Call for art for ALIVE, an art exhibition for the 2026 Housing Central Conference

The art show at the 2026 Housing Central Conference returns with ALIVE.

ALIVE is an art exhibition presented at the BC Housing Conference 2026, curated by Olivier Salvas Artiste, exploring the many dimensions of what it means to feel truly alive. From the vitality found in vibrant neighbourhoods and shared public spaces to the deeply personal experience of belonging within a home, this exhibition celebrates the connections that bring people, places, and communities to life. It draws inspiration from the rhythms of everyday living: the energy of a city, the comfort of a welcoming space, the spark of artistic creation, and the relationships that transform a house into a home. Featuring artists from diverse backgrounds and working across a wide range of mediums, ALIVE offers perspectives as unique as the quiet ritual of making a meal, the movement of people through a community, the memories embedded within familiar objects, or the expressive layers of an abstract painting. Together, these works remind us that feeling alive is not only a personal experience: it is something shared, nurtured, and strengthened through our connections with one another and the spaces we inhabit. ALIVE is an invitation to rediscover the moments that awaken us, foster belonging, and reveal the extraordinary life already surrounding us.

Does your organization provide arts-related services or programming? Would you like to showcase your work in this area at the Conference?

Are you an artist or maker whose work touches on housing-related issues, homelessness, mental health, addictions, overcoming stigma, or the power of belonging, connection, and community?

Artists and/or makers may be and organizations must support:

• People with lived experience (homelessness, mental health and/or addictions)

• People living in non-profit housing or who access social services

• Professional artists who can present a cohesive collection of their work under the theme of ALIVE (Cohesion can be represented through the art style, through a common theme or through lived experiences e.g. background, identity, etc.)

Artwork may include 2D and 3D work, as well as installations. The art exhibition will take place on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at the Sheraton Wall Centre in downtown Vancouver.

How to participate:

Participation in the exhibition is free, but space is limited. We welcome a wide range of artistic work exploring the themes of housing, homelessness, mental health, addictions, and this year’s theme of ALIVE. Submissions will be accepted until the exhibition reaches capacity. Once all available spaces have been filled, additional submissions will be placed on a waitlist in the event of cancellations or if more exhibition space becomes available.

Deadline for submissions is Friday, September 11th, 2026, 11:59 PM PST.

Please send the following information by email to Olivier Salvas Artiste, exhibition curator, at artshow@bcnpha.ca:

• A description of the organization and art program to be represented OR a bio of the artist

• Up to 10 high resolution images of artwork to be displayed

• A short artist statement explaining how the work relates to the themes of housing, homelessness, mental health, addictions or overcoming stigma or/and how you will present a cohesive collection under the theme of ALIVE.

• Contact information (Full Name, Organization (if applicable), email, phone number, website, social media, medium)

Selection Criteria:

Due to the exhibition's community-engaged mandate, priority will be given to artists, makers, and organizations that support or represent individuals with lived experience of homelessness, mental health challenges, and/or substance use, as well as those living in non-profit housing or accessing community and social services.

Following this priority, consideration will also be given to professional artists who can present a cohesive body of work that reflects the theme ALIVE. Cohesion may be demonstrated through artistic style, a shared conceptual focus, or common lived experiences, including cultural background, identity, or personal narrative.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive exhibition that reflects the diversity of our communities. We welcome submissions from artists of all backgrounds and encourage applications from Indigenous, Black, racialized, and other equity-deserving artists, including members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. All submissions will be assessed in accordance with the exhibition's objectives and selection criteria.

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please email Olivier Salvas at artshow@bcnpha.ca .