Durham Region Public Art and Creative Placemaking Hub

Durham is one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Ontario. As our cities, towns and spaces evolve, public art and placemaking invites people to connect in new and unexpected ways. Inclusive and accessible public art and placemaking can reflect the unique and diverse population, enhance the vibrancy of our communities, support local artists, and strengthen local pride.


Support Our Public Art and Creative Placemaking Program

We invite individuals and organizations to contribute to the enrichment of our community through the Public Art and Creative Placemaking Program. Your generous donations will directly support initiatives that enhance the aesthetics of our region and provide vital support to local creatives.

Per our policy, all donated funds will be allocated to Public Art and Creative Placemaking projects, ensuring that your contribution makes a meaningful impact. Join us in fostering a vibrant and inspiring community by supporting public art today.


Subscribe to stay informed

Artist calls will be shared below. The best way to stay up to date on calls to artists is to subscribe to this page using the widget in the top right corner (web version) or below (phone version) to be notified as soon as an opportunity is announced. This webpage will also be used to share our progress, celebrate new installations, and share other opportunities to get involved.

Durham is one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Ontario. As our cities, towns and spaces evolve, public art and placemaking invites people to connect in new and unexpected ways. Inclusive and accessible public art and placemaking can reflect the unique and diverse population, enhance the vibrancy of our communities, support local artists, and strengthen local pride.


Support Our Public Art and Creative Placemaking Program

We invite individuals and organizations to contribute to the enrichment of our community through the Public Art and Creative Placemaking Program. Your generous donations will directly support initiatives that enhance the aesthetics of our region and provide vital support to local creatives.

Per our policy, all donated funds will be allocated to Public Art and Creative Placemaking projects, ensuring that your contribution makes a meaningful impact. Join us in fostering a vibrant and inspiring community by supporting public art today.


Subscribe to stay informed

Artist calls will be shared below. The best way to stay up to date on calls to artists is to subscribe to this page using the widget in the top right corner (web version) or below (phone version) to be notified as soon as an opportunity is announced. This webpage will also be used to share our progress, celebrate new installations, and share other opportunities to get involved.

  • Are you a local artist or an artist with a connection to Durham Region with a great idea for a public space? Submit a proposal to our open call today!

    **Please note, all of the following information is also published on our main page at durham.ca/art. Please see the sidebar on the right hand side to view an accessible PDF with details on this opportunity.

    Background

    An open call is an invitation for artists to submit a public art proposal for consideration. Unlike traditional public art opportunities that have a specific canvas or medium in mind, an open call is an opportunity for artists to flex their creative muscles and submit their ideas. 

    Our goal is to support our local creative industry and inject vibrant, community-driven art throughout Durham Region in the public spaces that matter to our community. We want to showcase the unique voices of local artists while creating meaningful connections between art and place.

    What are we looking for?

    Eligibility 

    • Who can apply: Individual artists, artist partnerships, or collectives 
    • Artistic requirements: Proposals must have a strong visual component and be rooted in contemporary art practice
    • Connection required: Applicants should have a strong connection to Durham Region


    Design Considerations

    Your proposed vision should consider the following:

    • Artistic elements and themes appropriate for public spaces
    • Vibrant and engaging to foster connection and feeling among viewers
    • Material selection that ensures it is durable, secure and safe in an outdoor environment
    • Contextual design so that the artwork complements its surroundings
    • Accessibility standards are considered and applied where necessary


    Priority Locations

    Artwork must be installed on Durham Region property. We're especially interested in artwork that will enhance:

    💡Note: You don't need to know if a location is Durham Region’s property or your local town or city’s property - we're happy to work with you to help you explore potential sites.


    Budget 

    • $750-$9,999 CAD 
    • Budget must include ALL costs: taxes if charged (HST), artist fees, production, materials, professional services, insurance, travel, delivery, and incidental expenses
    • Projects over $10,000 are not eligible and will not be considered


    What are we not looking for?

    • Plaques, memorials, and interpretive signs
    • Art objects which are mass-produced or of standard design
    • Easily moveable artwork
    • Proposals for works inside Regional buildings, unless the artwork will be publicly accessible from outdoors

    Selection Process & Application

    This call will remain open until November 24th, 2025* at 12:00 noon. Artists are encouraged to reach out to art@durham.ca with questions and submit their applications as soon as they are ready so we can review it, flag any issues and help you in your application process! The number of selected works will vary based on project costs and installation timelines. We are using a Two-Stage Process where artists submit an initial concept, and a selection committee will convene after the call closes to determine which concepts will be invited to submit a full proposal. Please note, applications will be retained for future opportunities.

    *Schedule is subject to change.

    Stage 1 Details

    • Artists are invited to tell us about the vision for their proposed public art project, including their idea and a potential location.
    • You may suggest a specific location or general area type (e.g., "bus stops" rather than "the bus stop at King & Rudell Rd"), as specific locations may be out of scope due to constraints such as driver safety and sightlines, upcoming construction in the area, etc.

    The selection committee will review applications and artists may receive an invitation to participate in stage 2.

    Stage 2 Details

    • Artists selected to advance will be offered a $100-$400 artist fee for developing their full proposal. The final fee will be determined solely by the Region, based on the value of the project and the proposed budget.
    • Artists will have approximately two weeks to submit a detailed concept picture, location specifications, a 250-word artist statement, materials list with durability details and maintenance considerations, and completed budget template.

    💡Tip: Refer to CARFAC public art minimum recommended fee schedule for guidance on artist fees when thinking about your budget

    Post-Award

    • If your work is selected to move forward, the Region will work with you to create a legal agreement regarding the purchase and installation of the work.
    • Depending on your proposal and medium, you may work with our graphic design team to adapt your artwork for the intended application.
    • Works may be installed late 2025 or in 2026, at the discretion of the Region.

    Our selection committee will look for:

    • Feasibility of the proposed artwork (Is it safe? Is it durable?)
    • Artistic excellence including vibrancy, boldness, strength of theme or statement
    • Demonstrated interest and commitment to the project
    • Professional experience or demonstrated capacity to deliver quality public artwork in your proposed medium


    Artificial Intelligence Usage

     🤖 We encourage artists to avoid using generative AI for concept artwork due to intellectual property rights concerns. If you do use generative AI, please include your prompts or conversation so the selection committee can verify the concept is your own idea.

    Before Submitting Your Proposal

    1. Get Support

    Contact us at art@durham.ca with any questions as soon as possible. We're here to help you craft a strong application that aligns with our program goals. 

    2. Review Our Guidelines

    Familiarize yourself with Durham Region's:

    3. Understand the Process

    Review our guide: "A guide for artists: Applying for public art opportunities" for detailed information about our application and selection process.

    Ready to Apply?

    📧Contact us at art@durham.ca to begin your application or ask questions about the process. We're excited to see how local artists will help transform Durham Region's public spaces!

    Sample Projects

    To spark your imagination, here are examples of the types of projects we're looking for:

    🖌️Traffic Cabinet Art

    Transform utility boxes into vibrant community art pieces that reflect local culture and identity.

    🖌️Regional Right-of-Way Graphics

    Create graphic design work that can be applied to Regional infrastructure like posts, barriers, or other infrastructure along our roadways.


     This open call is part of Durham Region's commitment to supporting local artists and enhancing our communities through public art and creative placemaking. 


    Accessibility Notice

    Artists who require accommodations or who need support applying for this opportunity are encouraged to contact us at least one week before the application deadline to allow Durham Region to ensure an accessible process.

    If you require this information in an accessible format, please contact Caitlin Rochon, Manager, Corporate Initiatives at art@durham.ca or by calling 311.

    Personal information, as defined in the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, 2001, and in accordance with MFIPPA. Personal information collected on this application form will be used to review applications and contact artists who have expressed an interest in the project. It may also be used by Regional staff for administrative purposes or for reference in future opportunities. The Region reserves the right to verify all information contained in submissions. Questions about the collection of personal information should be directed to the Manager, Corporate Initiatives Caitlin Rochon by calling 311 or emailing art@durham.caBy completing this application form, you consent to the collection and disclosure of your information, and to its use by the Regional Municipality of Durham, as described above.

    Apply now!
  • Are you a passionate and talented muralist looking to leave your mark?

    As we proactively explore opportunities for public art within our community, we're compiling a list of qualified muralists. This will allow us to quickly connect with experienced muralists when opportunities arise.


    Accessibility notice

    Artists who require accommodations or who need support applying for this opportunity are encouraged to contact us to allow Durham Region to ensure an accessible process.


    Contact

    If you have questions about this opportunity, please contact Caitlin Rochon, Manager, Corporate Initiatives at art@durham.ca or by calling 311.

    Complete Form
  • CLOSED: This application is now closed.

    Important information for artists

    You'll always own the rights to your artwork, including the right to be credited and have control over how it's changed.

    It is important that your art is original and that you have the right to share it. If you're chosen for this project, you'll need to confirm that:

    • You created the artwork yourself and have the right to use it.
    • You didn't use Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) to make it automatically.



    Accessibility Notice

    Artists who require accommodations or who need support applying for this opportunity are encouraged to contact us at least one week before the application deadline to allow Durham Region to ensure an accessible process.


    Contact

    If you have questions about this opportunity, please contact Caitlin Rochon, Manager, Corporate Initiatives at art@durham.ca or by calling 311.

  • CLOSED: This application is now closed.

    Important information for artists

    You'll always own the rights to your artwork, including the right to be credited and have control over how it's changed.

    If you're chosen for this project, you'll need to confirm that:

    • You created the artwork yourself and have the right to use it.
    • You didn't use Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) to make it automatically.


    It is important that your art is original and that you have the right to share it.


    Accessibility Notice

    Artists who require accommodations or who need support applying for this opportunity are encouraged to contact us at least one week before the application deadline to allow Durham Region to ensure an accessible process.


    Contact

    If you have questions about this opportunity, please contact Caitlin Rochon, Manager, Corporate Initiatives at art@durham.ca or by calling 311.

  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    350 Ritson Road South is owned by the Region of Durham and was purchased to support road work that will begin in 2029. Until then, we're cleaning this site up and creating a temporary community space. Amenities will be moveable, so they can be reused at other locations in the future. The Region has received grant funding to support this project. Please complete the survey to tell us what would make this spot special for you and your neighbours.

    Imagine the Possibilities:

    • Public art   
    • Native plants  
    • A community gathering space  
    • Your creative vision!  

    Note: Whatever we install should be portable or ‘light touch’ so we can move it to another underused space in our community in the future.

    Accessibility Notice

    If you need support completing this survey, you are encouraged to contact us by emailing art@durham.ca or by calling 311.


    Looking southeast toward Ritson Road.

     

    Looking northwest toward Olive Avenue

     



  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    In the summer of 2023, we engaged with the community to understand perspectives on public art and placemaking. We heard that it is important to engage with residents, businesses and Indigenous communities early into projects to understand local priorities and integrate diverse voices and perspectives.

    In partnership with the Municipality of Clarington, Durham Region is considering a public art mural project in Courtice.  This project aims to create a joyful space that brings people together in new and unexpected ways. The mural will be inclusive and accessible, support local artists, and foster community pride.

    The Region will be seeking external funding to support this project. 


  • CLOSED: This application is now closed.

    Important information for artists

    You'll always own the rights to your artwork, including the right to be credited and have control over how it's changed.

    If you're chosen for this project, you'll need to confirm that:

    • You created the artwork yourself and have the right to use it.
    • You didn't use Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) to make it automatically.

    It is important that your art is original and that you have the right to share it.


    Accessibility Notice

    Artists who require accommodations or who need support applying for this opportunity are encouraged to contact us at least one week before the application deadline to allow Durham Region to ensure an accessible process.


    Contact

    If you have questions about this opportunity, please contact Caitlin Rochon, Manager, Corporate Initiatives at art@durham.ca or by calling 311.

  • CLOSED: This application is now closed.

    Accessibility Notice

    Artists who require accommodations or who need support applying for this opportunity are encouraged to contact us at least one week before the application deadline to allow Durham Region to ensure an accessible process.

    Contact

    If you have questions about this opportunity, please contact Caitlin Rochon, Manager, Corporate Initiatives at art@durham.ca or by calling 311.

Page last updated: 12 Sep 2025, 11:46 AM