CICA Vancouver is thrilled to announce the call for submissions for the 2025 CICA Vancouver International Emerging to Mid-career Art Awards. Following the remarkable success of the 2024 edition, which featured 36 selected artists from around the world and brought together a vibrant array of mediums—including painting, sculpture, video, installation, digital art, ceramics, and more—we are excited to continue celebrating artistic excellence on a global stage.
Since 2021, CICA has been committed to fostering international artistic exchange, amplifying diverse creative voices, and supporting emerging and mid-career artists through exhibitions, awards, and residency opportunities.
Why Apply?
The CICA International Emerging to Mid-career Art Awards offer an exceptional platform for visibility, recognition, and career advancement. Selected artists will have their work exhibited in our physical gallery in Vancouver and be part of a campaign reaching international curators, collectors, and institutions.
Awards and International Recognition
All longlisted artists will be included in a major group exhibition at CICA Vancouver, gaining valuable exposure both locally and globally. Select awardees will receive monetary prizes and gain opportunities to participate in future exhibitions and residency programs with CICA.
Monetary Awards:
Proudly supported by the Audain Visual Arts Foundation.
- Beacon Award – $5,000 CAD
- Rising Star Award – $3,000 CAD
- People’s Choice Award – $1,000 CAD
Award winners will not only receive financial support, be featured in a group exhibition at CICA Vancouver, will also be connected to future exhibition or residency opportunities.
(2024 CICA X Jelina Couture International Art Award Exhibition)
Jury Committee
A distinguished panel of curators, museum directors, and art professionals from around the world will judge the submissions. Their expertise and global perspectives ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation of each artist’s potential. The Jury will focus on artistic merit, originality, conceptual clarity, and creative potential, offering a well-rounded and inclusive selection process. Jury committee is set to be announced on a later date.
Jury Process
- Longlisted Artists: Will be part of a group exhibition at CICA Vancouver, providing both local and international visibility.
- The exhibition will be held physically at CICA Vancouver and digitally, accessible to a global audience. Public voting will be factored into the People’s Choice Award.
- Shortlisting and Awards: The Jury will select the shortlist during the exhibition, taking public feedback into consideration. Final award announcements will be made one week before the exhibition closes.
Eligibility
All artists who – have specialized training in the artistic field (not necessarily in academic institutions); or recognized as a professionals by his or her peers (artists working in the same artistic tradition); or have a history of public presentation or publication – are eligible to apply.
Submission Guidelines
- Initial Submission: Please submit your application HERE. You will need to prepare a CV, along with images and descriptions of up to 3 artworks for review.
- Please upload a single PDF containing both your Bio (maximum 400 words) and Artist Statement (maximum 400 words).
- Submit your Artist Portfolio as a PDF, including up to 5 images, limited to a total of 3 pages.
- Please upload three artworks for submission to this award. Title each works in the format of “Artist last name_Artwork title_Medium_Dimensions_Production Year”. We accept all mediums of art including video and installation.
- Please note that there is a $10 application fee to submit your work.
- Selection: Artists selected for the longlist will be invited to participate in the exhibition.
- Logistics: Longlisted artists are responsible for the transportation of their works, and the works must be ready to hang. CICA Vancouver will manage installation, security, and insurance for the duration of the exhibition.
- Final Judging & Feedback: The Jury Panel will provide feedback to shortlisted artists, with award winners announced toward the end of the exhibition.
Important Dates
- Submission Deadline: August 22, 2025
- Longlist Decision Made: August 27, 2025
- Exhibition Period: September 11 – November 9, 2025
- Award Announcement: November 5, 2025
Terms and Conditions
- Only artists selected for the longlist will be invited to exhibit at CICA Vancouver.
- All submitted works must be finished and ready to hang. If the work does not meet the requirements, it will be returned to the sender at the sender’s expense.
- The loan period of the work will be two weeks prior to the installation start date of the exhibition, and 4 weeks after the exhibition end date to allow enough time for shipping arrangements. CICA Vancouver will cover insurance through ought the loan period, including in-transit insurance on condition that the artwork is professionally packaged, protected and with handling instructions sent to us.
- You can consign your exhibiting work with CICA Vancouver, with a portion of the income going to CICA Vancouver as a commission to support our operation and programs.
- Unless otherwise agreed in writing, artists are responsible for arranging and covering the transportation of their works. All works must arrive ready for installation. CICA Vancouver will be responsible for installation, security, and insurance for the duration of the exhibition.
- At the end of the exhibition, unsold works will be returned at the owners’ expense within 6 weeks of time. Sold works will be sent to the buyers at the buyer’s expense.
- CICA does not accept artwork that is not original, is a copy, or is not created by the artist submitting the work. All submissions must be the artist’s own, original creations.
- Please kindly submit all your files under the same name if your artist name is different from your legal name.
- CICA Vancouver reserves the exclusive right to determine the timing and duration of the exhibition of the work.
Important Dates
Submission Deadline: 11:59 PM, Friday, August 22, 2025
Longlist Decision Made: August 27, 2025
Exhibition Period: September 11 – November 9, 2025
Award Announcement: November 5, 2025
From 2024 Participants
“Winning this award was a deeply meaningful moment for me. It affirmed that my art was able to genuinely connect with others, and that is the greatest reward an artist can ask for. Being part of this exhibition elevated both my confidence and visibility as an emerging artist in Canada. It opened new doors for connection, collaboration, and creative reflection. To future applicants: Don’t hesitate to apply. This is a unique opportunity to share your authentic voice and be part of a community that truly values artistic expression. The experience is empowering, inclusive, and unforgettable.” – Sara Saadat, winner of the People’s Choice Award.
“The exhibition offered a meaningful platform to share my work with new audiences in Vancouver and beyond. As an artist exploring themes of identity, migration, and cultural memory, I was deeply moved by the curatorial sensitivity and the way the exhibition fostered dialogue between different artistic voices. Participating in this program helped expand the visibility of my practice and encouraged new connections within the art community. To those considering applying for the 2025 edition, I wholeheartedly recommend it! This is more than just an exhibition; it’s a generous and thoughtful celebration of contemporary art.” – Nicholas Tay, Shortlisted Artist.
“Participating in the 2024 exhibition was an incredibly rewarding experience, both personally and professionally. Being part of such a thoughtfully curated show provided meaningful visibility for my work and allowed me to connect with a broader community of artists, curators, and viewers. The opening was a vibrant and affirming moment, and the support from the gallery throughout the process was generous and intentional.
This opportunity helped me reflect more deeply on my practice and gave me new momentum in how I present and share my work. For anyone considering applying, I highly encourage it — this is a platform that not only honors your voice as an artist but actively works to amplify it.” – David Hovan, Longlisted Artist.
“Participating in the 2024 CICA Art Awards Exhibition was a great experience for me. CICA gallery had such a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, and I was so excited to show my Painting alongside so many talented artists. The exhibition gave me more visibility and confidence in sharing my art with a wider audience. I truly appreciated how organized and supportive the CICA team was throughout the process. To anyone thinking of applying, I’d say go for it—you’ll feel encouraged and part of a creative community.” – Leila Fathi, Longlist Artist.
This is your opportunity to share your vision with the world and take a significant step toward furthering your artistic career. We look forward to receiving your submissions and discovering the next wave of exceptional talent
