Artists wanted for September Convergence festival in Oshawa

The second annual Convergence Music and Art Festival is calling on local artists to submit artworks to be displayed on A-frame signs throughout the event.

Convergence, which took over downtown Oshawa streets last September for a series of free concerts, events and art displays, was a huge success and will be returning to downtown September 21.

The festival, which was headlined last year by a performance from The Strumbellas, celebrates Oshawa’s rich history of music and art by showcasing contemporary talents in the community. Convergence 2023 welcomed more than 14,000 visitors to downtown Oshawa.

This year the City of Oshawa and the Robert McLaughlin Gallery are co-presenting ARTBLOCK and is looking for artists and art that can be printed and installed on the 24 by 36-inch signs that will be placed around the festival.

Each artist selected will be paid a scale fee of $207 for the art, with applications due on or before Sunday, July 21. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Artists, 18 or older at all stages of their careers, including emerging, mid-career and established individual artists, are welcome to apply. Artists do not need to be working professionally full time in the arts and culture field.

A selection committee comprised of City and McLaughlin Gallery staff, members of the Cultural Leadership Council and members of the Oshawa’s Public Art Task Force. The applicants selected will be chosen based on artistic merit, creativity and providing a complete submission.

Artists are asked to complete the online Application Form.

All the world’s a stage at the 2023 Convergence Festival,, even pick-up trucks

Convergence Music and Art Festival is an initiative of Oshawa Tourism, an arm of the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce. This year’s festival will be headlined by JUNO-winning singer-songwriter TALK.