Call for Art Submissions: Windows Into Queer Lives

We welcome art from any and all Queer people in the Darling Downs. You don’t need to have had any professional experience in art before. All forms of artwork are accepted but for audio content. 

The theme for the exhibition is Windows into Queer Lives, this can be taken as literally or metaphorically as you wish. If you would like something more specific to work on, here are some ideas:

• Stories

• Identities

• Experiences

While your artwork does not need to have been created for this exhibition, it must fit the theme of the brief.

Due to the audience of the exhibition, we are only able to accept limited works that contain sexual or explicit content. Please contact us at windowsintoqueerlives@gmail.com if you wish to create a work with sexual or explicit content. Otherwise please fill out the Expression of Interest form and we will contact you.

There are no exact size or weight limitations for this exhibition, but if you have any worries about the size of your creation feel free to email us at windowsintoqueerlives@gmail.com and we can work it out. 

All art must be submitted in a physical form. Unfortunately, we are unable to take digital formats. If you wish to submit a video, it will need to be on a USB. The maximum length of videos should be 3:00 minutes and the file format should be MP4.

You may submit up to 4 works. We request that when you submit your EOI, you number your works in preference order. Depending on the size and number of entries it may not be possible to display all works and our priority will be to display works from as many artists as possible.

All artwork submitted must be the original work of the artist and not infringe upon any copyrights. Please note that any artwork created using AI will not be accepted into this exhibition. 

There is an option to sell any of the art you submit. If this is something you wish to do, please understand that you are required to set the price point and you can do this when submitting your Expression of Interest. Please note that selling your art is not a requirement of this exhibition.

To submit your work you must have filled in an Expression of interest form. Please do this as soon as you know you would like to enter something into the exhibition. The final date for filling out an Expression of Interest is Monday, March 17. You can find the EOI Form here: https://forms.gle/gqEjv3xhqMCDX1uq8

For the exhibition, all artworks will be displayed with an A5 plaque with:

• The title of your work

• The medium/materials used

• Your name (or pseudonym)

• Some details about your work up to 200 words (optional)

• A QR Code linking any additional details or socials (optional)

Please note that none of the above need to be finalised at the time of submitting your EOI if you’re still undecided about the details of your work. We will send out an email to all artists before creating these plaques (closer to the exhibition date) to confirm all details.

Preparing your artwork for submission

For physical items, please label or attach a label to your artwork with the following information: 

• Your name

• The title of the work

• Which way is up (where appropriate)

If your work is on paper or a similar material, we suggest placing it between two pieces of cardboard to protect it and keep it flat. Please do NOT roll or fold your artwork.

Getting the artwork to us

All works are due Saturday May 3. On this date The Lighthouse Toowoomba will be open to receive submissions from 10:00am to 2:00pm. You are also welcome to submit your artwork prior to this date by contacting us at windowsintoqueerlives@gmail.com or mailing your work to:

 Inclusive Counselling Collective

86 Water Street South, 

Toowoomba, 4350, QLD

Conditions of submitting your artwork 

By submitting your artwork, you accept that we, the organisers of this event, reserve the right to photograph your submitted artwork for promoting this and future exhibitions and for catalogue & archival purposes (printed, electronic & web based).

We reserve the right to decline to exhibit any work should it not fit the requirements or the spirit of the project. Unsafe or wet works will be rejected. The decision to decline a work is final.

All artworks created need to be picked up by the artist or an otherwise nominated person. There will be a time set for pick-up from The Lighthouse Toowoomba’s Write Gallery given to the artists who submit their work.

While we will exercise reasonable care with all works submitted, we are not responsible for any loss or damage and are unable to compensate anyone for the damage or loss of a piece. Insurance of works is the responsibility of the artist.

Artists are responsible for collecting their artwork by June 30th, 2025. After this date, we may store, destroy or otherwise dispose of any work in a manner that is deemed fit and shall be under no liability to the entrant.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email us at windowsintoqueerlives@gmail.com

Discord Community

There is also a Discord server for this event where you can:

• Ask questions

• Talk about and share your art

• Find out about all the events surrounding the exhibit

• Be reminded of all closing and due dates

You can join the server by following this link: https://discord.gg/hQYJsFraMH

Please note this server is moderated by organisers of this event.

Facebook & Insta

Updates and reminders for this project will be also posted on @inclusivecounsellingcollective on Insta and the Inclusive Counselling Collective Facebook page.

We’re not accepting artwork from people outside the LGBTQIA+ community. But there are still ways you can support and amplify queer voices as an ally:

• Attend the exhibition

• Spread the word to all your friends and family and invite them along too

• Donate to our fundraiser (Windows Into Queer Lives Fundraiser | Chuffed | Non-profit charity and social enterprise fundraising) All funds will directly support the project by helping us with the costs of venue hire, materials, etc.

• Share this call out with any artistic queer folk you know who may want to be involved

First of all—yes, it is good enough! This exhibition isn’t about being a professional artist or having years of experience. It’s about showcasing the incredible diversity of queer stories and creativity in all its forms.

We believe that every piece of art that captures the spirit of Windows Into Queer Lives has value and deserves to be seen.

Whether you paint, draw, sculpt, photograph, weave, collage, or express yourself in any other medium, your voice and experiences matter. This is a space to celebrate you—your identity, your perspectives, your lived experiences.

If you’re feeling unsure, we encourage you to reach out and chat with us!

Nope!

You don’t need a finished piece to submit your EOI. You’re welcome to keep working on your art right up until the drop-off date in May.

Creativity is a process, and if your artwork evolves or changes from what you initially envisioned, that’s totally okay—we love seeing how ideas grow!

Just keep us in the loop if there are any big changes, and we’ll make sure everything runs smoothly.

You are absolutely welcome to participate in a way that feels safe and comfortable for you.

You can remain anonymous or use a pseudonym of your choosing—whatever works best for you.

Your voice and creativity matter, and this exhibition is all about celebrating queer experiences in all their forms. If you have any concerns or need support in navigating this, feel free to reach out—we’re here for you.