COQUITLAM, B.C., January 19, 2026 – Local artists, it is your time to shine. Applications for the 2026–2027 Visual Arts Exhibitions are now open — apply to share your artwork with the community.
This program supports artists by expanding exhibition opportunities and integrating visual art into public spaces. It also aligns with Coquitlam’s Arts, Culture & Heritage Strategic Plan (2015–2030), reinforcing the City’s long-term commitment to the arts.
Building a Strong Foundation for Local Art
Following the success of the 2024 pilot and the 2025–2026 Visual Arts Exhibition currently on display at Town Centre Park Community Centre, artists are invited to apply for opportunities taking place in 2026 and early 2027. The program will feature one group exhibition and two solo exhibitions, with applications open now until February 8, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Past exhibitions have showcased Coquitlam’s incredible depth of colour, imagination and local talent, and this year will be no different.
For artists specializing in murals and street installations, the City will soon open applications for a pre-approved artist list for the Streetscape Enhancement Program. Interested artists are encouraged to sign up for the PRC E-Newsletter for updates about this opportunity at coquitlam.ca/enews.
Step Into the Spotlight
The Visual Arts Exhibition program welcomes emerging and established artists aged 16 and up, who are not currently represented by a professional gallery. Artists may apply to either a solo exhibition or the group exhibition, but not for both exhibition opportunities. This year’s group exhibition theme is City Life, featuring artwork inspired by urban living. There is no assigned theme for the solo exhibitions, allowing artists greater creative flexibility.
The next group exhibition will run from September 10, 2026 to March 1, 2027, at Town Centre Park Community Centre (1207 Pinetree Way), which coincides with the City’s kick-off for Culture Days. Solo exhibitions are scheduled at Coquitlam City Hall (3000 Guildford Way) from April 6 to September 10, 2026, and September 10, 2026 to March 1, 2027.
Full details, including eligibility criteria, exhibition requirements, application instructions and the selection process, are available in the Artist Information Package at coquitlam.ca/ArtExhibition or by email to exhibit@coquitlam.ca.
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Media contact:
Hilary Letwin
Culture Services Manager
604-927-6288
hletwin@coquitlam.ca
We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.