DEADLINE: Sunday, March 31, 2024, 11:59 PM MDT

Submissions are now open. We appreciate your interest!

Please read the following information, and if appropriate.

McMullen Gallery pays artists according to CARFAC guidelines and also covers the cost of opening celebrations, invitations, labels, and signage.  

McMullen Gallery aims to explore art’s potential to positively affect patients, families, and staff as they navigate life’s challenges – health or otherwise - and strive toward wellness. McMullen Gallery seeks proposals from practicing artists, curators, and organizations for its 2025-2026 exhibition season. We are looking for exhibitions that engage our diverse community in ideas of hope, perceptions of wellness, stories of healing in an ailing world, or fostering environmental, emotional, and social sustainability.  

The University Hospital Foundation

The University Hospital Foundation was created in 1962 and has become one of Canada's leading hospital fundraising organizations. With our 2023 rebrand and acquisition of The Friends of University Hospitals, UHF funds McMullen Gallery and drives Thought Leadership in Arts in Health with a portfolio that currently includes the UAH Art Collection, the Artists on the Wards programs, and of course, McMullen Gallery.

“The reimagining of the University Hospital Foundation brand is a reflection of the belief of our donors and our own daring vision and commitment to be at the forefront of health ecosystem leadership. Thanks to our many supporters, donors and partners, we are able to continue our work to be the catalyst in transforming health in Alberta and around the world.”
- Jodi L. Abbott, President and CEO of the University Hospital Foundation.

 McMullen Gallery

Opened in 1986 and situated in the University of Alberta Hospital, McMullen Gallery has approximately 1700 visitors per exhibition, including patients, medical staff, hospital visitors, and members of the general public. McMullen Gallery exhibits artwork in all media that is soothing, uplifting, humorous, and/or thought-provoking, including but not limited to health-related subject matter.  

McMullen Gallery consists of 175 running feet of wall space and 2000 square feet of floor space, with 9 foot ceiling height on permanent walls. The gallery has mid-grey fabric coverings and modular track lighting. It faces an extremely busy corridor with a storefront window with additional hanging space.

Some works featured in recent McMullen Gallery exhibitions
(Photos: Amanda Gallant):

Submission Check List

1. Artist Resume, including formal training, exhibition history

2. Description of Proposed Exhibition (1-2 pages)

3. Artist Statement (1 page)

4. Images – 10-15 images of proposed or supporting artwork

   • JPEG format

   • approximately 1500 pixel range on the longest side

   • 300 dpi

   • no larger than 2MB in size

   • files must be named: lastnamenumber.jpeg (eg.smith1.jpeg)

5. Image List – Provide an image list with the following:

   • artist’s name, contact name, address, email, telephone at the top of page

   • list the following information for each image:

   • JPEG file name

   • title of artwork

   • date completed

   • media

   • dimensions

   • value

6. Additional Supporting Documents (not required)

Submissions are evaluated by the McMullen Gallery Programming Jury, which includes University Hospital Foundation board members, community members at large, and hospital staff. Be sure to include artwork that is appropriate to the potential sensitivities of patients and also that which may be most impactful to the hospital community. Applicants will be notified of the jury’s decision. All decisions are final.  

Why Art in Hospitals?

Research has shown that having art in hospitals can provide the following benefits:

• Supports mental wellness

• Lowers blood pressure and pain levels

• Decreases heart rate and stress levels

• Improves attitude toward hospital environment and experience

• Connects hospital to its community

• Provides welcome distraction for patients, staff, families

• Motivates patients to get out of bed and be active within hospital

• Makes hospital environment more welcoming and human