Here I Am

Here I Am is a collection of works celebrating the curiosity, passion, technique, and talent of emerging young creatives across Chatham-Kent. Explore the visual narratives young artists, designers, and makers use to capture their unique stories and impressions about their world through diverse mediums and creative processes.

Applications are encouraged from artists of all disciplines, including, but not limited to: 2D visual arts (animation, digital media, fine art, graphic design, photography), 3D visual arts (sculpture, textile, craft), video or audio works (audio design, film, songs, soundtracks), and performance art (instrument, drama, dance).

Interested artists should complete their submission with support from a teacher, parent/guardian or trusted adult using the online submission form below. 

The following are key considerations in submitting works to Here I Am:

  • Open to youth aged 13-18 years in Chatham-Kent.
  • All media accepted.
  • Works must be original, have been completed in the past 2 years (2025-2026), and not previously exhibited.
  • Works must comply with school and board policies.
  • Works must be original and unique. Works featuring commercial, licensed, or popular imagery—including copyrighted works, other artists’ work, characters, celebrities, and brands—are not permitted. Works depicting violence or political messages, or created using generative AI models, are also ineligible.

Exhibition Details

Artist Name(Required)
Phone(Required)

Entry 1

Entry 2

Artists may submit up to 2 works of art for consideration, and up to 2 files to support each work, including images and mp4/media files (30 seconds MAXIMUM). 

For example:

  • for 2D work: one full, one detail
  • for 3D work: 2 different perspectives
  • for video or performance work: 2 different videos

Images should be in .pdf, .png, .jpg, .jpeg, or .tiff. Images should not exceed 10MB per file. Videos should be in .mp4. Videos should be sent via Vimeo link.

 

Files must be named using the following format:

 

“ArtistName_ArtworkTitle_ImageNumber”

When submitting artwork to Here I Am 2027, please ensure dimensions provided are accurate and reflective of the work as ready to display. For tips on preparing your artwork for installation, see below:

  • Paintings, drawings, prints and other 2D works meant to be hung on a wall should be framed, wired, or mounted on foam core or matboard.
  • Free standing sculptures must be self supporting. Sculptural work will be displayed on plinths or shelves as necessary and at the discretion of gallery staff.
  • Recorded video or sound-based works should be provided via USB or digital file will be displayed on a monitor.

If an artwork is accepted into the exhibition, and upon delivery is found to have different dimensions than provided in the application, the Thames Art Gallery reserves the right to reject the work from the Here I Am student exhibition.

 

Works will be juried digitally by a panel of local arts community members and professionals. The following criteria are how the jury determines what works will be accepted for the exhibition:

Concept
  • Does the work communicate a clear, compelling concept or message?
    Does the work communicate a strong emotional or intellectual impact?
    Does the arrangement invoke a clear feeling or story?
Composition and Design
  • Does the work demonstrate a strong, balanced composition with intentional organization of space?
  • Does the work demonstrate a strong understanding of the principles of design?
  • Does the arrangement demonstrate my understanding of pitch, rhythm, tempo, and range of dynamics?
Creativity
  • Does the work demonstrate original ideas
  • Does this work showcase my strong, personal voice as a creative?
  • Does the arrangement reflect or capture my uniqueness and personal expression?
Technical Skill
  • Does the work demonstrate good control of media?
  • Does the work demonstrate a strong execution of technique?
  • Does the arrangement reflect how I have mastered my instrument of choice?

In applying to participate in Here I Am, artists agree to the following terms and conditions:

  1. The artist affirms that all works submitted are owned and created by me, and are available to be exhibited during the entire course of the exhibition February 12 – May 16, 2027.
  1. The artist agree that the Municipality of Chatham-Kent will not be responsible for unselected work(s).
  1. The artist agrees with the Municipality’s use, collection, and disclosure of personally identifiable information in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The information collected is used to select artists for this exhibition and is not shared with or sold to other organizations except as otherwise required by law.
  1. The artist accepts these rules and regulations, which are subject to change without notice. The artist automatically releases the Municipality of Chatham-Kent from any and all liability arising in connection with the contest, including, without limitation, the selection of winners and administration of the contest, and any and all liability for any injuries, loss, or damage arising from or in connection with the contest.
  1. The Municipality reserves the right in its sole discretion to cancel or suspend any portion of the Here I Am Exhibition for any reason whatsoever without any liability to the entrant for costs the entrant may have incurred in respect of the contest.
  1. By entering Here I Am, the artist grants the exhibitors a nonexclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, publish, and display the submitted artwork for promotional and marketing purposes related to the initiative.
  1. Accepted artwork must be received Thames Art Gallery between February 5 – 8, 2027, during the hours of 10am to 4pm. The Municipality may, in its sole discretion, reject or remove works not received by 4pm on February 8, 2027, from the exhibition.
  1. The artist represents and warrants that submitted artwork must be original and must not include, depict, reproduce, or be substantially derived from any licensed characters, trademarks, logos, brands, copyrighted works, or other third-party intellectual property, including content generated by AI models. The Municipality may, in its sole discretion, reject or remove any submission that appears to include unauthorized third-party material.
  1. Exhibited artwork must be picked up from the Thames Art Gallery between May 19 – 23, 2027, during the hours of 10am to 4pm. The Municipality, in its sole discretion, may make any arrangements necessary, including disposal, for any works remaining at the exhibition space after 4pm on May 23, 2027.

Submission forms accepted:
November 13 at 9:00 am to December 18 at 4:00 pm

Email notification of decision:
January 15, 2027

Artwork drop-off:
February 5-8, 2027
Chatham Cultural Centre, 75 William Street N
10:00 am – 4:00 pm Wednesday – Sunday
10:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturday

When preparing to drop-off your accepted work, please ensure that artwork is ready to display:

  • 2D work must be framed and wired.
  • 3D and sculptural work must be free-standing or self-supporting.
  • Instructions or diagrams should be provided for installation works.
  • Performing and conceptual artists whose work is accepted will be required to showcase or perform their work at a time agreed upon with Gallery staff at the Thames Art Gallery during open hours. A recording of the performance may be requested at the discretion of gallery staff to display throughout the exhibition period.
  • Artists are responsible for ensuring delivery of artworks during specified drop-off dates. Artwork is insured while on gallery premises.

Opening reception & awards:
February 13, 2027
2:00-4:00 pm

Exhibition on display until:
May 16, 2027

Artwork pick-up:
May 18-21, 2027
10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Please note that after the pick-up window outlined above has passed, CK Arts & Culture will have the sole discretion to make any arrangements necessary, including disposal, for any works remaining at Thames Art Gallery.

Scholarship Award Details

In addition to Awards of Excellence and People’s Choice awards, Here I Am offers a $1000 scholarship for graduating students attending a post-secondary program in the Arts.

The recipient of the scholarship award will be publicly announced at the Here I Am student exhibition official opening reception, Saturday, February 13, 2027, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. The scholarship funds will be administered once proof of enrollment to a post-secondary institution has been provided to the Thames Art Gallery.

Guidance councillors, teachers and eligible students can direct any further queries to the Thames Art Gallery at 519-360-1998 x 4421 or [email protected].

Artist Name(Required)
Phone(Required)

Entry 1

Entry 2

Entry 3

Entry 4

Entry 5

Entry 6

Entry 7

Entry 8

The following are key considerations in applying to the Here I Am Scholarship:

  • Students must be in their graduating year of secondary school
  • Students must be pursuing higher education in the Arts at the post-secondary level
  • All media accepted.
  • Works must be original and completed in the past 2 years (2025-2026)
  • Works must comply with school and board policies.

Works featuring commercial, licensed, or popular imagery—including copyrighted works, other artists’ work, characters, celebrities, and brands—are not permitted. Works depicting violence or political messages, or created using generative AI models, are also ineligible.

As part of the Here I Am Scholarship application, students must submit a portfolio of their work. Here are some guidelines to follow:

  • Portfolios should include a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 8 works.
  • Artists may submit up to 2 files to support each work, including images and mp4/media files (30 seconds MAXIMUM). For example:
    • for 2D work: one full, one detail
    • for 3D work: 2 different perspectives
    • for video or performance work: 2 different videos
  • Images should be in .pdf, .png, .jpg, .jpeg, or .tiff file formats. Images should not exceed 10MB per file.
  • Videos should be sent as Vimeo links.
  • Files must be named in this format: “ArtistName_ArtworkTitle_ImageNumber”
  • You may include works submitted to the Here I Am student exhibition as part of your scholarship application.

Students must complete the application above, making sure to include their name, address, phone and the post-secondary institution to which they have applied.

Thames Art Gallery staff is hosting a virtual information session about the Here I Am Scholarship on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, from 7:00 – 8:00 pm. More details regarding this session will be sent in the coming weeks.

Gallery staff are also available the week of November 30 – December 4, 2026, to present an information session at your school. If you are interested in scheduling an in-person session, please reach out to [email protected] no later than Wednesday, November 25, 2026.

In applying to the Here I Am Scholarship, artists agree to the following terms and conditions:

  1. Artists agree with the Municipality’s use, collection, and disclosure of personally identifiable information in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The information collected is used to select artists for this exhibition and is not shared with or sold to other organizations except as otherwise required by law.
  1. Artists accept these rules and regulations, which are subject to change without notice. Artists automatically release the Municipality of Chatham-Kent from any and all liability arising in connection with the contest, including, without limitation, the selection of winners and administration of the contest, and any and all liability for any injuries, loss, or damage arising from or in connection with the contest.
  1. The Municipality reserves the right in its sole discretion to cancel or suspend any portion of the Here I Am Exhibition or Scholarship for any reason whatsoever without any liability to the entrant for costs the entrant may have incurred in respect of the contest.
  1. By entering Here I Am, artists grant the exhibitors a nonexclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, publish, and display the submitted artwork for promotional and marketing purposes related to the initiative.
  1. I, the artist, affirm that all works submitted are owned and created by me and do not include, depict, reproduce, or be substantially derived from any licensed characters, trademarks, logos, brands, copyrighted works, or other third-party intellectual property, including content generated by AI models. The Municipality may, in its sole discretion, reject or remove any submission that appears to include unauthorized third-party material.

Digital application accepted:
November 13, 2026, at 9:00 am to December 18, 2026, at 4:00 pm

Invitation to interview:
Sent to applicants at the email provided on the submission no later than December 28, 2026.

Scholarship Interviews:
January 4 – 8, 2027
In-person or online via Microsoft Teams, depending on student availability.

Applications are encouraged from artists of all disciplines, including, but not limited to: 2D visual arts (animation, digital media, fine art, graphic design, photography), 3D visual arts (sculpture, textile, craft), video or audio works (audio design, film, songs, soundtracks), and performance art (instrument, drama, dance).

The recipient of the scholarship award will be publicly announced at the Here I Am student exhibition official opening reception, Saturday, February 13, 2027, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. The scholarship funds will be administered once proof of enrollment to a post-secondary institution has been provided to the Thames Art Gallery.

TAG_Here I Am 2027_INFO SESSION_Web
Virtual
December 1 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

HERE I AM Student Art Exhibition 2027 Submission Information Session

HERE I AM is a collection of works from students in grades 9-12 across Chatham-Kent. Interested in submitting your artwork? Join our Information Session December 1st!

More Details
Colourful water colours.
Virtual
December 1 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

HERE I AM 2027 Scholarship Award Information Session

HERE I AM is a collection of works from students in grades 9-12 across Chatham-Kent. Interested in applying for the Scholarship Award? Join our Information Session December 1st!

More Details
Person holding up their hand with blue paint on it.
Thames Art Gallery
Feb 13, 2027 - May 16, 2027

HERE I AM Student Art Exhibition 2027

HERE I AM is a collection of works from students in grades 9-12 across Chatham-Kent.

More Details
TAG_Here I Am 2027_OPENING RECEPTION_Web
Thames Art Gallery
Feb 13, 2027 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

HERE I AM Student Art Exhibition 2027 Opening Reception

HERE I AM is a collection of works from students in grades 9-12 across Chatham-Kent. Join us for the Opening Reception & Awards February 13, 2027.

More Details