Call to Artists

Placemaking Opportunity

The City of Pickering invites local artists/teams to apply to paint the main windows at City Hall and Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex (CHDRC). Under the theme of “No Place Like Home for the Holidays” this temporary placemaking opportunity will aim to showcase the warmth, joy, and sense of belonging that the holiday season brings to our community. Artists are encouraged to interpret the theme in ways that reflect Pickering’s unique character—its diverse cultures, cherished traditions, and the shared experiences that make this city feel like home. Whether through cozy winter scenes, festive celebrations, or symbolic representations of togetherness, the artwork should evoke a spirit of comfort, connection, and holiday cheer that resonates with residents and visitors alike. This activation will be displayed on the windows from November 14, 2025, to February 1, 2026. One artist/team will be commissioned by The City of Pickering to create the works.  

As per the City of Pickering Public Art Policy (CUL 130) an Artist is defined as the designer/creator of an artistic work and can include, but is not limited to, a professional artist, graphic designer, collaborative team, architect, or landscape designer. 

A public art jury comprised of City staff will be established for this single-stage competition.

Site Context

The City of Pickering acknowledges that it resides on land within the Treaty and traditional territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and Williams Treaties signatories of the Mississauga and Chippewa Nations, including the Mississaugas of Alderville, Curve Lake, Hiawatha, and Scugog Island, as well as the Chippewas of Beausoleil, Georgina Island, and Rama.

This placemaking opportunity will occupy the main windows of City Hall (1 The Esplanade S, Pickering, Ontario, L1V 6K7) and Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex (1867 Valley Farm Rd, Pickering, Ontario, L1V 6K7). Images of the windows below:

 
Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex exterior

 
Exterior of City Hall, Pickering

Project Brief

The City of Pickering’s Cultural Strategic Plan (2014) outlines the City’s commitment to collaborate with the community to celebrate our cultural diversity, heritage and the arts; to sustain our natural environment; to foster a creative economy; and to strengthen our vibrant neighborhoods.

This placemaking art piece is intended to be created by a local Pickering artist for winter 2025-2026. The City of Pickering will commission one artist/team for the creation of the work. The size and exact number of windows will be determined between the City and the selected artist/team. The created work will create a sense of joy and excitement for residents and visitors during the winter season in Pickering.  

Budget

The budget for this project is $5,000.00 including HST (maximum)*. This is the total amount available for the commission of these placemaking artworks in addition to all related expenses of this project including, but not limited to: artist fees, all applicable taxes, detailed renderings, materials, and schedules or other expertise as required, insurance, equipment, travel to meetings and to the site, and an artist statement for completed work.

The selected artist will provide a Scope of Work based on the Placemaking opportunity to The City of Pickering. This Scope of Work will address the artist's obligations, which include, but are not limited to:

• §  Materials
• §  Timeline
• §  Installation 
• §  Removal
• §  Insurance
• §  Copyright, Intellectual Property and Moral Rights

*Subject to change based on final confirmation on number of windows. 

Anticipated Schedule

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

*Schedule is subject to change

Technical Specifications

Design Considerations

1.     This Call is directed towards local artists.

2.     The created work must be painted on the interior side of the windows and removed at the end.

3.     The work is to reflect the theme of No Place Like Home for the Holidays. Possible ideas include unique Pickering locations/landmarks, businesses, events and activities.

4.     The work is to be inclusive, engaging, and create a feeling of joy.

5.     The work may incorporate components; however this should not add further to maintenance and durability. 

Selection Process

A jury comprised of City staff will be established for the evaluation of the proposals. This is a single-stage competition. One (1) artist/team will be awarded the commission. 

The Jury will recommend an artist/team for the award of the commission based on the following criteria:

1. Artistic merit, including quality of work, originality, and artistic excellence.
2. Adhesion to location and expressed desire in this project; and,
3. Artist’s demonstrated ability and proposal feasibility to meet the artwork goals and technical requirements, within the set timeline and budget.

The City of Pickering reserves the right to select and retain the artist deemed most appropriate for the project at its sole discretion.

Submission Requirements

Complete your Request for Proposals submission by clicking the link. 

Proposals may be used by the City of Pickering in meetings with stakeholders and staff.

Accessibility

The City will provide accommodations throughout the selection process for applicants with disabilities. Please notify Cristopher Farrell, Supervisor, Cultural Services, Community Services at 905.420.2660, ext. 3611 or cfarrell@pickering.ca as to the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require in respect of any materials or processes used to ensure your equal participation.

Reserved Rights of the City of Pickering

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/Team is capable of performing the Work. The City reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to determine the number of pre-qualified Artists/Teams. The City reserves the right to not proceed with awarding a contract.

Publication of Information

The City of Pickering shall have the exclusive right to issue all public announcements regarding the competition.

Additional Information

For any additional information or questions please contact: notify Cristopher Farrell, Supervisor, Cultural Services, Community Services at 905.420.2660, ext. 3611 or cfarrell@pickering.ca