Markham Creates Community Challenge - FAQs

Who can enter?

The Markham Creates Community Challenge is open to Markham residents of all ages, backgrounds and abilities (non-professional/amateur), who are members of the City of Markham community (as determined by the City of Markham, in its sole discretion). Eligible applicants include those individuals who were born in the City of Markham, or who live, work, go to school, own a business, or are affiliated with an arts organization in the City of Markham. Proof may be requested by the City of Markham. 

How do I enter?

Submit via the Markham Creates website, www.markham.ca/creates

What do I submit?

Performing Arts (Flato Markham Theatre)
 Submit a YouTube video of your performance – maximum two minutes in length and a biography of 150 words max

Exhibit Design (Markham Museum)
*New* Submit photos of your collection, including a statement as to why it is important to you.  

We are also still accepting submissions for Markham family history.  Submit your visual submissions and family statement/biography (150 words maximum). Video presentations are also an option via a Youtube video link – Maximum length – 5 five minutes

Visual Arts – Paint medium (Varley Art Gallery)

Submit up to three images of your current work (must be some form of painting) as a JPG or PDF, along with an artistic statement for public display online – 100 words max

Creative Writing (Markham Public Library)
 Submit one piece of original, unpublished creative writing which centres on your experience arriving, settling, or living in Markham.  The story is to be presented as either a poem (any form) or a fiction piece, must have been written within the last 12 months and must be under 5000 words. Please also include an artist’s statement – 50-100 words 

How do I upload my entry? To be finalized

  1. Register on YourVoice Markham
  2. Click “Complete Form” in the Submission Section of the page
  3. Follow the steps to complete your submission

What is the deadline for submissions?

To be considered for the mentorship and showcase opportunities, submissions must be received by 11:59PM EST on Sunday, June 14th, 2020. Submissions after June 14th may still be displayed, but no longer considered for the mentorship prize.

When will I know if my submission has been selected?

On June 22nd five participants in each category will be selected and contacted and invited to be part of a Mentorship Program in July – August 2020. 


Can I submit more than one piece/performance?

No. You can only submit one entry per category.

Can I submit in more than one category?

Yes! You can submit one entry in each of the 4 categories. 

What do I get if selected?

All finalists will receive a Certificate of Recognition from Mayor Frank Scarpitti, as well as unique mentorship and showcasing opportunities. Please see below for a summary of each category:


Performing Arts – Finalists will receive a mentorship program of three (3) one-on-one coaching sessions in their respective discipline, and at least one master class or workshop with a professional artist, along with a unique opportunity to perform live on stage at the Flato Markham Theatre! Mentors include George St. Kitts, Juno Awards nominee, producer and singer (music);  Emily Cheung, Artistic Director of Little Pear Company (dance), Alan Kinsella, Director of Lower Ossington Theatre, Toronto Youth Theatre and Artistic Director of FMT camps (theatre) and platinum recording artist, multiple Juno and Gemini Awards Nominee, singer-songwriter, producer, and actress Jully Black (all disciplines). All finalists will also have the unique opportunity to perform live on stage at the Flato Markham Theatre! 

Visual Arts –Finalists will have a chance to be mentored by senior artist, John Abrams, virtually meet with the Director of the Varley Art Gallery, Niamh O’Laoghaire, and experience a virtual studio visit with the Varley Curator, Anik Glaude. Finalists will also have their work in a Virtual Display on a City of Markham website.


Exhibit Design - Finalists will be mentored by curator, Janet Reid, exhibit designer, Mark Scheibmayr and the Museum programmer, Andrea Carpenter. As well, finalists will have the opportunity to exhibit and showcase their work at the Markham Museum and in a virtual display on the City of Markham and Markham Museum websites.


Creative Writing – Finalists will be provided with the opportunity to learn from professionals in the writing community such as Missy Marston, author of last year’s Markham Reads selection, as well as, Ariana Ferrone, author and Community Librarian, Culture and Creativity Portfolio.  Works will be showcased by MPL, as well as, be part of an eBook that will be available through the MPL digital collection.


Who are the mentors?

Performing Arts – Flato Markham Theatre


 Mentors include George St. Kitts, Juno Awards nominee, producer and singer (music);  Emily Cheung, Artistic Director of Little Pear Company (dance), Alan Kinsella, Director of Lower Ossington Theatre, Toronto Youth Theatre and Artistic Director of FMT camps (theatre) and platinum recording artist, multiple Juno and Gemini Awards Nominee, singer-songwriter, producer, and actress Jully Black (all disciplines).

Exhibit Design – Markham Museum

Visual Arts (Paint) - Varley Art Gallery

Markham, Public Library – Creative Writing

  • Learn from professionals in the writing community, such as Missy Marston, author of last year’s Markham Reads selection, as well as, Ariana Ferrone, author and Community Librarian, Culture and Creativity Portfolio.


Does my submission have to be shared publicly?

Your initial submission does not have to be shared through digital platforms, however, all finalists selected will have to showcase their work as described in the submission outline which includes the City of Markham and various Markham culture units and public library social media platforms and websites.

What if I have more questions?

Please email your questions to:  markhamcreates@markham.ca