CASTING CALL: THE MUG MONOLOGUES

The mug takes centre stage with Verve Gallery’s first call for entry.

 

Production: An Exhibition of limited edition or singular mugs. 

Location: Verve Fine Craft Gallery, Halifax Nova Scotia.

Seeking: Leading ceramic or glass mugs for a solo performance.

Character Breakdown: We are looking for limited edition Mugs with big personalities. No "background extras" or mass-produced sets. We want the stars—the mugs that command a room (and a coffee table).

Derived from the Greek monologos ("speaking alone"), the monologue is a sustained expression of thoughts, feelings, or a story. In contrast to dialogue, it is a speech. It can be addressed to other characters, the audience, or be an internal reflection.

Every mug holds an untold story—an inner monologue. What are these silent companions whispering? Why do we feel such a strong connection to that one, special "favourite" mug? 

What does your mug have to say?

 

AUDITION DEADLINE: April 25th, 2026. Please submit your application via the link below. (Application form coming soon)

Candidatures bilingues bienvenues : Vous pouvez soumettre votre dossier de candidature en français ou en anglais.

Free to Apply

 

IMPORTANT DATES

Exhibition Dates: May 9th- August 3rd, 2026 (or until the mugs sell out!)

Applications Due: April 25th, 2026

Notification of Acceptance: April 27, 2026

Delivery of works: May 7th, 2026

Opening Reception: May 9th, 2026 (time: TBD)

If you have any questions or issues with the application process, please reach out via hello@vervefinecraft.ca

 

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

The Headshot: 3-5 professional quality, promotional ready photos. Include Front, Profile and details. Format: 25MB max, JPG, TIFF, or PNG only

The Monologue: A 100 word statement from the mug’s perspective.

Physicality: 

• Must be food-safe and capable of "performing" daily rituals.
• It can be one-of-a-kind or up to 5 in a limited series.
• One submission per artist

 

TERMS

Curation: This exhibition will be curated by Emily Blair Wareham, Owner and Director of Verve Fine Craft Gallery. To learn more about her and the gallery's curatorial vision visit the "Exhibitions" page.

Eligibility:

• All residents of Canada
• Ceramic and glass artists
• Students are not eligible

Consignment Terms:

• All works must be for sale
• Our standard gallery commission is 50/50. However, as part of our commitment to systemic equity in the arts, Verve Gallery offers a preferred 60/40 split (60% to the artist) for artists of the Global Majority (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color). We recognize the historical and ongoing economic disparities in the craft world and aim to provide a platform that prioritizes the sustainability of marginalized creators.

Shipping/ delivery: All artists are responsible for any costs associated with the shipping and/or delivery of the works to the gallery, including return shipping.

Disclaimer:

• Verve Gallery has the right to refuse any works that do not resemble the work submitted or does not meet the standards of quality expected, upon arrival to the gallery.
• The number of accepted works is up to the discretion of the Verve Gallery based on quality, curatorial vision and space limitations.