Nogojiwanong  / Peterborough, ON – April 7, 2025

This ReFrame call for proposals is generously hosted by Artspace as a part of ongoing collaborations in support of local artists. 

ReFrame Film Festival is seeking proposals from regional artists to create the featured artwork for the 2026 festival. Each year, ReFrame commissions a unique piece that serves as the creative foundation for the festival’s visual identity, appearing on posters, merchandise, digital platforms, and print materials. This annual commission offers an opportunity for an artist to shape the look and feel of ReFrame’s 22nd season, engaging audiences through bold, thought-provoking design.

As a festival dedicated to social and environmental justice, ReFrame is committed to highlighting the work of contemporary regional artists whose perspectives align with our mission,  particularly those who have been underrepresented in mainstream arts spaces.

To see examples of past commissioned artwork and how it has shaped ReFrame’s visual identity over the years, visit our archive. For insight into our most recent collaborative creative process and artist highlights, explore our 2025 design page. Learn more about ReFrame’s mission and programming at reframefilmfestival.ca.

Key Details

• Call Opens: April 7, 2025
• Submission Deadline: May 2, 2025
• Commission Fee: $1,500
• Rights & Usage: The commissioned artwork will be used by ReFrame for festival marketing and communications for two years under a contractual agreement.
• Final Deliverables: Layered digital project files suitable for design adaptation.

Who Should Apply?

We welcome proposals from emerging, mid-career, and established artists. In alignment with ReFrame’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, we encourage–and will prioritize submissions from artists who have been historically underrepresented, including BIPOC, newcomer, 2SLGBTQIA+, disabled, and low-income artists.

Submission Requirements

All proposals must be submitted via the online form (linked below). Mailed submissions will not be accepted. Artists are not expected to produce new work for this submission; for new concepts, submit sketches only. Please also include exemplary piece(s) from your existing portfolio that best reflect your artistic vision and alignment with ReFrame's values.

Please include:

• Artwork Title(s)
• Artist Statement (500 words max)
• Artist Bio (250 words max)
• Current CV (3 pages max. Accepted file types: pdf)
• Visual Support Material (Include up to 5 images, labeled numerically with artist’s name.  Support materials may include concept sketches. Accepted file types: gif, jpg, png, mp3, and pdf) 
• Documentation List (title, year created, medium, dimensions)

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be assessed based on:

• Artistic merit
• Clarity of concept
• Demonstrated ability to create layered digital artwork (e.g., Photoshop)
• Adaptability to various formats (poster, screen, merchandise)
• Alignment with ReFrame’s mission and branding

About ReFrame

ReFrame is a community celebration of documentary film centred on social and environmental justice, working to build socially active, engaged audiences through the curated presentation of media arts. We are committed to: supporting and showcasing the work of documentary filmmakers and artists, especially local creators and artists from equity-deserving communities; providing an accessible festival experience by working to dismantle barriers to participation; fostering dialogue around issues of social justice, human rights, and environmental responsibility; decision-making processes that are inclusive and guided by principles of anti-oppression; valuing and empowering employees and volunteers, and nurturing collaborative community partnerships.

ReFrame’s central programming is our main midwinter documentary film festival, with its in-person component based in downtown Nogojiwanong / Peterborough, and its online component available nationally. The festival is a widely celebrated event in the arts and culture community, now entering its 22nd season.

The activities of ReFrame would not be possible without the connection and care that Nishnaabeg of this Land have practiced for thousands of years. ReFrame has the privilege of existing on the stolen, treaty and traditional territories of the Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg. We engage in learning and educating about issues of privilege, power and racism in our programming and day-to-day work. We know we can do better, and we want to hear from you. We recognize that we have a responsibility to care for each other in the work of uncolonizing and anti-racism. We are so grateful for the care for and teachings about the Earth, Creation and All our Relations offered by the First Peoples. We honour and respect those teachings.

We also acknowledge that the above statement is only the first step towards what needs to be a much larger dialogue. We understand that while such statements are important, our ongoing actions are vital. We are therefore committed to continuously unlearning our colonial history, to work and live in solidarity with, to support, to listen, and to learn from, the rich histories and contemporary voices of Indigenous peoples. We are open to feedback and suggestions, and encourage you to share them with us.
 

If you have any questions about the submission process, please contact:

Eryn Lidster

 Creative Director, ReFrame Film Festival

 eryn(at)reframefilmfestival.ca