Piccolo is commissioning new work from BC-based everyday visual artists, including ceramics and sculpture. Open to emerging artists, art students, and passionate hobbyists.
Selected artists are paid for their work, showcased in our virtual gallery. Commissioned pieces are collected by Piccolo for our Annual Auction.
Throughout the year, new commission opportunities will be posted here as they come up.
Open for Applications: Feb 27-Mar 31, 2026 (max 100 applicants)
Applicants: BC‑based visual artists (emerging, student, hobbyist, or self‑taught)
Mediums: All visual mediums, including photography, ceramics, and sculpture
Commission Spots: 3–5 artists
Artwork Size: Any size
Application Fee: $10 (100% of fees collected support future commission opportunities.)
Before applying: Have 3 examples of past work ready to share (scroll down for full details)
Application effort: applications take approximately 10-20 min (short or bullet point responses are adequate)
Call Theme: Juxtaposition: The Odd, the Strange, the Je Ne Sais Quoi This call theme invites artists to explore. An invitation to disrupt your own patterns or showcase your disruptions if that is already your style. For example, if your regular palette is soft and pastel, drop in bold dark gray elements. If you sculpt elegant forms, add a chrome-sparkle finish. If you paint florals, let a ghost peek through the petals. The goal isn’t to make something weird for the sake of weird, it’s to allow for the new and different—something that makes a viewer, or you, pause and say, ‘I can’t quite explain why this works… but it does’ (and if it doesn’t work, that is ok too!)
Commission Amount: $500 (standard); option to request $600-$800 for more complex works
When can I apply: Calls for commissions open periodically throughout the year. Current opportunities and deadlines are always posted on this page.
Selection Notification: Within 3 weeks of deadline
Selected Artists per Round: 2–5
Application Fee: $10 (non-refundable). 100% of fees collected support future commission opportunities.
Commission Payment: If selected, full payment on delivery (or 25% advance after selection, if requested, to aid in materials costs.)
Eligibility & Applying
Eligibility To apply, you must:
Reside full-time in BC
Be 18+ and an art student, passionate hobbyist, or emerging artist (earning less than $80k/year of artist income - does not include other full time or part time job).
Apply as an individual (not as a group or collective)
Propose a non-digital, original artwork
Commit to completing the work in 2 months (display-ready)
Be able to deliver it to Piccolo's drop-off site (Vancouver or Langley)
If selected, submit: headshot, bio, and artist statement (100–500 words)
How to Apply
Visit the “Get Commissioned” page and complete the form (~10-20 min)
Upload 3 samples of past work (.JPG .PDF .PNG)
Briefly describe your proposed piece (medium, size, concept/style)
Pay the $10 application fee
Accepted Mediums:
Painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, textile art, photography, mixed media, collage, glasswork, and assemblage. Other mediums? Contact us to ask.
NOT Accepted Mediums:
Digital illustration, Photoshop composites, 3D/digital sculpture, NFTs, AI-generated artwork.
To note: AI can be used for planning/sketching, but final art must be made with traditional methods.
Review & Selection
Application Review Process
Applications are reviewed by three Art Supporters — the Piccolo Founder and two guest contributors who share our belief that art is for everyone and bring diverse perspectives and skills.
Selections are made on sample quality, creative potential, and fit with Piccolo’s portfolio
Review Process: 1) Reviewers select their top picks 2) Picks are discussed then ranked until all the commission spots are filled 3) 2-5 artists are selected for commissions
Post-Selection
Final artwork is showcased in The Piccolo Virtual Gallery
Retained until auction; auction sales fund future commissions
Unsold pieces may be gifted to donors or sold to support Piccolo
Artists retain full copyright unless otherwise arranged
Not Selected?
You’re welcome to apply again for future open calls.