WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

For our 14th year of Zoominescence, our theme is “Shining a Light on Survival” Our goal is to celebrate the incredible ways animals have evolved to survive and thrive in some of the world’s toughest environments, whether natural or human-made. From the icy Arctic to windswept mountain ranges, animals have developed remarkable adaptations that allow them to endure extreme temperatures, scarce food sources, challenging landscapes, and co-existence with humans.

Another important conservation-focused aspect of survival that we would appreciate seeing in the art submitted includes:

• Stories of animals who have survived threats of extinction, habitat loss, population fluctuations, etc.
• SSP (Species Survival Plan) or SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) species that humans are protecting.

“Shining a Light on Survival” highlights the resilience of wildlife and the extraordinary tools animals use to survive in environments that would challenge most living things.

Artwork submitted for the artist competition should be focused on:

• An animal of your choice with a very clear and unique survival adaptation or survival story.
• Sharing key messages of how we as humans can support the survival of these animals, even from far away.

Installations that are of most interest for our festival include:

• Artwork that expresses clear conservation and educational messaging related to the artist’s animal of choice.
• Interactive exhibits or memorable photo opportunities that animate our zoo grounds.
• Medium to large-scale stand-alone sculptures or installations that cast plenty of light.

In keeping with our environmental stewardship, environmentally friendly or recycled materials are highly recommended. We would like to see pieces that incorporate the zoo’s three pillars: Education, Stewardship, and Conservation. Individuals and teams are strongly encouraged to work with recycled materials and renewable energy to design an art display that celebrates the aforementioned themes. Please keep in mind that the majority of visitors will be children.

What you need to know

A few things to keep in mind regarding the installation application are:

• Chosen projects will be provided with a budget of $3,500.00, which will be paid in four installments.
  • Your use of the funds is discretionary as long as the project approved is the project built.
  • The Valley Zoo Development Society requests the right to buy pieces after the festival ends.
• Power will be provided by the Edmonton Valley Zoo, but artwork with energy-efficient lighting is preferred.
  • We require our artists to use timers to minimize the power used during the 25-day festival period.
  • Artists are expected to bring their own timers and extension cords, but depending on the location and supply, Event Coordinators may be able to provide them if requested.
• It is the artist’s responsibility to ensure the exhibit is maintained.
  • If maintenance is required due to technical failures, weather, or other circumstances, our team will contact artists once we are aware of it to discuss a solution.
  • Please keep in mind our unpredictable winter weather when considering tech and materials.
• This is meant to be fun, so get creative and keep it light-hearted and enjoyable! We want energetic people with a love of the arts to share in this experience.

AI POLICY

Zoominescence has a longstanding history of bringing people together to celebrate community and conservation, and our Call to Artists competition reflects these values. We’re proud to showcase the work of local artists and support genuine human creativity. For this reason, the use of generative artificial intelligence (“Generative AI”) is strictly prohibited in all submissions for our Call to Artists competition.

Submissions created in whole or in part with the use of generative AI, including visual/conceptual artwork, images, graphics, or animations are not allowed. All pieces must be original and created entirely by the submitting artist or team. Any submission found to contain AI-generated elements will be immediately disqualified from the competition. If a second violation occurs, the artist and/or team will be prohibited from participating in future events or collaborations.

Acceptable alternatives to AI use when creating your submission can include hand-drawn or digitally-drawn renderings with references to previous artwork that is similar to the submission, but please include explanations of how it will be adapted.

By applying, artists confirm that their submission is has been entirely created through their own process and reflects their authentic work. This policy may be updated at any time.

SUBMISSION

The project submission deadline is Wednesday, July 1st, 2026. Installations will be chosen by the Valley Zoo Development Society and the Edmonton Valley Zoo. The winners of the Call to Artists competition will be contacted on Tuesday, September 1st. If your submission is selected, you will receive your funding of $3,500 paid in installments after completing and signing your artist contract. Participants must submit a detailed project outline that includes a rendering, material list, required footprint, and a description of how their installation features an animal conservation success story by the submission deadline. Applicants must include a plan for installation and teardown, including a timeline for installation and maintenance requirements during the entire festival.

You can email, or mail your submissions to the following:

Valley Zoo Development Society
Box 2359
Edmonton, AB
T5J 2R7

Email: events@buildingourzoo.com
Phone: 780-496-6924

Applicants will be able to have input in the selection of the location of their installments, but the finalized location will be decided by the Valley Zoo Development Society. In your submission, please indicate the type of area that your art piece requires (e.g. pavement, grass, behind a fence away from guests, hanging from a tree, etc.). If you would like to come and see the site during zoo operating hours to determine a potential location for your piece, please do not hesitate to contact us. For more information, please call the Valley Zoo Development Society at 780-496-6924 or email events@buildingourzoo.com.

Thank you for your support!