Call to Artists

Stage 1: Call to Artists – Expression of Interest (EOI) 

 A public art jury comprised of practicing arts professionals, project stakeholders and community members will be established for the evaluation of the Stage 1 submissions.

Expression of Interest (EOI) Submissions: Artists/ Artist teams are invited to respond to this EOI by submitting a single pdf document including:

• CV: Professional resume (3-pages max). If submitting as a team, an individual resume should be submitted for each team member.
• Artist statement: describe your interest in this project and share your experience in the field. You can submit a written document (1-page max) or record an audio or video message (MP3 or MP4 file, max 20 MB).
• Portfolio of past work: Examples of relevant work. You may include multiple images per project on 1 page of a maximum of 10 projects (10-pages). Include title, year, scope, budget and a short description.
• References: A list of at least two professional references familiar with your work and working methods. The list must include name, title, complete e-mail addresses and telephone numbers.

 Submissions must be uploaded through the link here.

Deadline: November 6, 2026 at 4:00 pm EST

If the submissions exceed 20 MB, artists should contact Ellen Tayles-Armstrong, Curator, Public Art who will provide a link to an external file share program.

Incomplete submissions or submissions received after the deadline will not be juried.

 Stage 2: Request for Proposal (RFP)

 The Public Art Jury will review all submissions and identify a short-list based on artistic excellence and demonstrated or perceived ability to create and execute an innovative, engaging public artwork that is complementary to the overall design scheme and community context.

The Jury will select a short-list of three (3) artists/artist teams for Stage 2 – Request for Proposal (RFP). Each of the three (3) artists/artist teams will be compensated $1,500 CAD including HST for their time and the creation of concept for Stage 2.

The short-listed artists will be notified the week of January 25, 2027.

The short-listed artists will be required to present their concept virtually to the Public Art Jury on March 31, 2027.

When evaluating specific artwork proposals, the Public Art Jury will consider the vision, mandate and objectives of the Public Art Program and the objectives listed in the Public Art Opportunity outlined on Page 1 of this Call to Artists. The Public Art Jury (as per section 07.02 of the City of Pickering Public Art Policy (CUL 130) will also consider the artists:

• Artistic excellence of previous work;
• Ability to achieve the highest quality of contemporary artistic excellence and innovation;
• Professional qualifications and relevant working experience as related to the public art project brief;
• Ability to manage a project and experience working with a design team, project team and/or community group, as appropriate;
• Potential to comprehend, access and interpret relevant technical requirements; and,
• Interest in and understanding of the public art opportunity and the context.

The proposals may be used by the City of Pickering in meetings with community groups, stakeholders and staff.

Anticipated Schedule[ET1] 

It is expected that the commissioned artist(s) will comply with the project’s general timeline dates, as stated below:

*Schedule is subject to change

Artists are invited to respond to this EOI Call by submitting a single pdf document (max size 20 MB) including:

• Artist statement: describe your interest in this project and share your experience in the field. You can submit a written document (1-page max).
• CV/Portfolio of past work: Examples of relevant work. You may include multiple images per project on 1 page of a maximum to 10 projects (10-pages). Add tittle, year, scope, budget and a short description.
• References: A list of at least two professional references familiar with your work and working methods. The list must include name, title, complete e-mail addresses and telephone numbers.

Submissions must be sent to jstamant@pickering.ca  with subject line: <YourLastName>_EOI:CommunityBanner2026
Deadline: May 29, 2026 at 4:00 pm EST.

If the submissions exceed 20 MB, artists should contact Jesse St. Amant, Coordinator, Cultural Services who will provide a link to an external file share program. Incomplete submissions or submissions received after the deadline will not be juried.

The City will provide accommodations throughout the selection process to applicants with disabilities. Please notify Ellen Tayles-Armstrong, Curator, Public Art at 905.409.0567 or etayles@pickering.ca of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require in respect of any materials or processes used to ensure your equal participation.

The City of Pickering, at its sole discretion, may request clarification or request additional information, as deemed necessary to evaluate the submissions. The City retains the sole discretion to determine whether a submission is responsive and if the prospective Artist or Artist Team is capable of performing the Work. The City reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to determine the number of pre-qualified Artists or Artist Teams. The City reserves the right to not proceed with awarding a contract.