COMMUNITY CANVAS 2026

OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS, MAKERS AND CREATIVE BUSINESSES

Community Canvas forms part of the Plett Arts Festival, taking place from 25 September to 4 October 2026 at the Piesang Valley Community Hall.

Designed as an open, vibrant and inclusive creative space, Community Canvas brings together artists, makers, workshops, demonstrations, art suppliers and creative small businesses in a lively, market-style exhibition environment.

Participation is open to all, subject to available space and confirmed booking.

Plett

WHO CAN APPLY?

We welcome applications from:

  • Emerging and established artists
  • Painters, illustrators and photographers
  • Sculptors and ceramic artists
  • Mixed media and digital artists
  • Printmakers and textile artists
  • Art suppliers and creative retailers
  • Workshop facilitators and demonstrators
  • Anyone working creatively within the arts space

All mediums and creative disciplines are welcome.

KEY DATES

  • Applications/bookings open: May 2026
  • Applications close: 31 August 2026
  • Booking confirmations: beginning September 2026
  • Artwork/setup delivery: 23 September 2026
  • Exhibition dates: 25 September – 4 October 2026
  • Artwork collection: 4 October 2026

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications must include:

  • Completed application form
Click To View The application form
  • Short Artist's Biography or Business Biography and Business Logo
  • Description of Works, Products or Workshop Offering
  • Images of Artworks/Products
  • Technical or Space Requirements (if applicable)

OUR CHOSEN COMMUNITY INITIATIVE FOR 2026

The chosen initiative for Community Canvas 2026 is the Plettenberg Bay Arts Association.

Funds raised will support the development of young and emerging artists throughout the Bitou region. This may include assistance with:

          • Workshops and skills development
          • Art materials and supplies
          • Transportation and access to opportunities
          • Exposure and practical experience within the arts sector

The aim is to help create greater access to artistic opportunities for young and aspiring creatives within Plettenberg Bay and the surrounding communities.

As part of this initiative:

          • 10% of all sales during Community Canvas will go towards the Plettenberg Bay Arts Association community initiative
          • Participating artists are also encouraged to contribute a small artwork for the Community Canvas R100 Charity Wall, with proceeds supporting the initiative

By participating in Community Canvas, artists and exhibitors contribute towards building a more accessible and inclusive creative future within the Bitou region.

Louise Corrans Art

ADMINISTRATION FEE

Plettenberg Bay Arts Association Members

  • No administration fee
  • Booking still required

Non-Members

  • R250 administration and booking fee

This includes one-year complimentary membership to the Plettenberg Bay Arts Association.

Bookings are only confirmed once payment (where applicable) has been received.

Payments can be made here:

* are compulsory
cardlogos

DISPLAY SPACE FEES

Small Display Space

R200

Includes:

  • 1–3 easels OR
  • Small table space (below a metre)

Table and easels not included.

Standard Display Space

R400

Includes:

  • Half a Mobile White Wall OR
  • Full Canvas Display Wall OR
  • Table space (1-1.5m)

Table not included.

Large wall hangings and sculptures – Admission and price to be determined based on size and space available.

WORKSHOPS

Artists interested in hosting workshops during the festival are encouraged to apply.

Workshop organisers are required to provide:

  • Workshop title and description
  • Maximum number of participants
  • Cost per participant
  • Preferred dates and times
  • Any technical or space requirements
  • All workshop materials must be supplied by the workshop organiser.

Workshop slots are limited to two per day (one morning and one afternoon) and will be allocated based on scheduling and space availability.

Workshop bookings and ticketing will be managed through the Plettenberg Bay Arts Association website and event booking platform.

10% of workshop sales will go towards the Plettenberg Bay Arts Association community initiative.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • Participation is subject to available space and confirmed booking
  • Artists are responsible for transportation, installation and insurance of their work
  • Artwork must be gallery ready to hang i.e. strung, double-sided tape (if needed) etc.
  • Submitted artworks/products are expected to remain part of the exhibition for the duration of the festival
  • If a work is sold prior to or during the exhibition, it should remain on display with a sold indicator where possible
  • The Plettenberg Bay Arts Association reserves the right to manage space allocation where necessary

WHAT PARTICIPANTS AND WORKSHOP ORGANISERS RECEIVE

Participants benefit from:

  • Inclusion in the Plettenberg Bay Arts Association PR and marketing rollout
  • Exposure during the Plett Arts Festival – including printed and laminated bios to add to their displays
  • Opportunity to connect directly with visitors and buyers
  • A vibrant, community-focused exhibition environment
  • Opportunities for networking and collaboration within the local arts community

ENQUIRIES

For assistance or further information, please contact:

[email protected]

CLOSING

We look forward to bringing together a diverse and creative community as part of this year’s Plett Arts Festival.

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