Niagara-on-the-Lake Hydro Box Beautification Competition 2026

Hydro Box Location: NOTL Hydro Office

Niagara-on-the-Lake Hydro Box Beautification Competition 2026

Three of the town's hydro boxes have been selected for this year's competition. All submissions will be part of an exhibition at the Niagara Pumphouse Art Centre August 6 - September 17, 2026.

2 of the winning designs will be chosen by a jury. The community chooses 1 winning entry as the People's Choice winner by participating in a public vote, with each visitor able to cast a single vote. All winning submissions will be awarded a $700 honorarium.

Design themes may encompass nature, landmarks, or the rich history of Niagara-on-the-Lake. However, preference will be given to submissions aligning with this year's theme, Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Selected artworks will be transferred to vinyl wraps to beautify the following hydro boxes:
• NOTL Hydro Office: 30" x 60" x 73" (HxWxD)
• Town Hall: 56.5" x 46" x 51" (HxWxD)
• NOTL Community Centre: 60" x 44" x 58" (HxWxD)

Hydro Box Location: Town Hall

Eligibility 
• This opportunity is open to artists who live, work or operate in the Niagara Region. 
• The theme of the design may include but is not limited to nature, Niagara-on-the-Lake history/landmarks, etc.
• Preference will be given to submissions with this year's theme, Niagara-on-the-Lake.
• The jury selection and artwork box location are final

Timeline
• Artists must complete entry submissions by July 3, 2026.
• Artwork drop off for NOTL Hydro Box Beautification Group Exhibit at Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre: August 2, 2026, 5:00 - 7:00 PM or August 3, 2026, 9:00AM - 4:00PM
• NOTL Hydro Box Beautification Group Exhibit: August 6 to September 17, 2026
• People's Choice Award Voting: August 6 to September 11, 2026
• Announcement of Winning Artworks & Award Ceremony: Thursday, September 17, 2026, 5:00 PM
• Artwork pick up for NOTL Hydro Box Beautification Group Exhibition: September 17, 2026, 6:00 PM or September 18 from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Target installation date on the hydro boxes: early October

Hydro Box Location: NOTL Community Centre

How to enter
• Complete the entry form by July 3, 2026
• Only 1 design is permitted per entry form.
• Each artist is only allowed to submit a maximum of 2 designs.
• Pay a non-refundable application fee : $25.00 
• Upload an image of your artwork NOTE: You do not need to show how the design will wrap around the hydro box, but you may include that if you wish. The Hydro Box Competition Committee will determine how the selected artworks will be applied to the box and the box location.

Program Partner