Duality: A Collaborative Effort - Open Call

ORGANIZATION: The Papercut Arcade
DEADLINE: October 15, 2026, 5 p.m.
WEBSITE: http://thepapercutarcade.ca/eventcal/duality-a-collaborative-effort/

CALL FOR ARTISTS:
When there is an encounter between one and another, there erupts a myriad of potentials – the potential for conflict, play, idea exchanges, recognition, rejection, and more. The very idea of differentiation involves duality, being able to conceive a whole into two parts, and continuing to split from there, echoing the very way our cells multiply and develop. To exist requires multiplicities. Yet categorization into binaries and polarities are at the heart of so many of our social and political struggles.

Within all these tensions is the possibility of collaboration and learning, a constant dynamic where multiples come together to become one then split again into even more possibilities. How do we respond to such wonderful and confusing post-modern fragmentation? Rather than being simply oppositional, duality also resonates in culture as creative elemental forces: Time and space, movement and stasis, wave and particle, spirit and body.

To explore the theme of Duality, for this Papercut Arcade event we look to each other as collaborators and teachers. We ask that you find at least one creative partner, to develop ideas and create an art piece together. Find people you want to learn from, whether it be a specific concrete skill or simply getting to closely witness another’s artistic process.

Although some of us have collaborated on projects before for other events, this is our first salon that will feature only collaborative works. The theme that will run through all of our works is Duality.

This salon/art show will feature an open call to artists * and creators. Non-collective members are invited to submit one project for consideration (in progress or final art, writing or performance).

Eligibility: Open to artists and creators. Non-collective members may submit one collaborative project for consideration. Incomplete or not-yet-started work is welcome. The Papercut Arcade defines an artist as a person who practices any of the various creative arts, such as a sculptor, photographer, painter, novelist, poet, or filmmaker. The organization values diversity and the ongoing work of marginalized people and allies challenging oppression. Work that contradicts these values will not be accepted.

The host venue, grunt gallery, also supports land back and a free Palestine. Works promoting or funded by Israel, promoting Zionism, or presenting anti-Indigenous or anti-Semitic perspectives will not be considered for this exhibition.

HOW TO APPLY:
Apply through the DUALITY Collaborative project application form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe0DNsb4TbGW7mnbB2aTRyccJHi1fRL9UXJUxU4nQ4hQKak3A/viewform

Please have information about who you will be collaborating with ready, and submit one application per team.

Submit your project concepts and ideas for consideration by October 15, 2026, at 5 p.m. Incomplete or not-yet-started work is welcome. Include point-form ideas, a sketch, or your goals for the project, and share why it fits with the theme of “duality.”

Project concepts not submitted and approved by the curatorial team will not be accepted for exhibition, even if they are completed works. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Works on paper must be framed, and all 2D work should be ready to hang unless it is a booklet, game, or reading material.

For interactive submissions requiring technology, artists and creators are responsible for acquiring hardware and setting up their projects for the salon.

Projects that incorporate food items, perishable or non-perishable, must be contained, have a clear list of ingredients for allergy information, and be cleaned up sustainably by the artist at the conclusion of the salon.

FEES/COMPENSATION:
There is no artist fee for this exhibition, and not every application will be selected for presentation. Selected works may be sold free of commission. Artists may also use the project again for future presentations, with the Duality salon serving as a prototype presentation.