Call for Proposals

Year of the Woman Farmer Fibre Art Exhibition

Festival Overview

Calling all visual artists! Showcase your work at the Year of the Woman Farmer Fibre Arts Exhibition at the 2026 Manitoba Fibre Festival (MBFF). 

The MBFF invites the community to submit proposals for finished Fibre Art pieces to be presented at the two day Festival in September 2026. This exhibition transforms the MBFF gallery into a community space where Festival-goers and visitors can experience local fibre art up close. 

The MBFF is an annual celebration of fibre, textile arts, and the communities that sustain them. Hosted annually since 2013 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the festival brings together makers, producers, artists, and the public for workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions, and a vibrant marketplace. The festival highlights the creativity and innovation of fibre-based practices across Manitoba.

2026 Theme: Year of the Woman Farmer

In celebration of the United Nations’ declaration of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, this year’s Manitoba Fibre Festival proudly honours the women who are shaping the future of fibre farming across our province. The International Year recognizes the essential contributions women make throughout our agrifood and fibre systems — from production and stewardship to trade, education, and community resilience. 

Across Manitoba, women are leading a powerful movement rooted in regenerative agriculture, ethical animal care, and circular textile systems. They are raising sheep and fibre animals with the highest standards of welfare, cultivating natural dyes from prairie soils and gardens and building local textile economies that value sustainability, craftsmanship, and connection to the land. Their work strengthens rural communities, protects ecosystems, and reimagines what a truly local and responsible textile system can look like.

At this year’s festival, we want to honour the women involved in textile agriculture - the farmers, shepherds, dyers, spinners, mill operators, makers, educators, and innovators whose dedication and vision are helping grow a resilient fibre future in Manitoba.

Artwork may be sold directly by the artist, and MBFF takes no commission. Please note that MBFF does not provide insurance and is not responsible for loss or damage to artwork.


Eligibility and Selection

  • Open to artists, artist collectives, designers, and interdisciplinary practitioners who are Canadian residents.

  • Both emerging and established artists are encouraged to apply.

  • Selection will be based on:

    • Relevancy to the theme

    • Use of fibre arts (priority will be given to art using natural fibres and local materials)

  • Artwork must not be larger than 36”x48”

  • A maximum of 20 pieces will be selected for the 2026 show

  • Artists will be responsible for the transportation of the piece to and from the MBFF

  • Artwork may be sold directly by the artist, at their own discretion (MBFF does not take any commission)

  • MBFF does not provide insurance, and is not responsible for loss or damage to the piece 

  • Participants will receive a $150 honorarium for participating

Submission Requirements

Applicants must submit the following in a single PDF or folder:

  • Brief Project Description — 100-300 words outlining concept, statement and a materials list

  • Sketches or Renderings — Minimum of one sketch or image of the proposed piece

  • Work Samples — Three images of past work, with image list

  • Artist Information — 100–200 word artist bio

  • Technical Requirements — Any additional information on how the piece will be displayed/installed

    • MBFF will provide panels and hooks for hanging, anything additional must be provided by the artist

NOTE: Applications including the use of AI will not be accepted.

Timeline

  • Call opens: May 15, 2026

  • Submission deadline: May 30, 2026

  • Notification of results: June 10, 2026

  • Installation period: Friday, September 11 from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm

    • Artist will also have to option of dropping off their piece during the week before MBFF at a designated place within Winnipeg (times, dates, and locations TBD)

  • Festival dates: Friday, September 11, 3:00 to 9:00 pm and Saturday, September 12 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

  • Deinstallation: Saturday, September 12 from 4:00 - 6:00 pm

    • Artist will also have the option of retrieving their piece during the week after MBFF at a designated place within Winnipeg (times, dates, and locations TBD)

How to Apply

Submit all materials to info@manitobafibrefestival.com with the subject line: Art Installation Proposal – Manitoba Fibre Festival 2026 – [Your Name]

Contact

For questions or additional information, contact info@manitobafibrefestival.com