Deadline for submissions for Oshawa Convergence Festival artwork extended

‘We Gather, We Remember, We Belong, is the theme of a temporary artwork for the Convergence Music & Art Festival this fall, with the deadline for artist submissions now extended until Wednesday, June 17 at midnight.

The City of Oshawa is seeking submissions of artworks for a temporary exhibition during the Oshawa Tourism-hosted Convergence Festival, which has been celebrating the heart and soul of the community through music, art and immersive experiences since its smash debut in 2023.

The city will be hosting a variety of activities at Veterans Square during the festival to spotlight Oshawa’s local talent and celebrate the installation of Oshawa’s first independent sculpture commission, Kaleidoscope by Nicholas Crombach. Up to five artists will be selected to participate in a temporary exhibition in the downtown park and have a reproduction of their artwork presented during the event.

Teddy’s Pie Eating Contest

A selection committee consisting of city staff and representatives from the Cultural Leadership Council and/or Public Art Task Force will evaluate the submissions.

For information on how to apply, application requirements, selection criteria, eligibility, and more visit oshawa.ca/ArtistCalls.

The Convergence Music and Art Festival is happening in downtown Oshawa on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20.

Launched to celebrate Oshawa’s arts, culture and creative communities, Convergence quickly established itself as one of the province’s most dynamic festivals. The event has made Festival and Ontario’s Top 100 list for all three years and won an EDCO award last year for best Inclusive Community-based Initiative.

The Strumbellas at Convergence 2023. Image Year of the Drone and the City of Oshawa

The accolades are a testament to the festival’s “bold programming, inclusive partnerships and measurable impact” in energizing Oshawa’s downtown core, said Oshawa Tourism Executive Director Krista Licsi.

“Convergence was built to reflect Oshawa’s authenticity and creative spirit. From day one, the goal was to create something that felt distinctly Oshawa.”

The numbers of visitors have increased each year, with Convergence becoming a celebration of Oshawa’s unique vibe by spotlighting the city’s diverse creative subcultures. The festival brings together indie, alternative and emerging music scenes; punk rock and vintage vendor markets; comic book, gaming and cosplay communities through Nerd Alley; professional wrestling; grassroots visual artists; public art installations and cultural showcases.

A multi-media art projection on the wall of 70 King from Oshawa-born Jenn E Norton during Convergence 2023