WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

For our 13th year of Zoominescence, our theme is “Our Wild Neighbours!” Our goal is to provide visitors with an understanding of the amazing animal diversity across Canada, both on land and in water. We especially want to highlight the importance of how humans should be more mindful about how we share the land with these animals and what we can do to continue protecting and conserving all life in our natural environments.

Artwork submitted for the artist competition should be focused on:

• An animal of your choice with preference for Canadian or Northern animals or animals found in our River Valley. These can be animals living at the Edmonton Valley Zoo or animals not at the zoo who still have an engaging and interesting story for guests to learn more about.
• Sharing key messages of why we should protect our wild neighbours and action items anyone can take to preserve wildlife in our natural spaces.

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 24-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.

SUBMISSION

The project submission deadline is Tuesday, July 1st, 2025. 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 2nd. 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. A map and document outlining potential locations are included, but if you would like to come and see the site during zoo operating hours, please do not hesitate to contact us. Please complete the following application about your project as specified on the next page. For more information, please call the Valley Zoo Development Society at 780-496-6924 or email events@buildingourzoo.com.

Thank you for your support!