The Edit 2026 // Sustained Practice Registration
The Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art is proud to launch The Edit 2026 // Sustained Practice, the inaugural iteration of our new annual series spotlighting the diverse creative talent within our regional artist community.
Each year, The Edit series focuses on a specific demographic, medium, or thematic cohort. The 2026 edition, Sustained Practice, centers on artists aged 55 and older, offering a dedicated platform for 10 selected mature creators who maintain an ongoing commitment to artistic expression—whether through decades of professional work or bold late-career exploration.
Featuring a dynamic selection of visual art spanning painting, sculpture, fiber art, digital media, and installation, Sustained Practice explores themes of creative resilience, material mastery, and evolving identity.
Submissions are open to all artists aged 55+ in the region. Selected artists will receive a complimentary 2027 OAAA membership, a dedicated website spotlight, and tailored professional development support of their choice.
Submission Deadline: October 18, 2026 (11:59 PM PST)
Exhibition Dates: November 20 – December 19, 2026
Eligibility: Regional artists aged 55+ (Alternator membership required upon acceptance)
The Edit 2026: Registration
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES & ELIGIBILITY
Age Requirement: Open to all visual artists aged 55 or older at the time of submission.
Membership Policy: Active Alternator membership is not required at the time of submission. However, selected artists must hold or acquire an active Alternator membership upon confirmation of acceptance to participate in the exhibition.
Media & Dimensions: Open to all visual arts media (2D, 3D, digital, video, textile, installation, multi-media) with no size or medium limitations.
Submission Capacity: Artists are invited to propose up to 10 individual artworks for inclusion in the exhibition. Works will be juried in by the selection committee in consideration of available gallery space, infrastructure, and thematic balance.
Selected Artists: A total of 10 artists will be selected for inclusion in the exhibition.
Specialist Installation & Equipment Requirements: If artists have specialist installation requirements, structural rigging needs, or require specific gallery equipment (e.g., projectors, media players, display monitors, pedestals, electrical access), this must be clearly detailed within their submission.
Ready-to-Hang Requirements: All 2D works must arrive ready for display (framed or fitted with hanging hardware/D-rings). 3D works must include specific display instructions.
ARTISTS SELECTED FOR THIS EXHIBITION WILL RECEIVE:
Free 2027 OAAA Membership: Selected artists receive a complimentary 1-year extension/membership to the Okanagan Artists Alternative Association for 2027 upon conclusion of the show.
Alternator Website Artist Spotlight: A dedicated feature page on the Alternator website highlighting the artist's name, 250-word statement, 250-word bio, image portfolio, and direct links to their website/social channels to drive public visibility.
0% Gallery Commission: Artists retain 100% of direct sale proceeds, with an optional voluntary percentage donation back to the gallery.
Tailored Professional Development Perk (Flexible Artist Choice - Select 1): Recognizing that artists have unique growth areas and distinct goals for their practice, participating artists may choose a professional development perk that feels most impactful and relevant to their current creative needs:
Free 2027 Board-Led Process Workshop Registration: Free registration for one upcoming 2027 hands-on process workshop session led by board members (workshop topics TBC).
Writing Feedback Session: A minimum 60-minute dedicated consultation with the Executive Director and one Board Member to assist in drafting or refining an artist statement, exhibition proposal, or grant application.
In-Gallery Critique & Feedback Session: A minimum 60-minute in-person critique session with the Executive Director and one Board Member held inside the gallery during the exhibition run.