PEI Art Bank Acquisition

The Prince Edward Island Art Bank collection was established in the early 1980s to support and encourage visual artists living in Prince Edward Island. The works of art for the collection represent the artistic diversity of Island visual artists and are acquired through purchase (when funding is available), donation, gift and bequest.

As a professional visual artist or craftsperson living in Prince Edward Island for the past 12 consecutive months, you are invited to apply to have your work considered for acquisition for the PEI Art Bank Collection.

For purposes of this program, you are a “professional” as long as you:

• Have specialized training in your artistic field (not necessarily academic);
•  Are recognized as such by your artistic peers;
• Have a history of public presentation; and
• Are committed to devoting more time to the visual arts if it becomes financially feasible.

Right: Artist Jamie Germaine. Title: Rolling Ashore (2021). Medium: Smoke fired ceramic

Where can I see the collection? 

Pieces from the collection are displayed in provincial government buildings across Prince Edward Island. You can also view the PEI Art Bank Collection online.

How is art selected for the collection?

The PEI Art Bank is a working collection with most items displayed in reception and high traffic areas of public buildings. The program also makes art also available for educational use.

To be considered for acquisition, your work must be suitable (in form, size, condition and media) for immediate accommodation in a public space.

A peer adjudication committee reviews applications. This jury recommends works that reflect the creativity, expertise and experience of Island visual artists and comply with the objectives of the program. No individual having a financial interest in the acquisition may sit on the committee. To ensure a variety of input, no jury member may sit on two juries in succession.

Selected works will be announced in a press release. Names of jurors will be kept confidential.

If your submission is selected, you will be contacted within six weeks from submission deadline to complete a purchase agreement.

To recommend someone or to self-nominate for the adjudication committee, go here.

The Prince Edward Island Art Bank Collection encourages artistic excellence, stimulates awareness and appreciation in visual arts, and preserves a history of art making in the province for present and future generations. Artwork is acquired through purchase, donation, gift or bequest. If you want to donate to the collection, please contact the Registrar of the Prince Edward Island Art Bank Collection.

How are members of the jury selected?

Members of the PEI arts community are periodically invited to apply to take part in the jury selection process.  Please consult this web page for more information on jury nomination and assessment. 

Is my work eligible for consideration?

The Prince Edward Island Art Bank is a working collection with most items displayed in reception and high traffic areas of public buildings and is also available for educational use. To be considered for acquisition, your work must be suitable (in form, size, condition and media) for immediate accommodation in a public space. Installations, performance pieces, works containing audio or video components and works with unusual display requirements cannot be considered for acquisition.

• You may submit a maximum of two completed works. (Please complete a separate application for each submission.)
• If your work consists of a series of pieces, the total number submitted must not exceed ten.
• Your work must have been completed during the last two years.
• Artworks must be display ready at the time of your application.
• Incomplete works will not be considered.

What do I need to complete the online application?

You will be asked to provide:

• Current contact information;
•  Artwork details including title, medium, size, completion date and purchase price;
• A brief written description of your work, i.e. subject matter, process used, symbolic significance;
• A resumé noting your education, experience, professional and artistic achievements; and
•  Colour digital image(s) depicting your completed, display-ready work. Please ensure the image is at sufficient resolution to be reproduced for jury viewing and that its title corresponds with the artwork title on the application form.  

Please note: Members of the selection committee may ask to view your artwork before making any decision.

How long will it take to complete the application?

If you have the above items gathered, you can complete the online form in less than 30 minutes.

How can I submit my work for consideration?

Applications are being accepted between January 29th, 2024 until February 26th, 2024 at 4pm.

Who do I contact with questions?

Éliane Laberge
Bilingual Cultural Development Officer
Phone: 902-916-1854
evlaberge@gov.pe.ca
Innovation PEI
94 Euston Street, Charlottetown