all countries.
All artwork must have been made between Jan. 2019 and April 2023.
No entry can be withdrawn from the exhibition once it has been accepted.
All work must be original – No patterns or commercial kits are acceptable.
Festival 2012: Memento Mori exhibition. Sheridan Gallery is not a 2018 venue.
Submission Fee: $60
This fee covers a maximum of ten pieces (10 full images and 10 details) or 1 installation. If you would like to submit an additional round of pieces or another installation, you may do another submission by paying an additional $60. Submission fees are non-refundable. You can submit as many applications as you want.
Why we have a submission fee:
The submission fee covers our costs and time for processing the submissions and helps us run the festival. The World of Threads Festival as a whole, is organized by a few dedicated volunteers and people paid for specialized services. We do a massive amount of work on behalf of the artists. It's a not-for-profit organization with charitable status. Because we don’t have the revenue of a gallery we need to charge submission fees to make this event happen. We don't have the money to pay artist fees. Running the festival involves paying for exhibition space, promotional materials, professional installers, installation materials, liability insurance for the galleries, sponsored buses, opening reception, to name a few. We receive a small grant that helps to cover our annual costs and a few donations, but they are not sufficient to run an international art festival.
Click Here to Download the 2023 PDF Application Form
Pay Submission Fee
Methods of Payment:
PayPal: To pay via PayPal click below:
Note: The PayPal button says, “donate” – this is because we are a not for profit organization.
Methods of Payment:1) PayPal: To pay via PayPal click the donate button below:
Note: The PayPal button says, “donate” – this is because we are a not-for-profit organization.
2) E-Transfer for resident Canadians send it to:
dawne@worldofthreadsfestival.comNote: There is no charge for E-Transfer within Canada.
3) Global Money Transfer / Wire Transfer
Add $20.00 for associated fees.
If you wish to pay by Global Money Transfer or Wire Transfer, contact us and we will send you the information on how to send the money.
Use ONLY the methods above.
NO Western Union/MoneyGram/Wise/etc.
Awesome! We look forward to seeing your new work!
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Do you have questions?
First check our Frequently Asked Questions.
Email Dawne Rudman: dawne@worldofthreadsfestival.com