What is public art?

Public art is work in any medium that has been produced by an artist, or in collaboration with artists, and installed in a public space. It is created to reflect and engage the community and has undergone a formal selection process. Public Art may have functional and aesthetic qualities; it may be integrated into its site, or it may be a discrete piece; it can be participatory, and permanent or temporary. At its core, public art is free and accessible, encouraging community members of different abilities, backgrounds, and identities to engage.

The following are not considered public art:

• Plaques, memorials, and interpretative signs;
• Art objects which are mass-produced or of standard design;
• Easily moveable artworks such as paintings, drawings, models and books; and
• Artwork inside Regional facilities unless they are publicly accessible and available at all times.

What is placemaking?

Placemaking focuses on creating vibrant, engaging, and inclusive public spaces. It involves transforming ordinary or underused areas into lively and people-centred environments that promote social interaction, cultural expression and community identity. Placemaking involves local residents, businesses, artists and other collaborators in the design and activation of public spaces to reflect their needs and aspirations. This process consists of a series of projects and/or activities that rejuvenate structures and streetscapes, engage and empower people, and improve the quality of a place over time. It can improve local business viability and public safety, and bring diverse people together to celebrate, inspire, and be inspired.

What is placekeeping?

Placekeeping is a concept closely related to placemaking but with a different focus. Placekeeping is an approach to design based on land stewardship that is centred around recognizing the rights of the landscape as a living being first and considering our responsibilities now and into the future. It involves thinking about the context and history of the place including Indigenous histories and futures and preserving and maintaining the unique qualities and character of a place over time. It involves ongoing efforts to protect, sustain, and nurture the identity, heritage, and cultural significance of a particular area. Placekeeping can include activities such as advocating for the preservation of historic landmarks, promoting local traditions and customs, ensuring equitable access to public spaces, and safeguarding the natural environment. It recognizes the importance of continuity and long-term stewardship in sustaining thriving and meaningful places.

What is an artist's fee?

An artist's fee is the amount of money that the artist will be paid for their professional services. All Durham Region Calls for Artists will describe the budget or artist fee available for the project.

What does a strong public art proposal look like?

A strong proposal will show you understand the project's goals and how your artistic vision aligns. Here are some key areas to consider:

Site: How does your artwork concept connect with the proposed location? Does it enhance the space and engage the community?

Artistic Merit: Showcase your artistic skills and creativity through compelling visuals of past work. Highlight projects that demonstrate your ability to execute your vision successfully. For example, if the project involves painting, share examples where you have worked with acrylics or other paint products.

Experience: Demonstrate your qualifications by detailing relevant experience in public art projects or similar creative endeavors.

Check out our Guide for Artists for more information on how to create a proposal that is clear, compelling, and more likely to resonate with selection committees. Be sure to double-check the call for artists for any project-specific requirements.

How do I apply to participate in a public art selection committee?

Submit your application using our online form.

Do you have a question not answered here? Ask us!

Post date: July 23, 2025

Application deadline: August 20, 2025 at 12 p.m.

Are you an artist located in Durham Region (or with a strong connection to Durham Region) interested in gaining public art experience?

Durham Region will be awarding five (5) artists with commissions for their digital designs and installing their artwork on Durham Region Transit bus shelters to enhance the transit experience. This is a paid opportunity to expand your public art portfolio!

About the opportunity

Number of Artists Selected: 5

Artist Qualifications: Artists must have a connection to Durham Region (this includes Indigenous peoples, current and former residents, etc.).

Details of the opportunity: The selected works will be printed on an opaque film that will be adhered to the glass on the back wall. The design will be visible from both inside and behind the shelter. Designs should be active, dense and have limited negative space. Bright colours are encouraged, and imagery must be community friendly. Artwork can be created in any medium however, the top five artists will be responsible for any costs associated with submitting the final design as a high resolution digital file.

Budget/Artists Fee: The awarded artists will be compensated $650 for their digital designs which may be reproduced two (2) times by the Region. This is the total amount available for all related expenses of this public art project including, but not limited to: artist fees, all applicable taxes, and an artist statement for the completed work. All costs associated with production and installation will be covered by the Region.

Selection criteria: When evaluating artwork proposals, the Selection Committee will consider the vibrancy, artist statement and description of the work, the work's artistic excellence and the work's ability to fit the shelter.

Selection process: Artists are informed of the specifics of the project through the Call to Artists. Artists are invited to submit an artist statement, their biography/CV and design. Only selected artists will receive an artist fee.

Durham Region reserves the right to select and retain artists deemed most appropriate for the project at its sole discretion.

Proposal Requirements:

• An artist statement describing your interest in this project and a description of your work (300 words maximum).
• Your proposed design (photos, sketches, etc. accepted). Transit shelters come in several sizes. Artists will be informed what size shelter their work will be installed on if selected. Standard shelters are typically 114" wide by 81" tall or 100.5" wide by 81" tall.
• CV and/or portfolio of relevant work. 10-pages maximum. Links to online portfolios are accepted.
• The rear wall of the shelter consists of two glass panels. A two-inch safety margin should be included in your design. Do not place important text or artwork in this area as it may be cropped. Do not include bleeds or crops in your artwork. If selected, final artwork must be submitted at 300 dpi.

The Heart of Durham (2024)
Andrea MichelKey dates:

• Call for artists issued: July 23
• Application deadline: August 20
• Selected artists notified: August 26
• Final design submission: September 2

*Schedule is subject to change

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.

Post date: April 9, 2025

Application deadline: May 7, 2025

We are seeking an artist or artist team to create an engaging ground mural and complementary curb paintings as part of the Ritson temporary placemaking project at 350 Ritson Road South. This artistic intervention aims to enhance the public space and create a vibrant, welcoming environment for community members.

About the opportunity

Number of artists/artist teams selected: 1

Early results from the community survey show a slight preference for a “green theme” featuring natural elements like plants and pollinators. Close behind, many preferred giving the artist complete creative freedom without a specific theme. Some other ideas included highlighting elements from the immediate neighbourhood, the City’s heritage, and technology. Respondents want a mural that is fun and imaginative.

Please note: The intent is not for artists to combine all these ideas into one mural. Instead, they should focus on creating a cohesive and engaging design that reflects one or two of the community’s preferred themes or ideas.

Raised garden beds that have been purchased for the site are cream and sage green.

Artist qualifications

Artists must have a connection to Durham Region (this includes Indigenous peoples, current and former residents, and artists with a strong connection to the local community).

Project Scope

The commissioned work includes:

• Design and painting of a ground mural on an asphalt pad (approximately 8' x 25') bordering Olive Avenue
• Complementary painted elements on blocks and curbs throughout the site
• Creation of a cohesive design that enhances the temporary placemaking initiative

Note: Some of the blocks and curbs currently on the site may be relocated between the date of this artist call and the installation date to improve the aesthetics of the site and site access.

Commission Details

• Artist Fee: $3000 plus HST
• This fee includes all labour, materials, supplies, and paint associated with preparing the site and completing the installation
• Artist teams are welcome to apply but must share the total project award

Artist Requirements

The selected artist(s) must:

• Have experience with large-scale painting projects
• Work with weather-resistant materials suitable for exterior application (e.g., Dulux Gripper Primer and Weatherguard exterior paint or similar quality approved by the Region)
• Be available to complete the project within the designated timeframe

Selection Criteria

When evaluating artwork proposals, the selection committee will consider the artist's statement and description of the work, the work's artistic excellence, and the ability of the artist to deliver a high-quality product. Artists will be evaluated based on:

• Quality of previous work
• Creativity of the proposal
• Experience with public art and outdoor murals
• Technical capability to execute the project

Selection process

Artists are informed of the specifics of the project through the Call to Artists. Proposals are submitted through an online form. Art selection committee members will convene after the application deadline to review all proposals against the criteria above. Only selected artists will receive an artist fee.

Durham Region reserves the right to select and retain artists deemed most appropriate for the project at its sole discretion.

Proposal Requirements

Please submit:

1. Artist statement describing your interest in the project and a description of your concept (max 500 words)
2. Concept proposal including early design ideas
3. Portfolio of relevant previous work (5-10 images), Artist CV/resume or link to professional website

Note: If applying as a team, please list team members and submit the required credentials for each. Please also only provide the contact information for the designated contact person.

Key dates

Submission deadline: May 7 at 11:59 PM

Artist selection notification: May 22

Project Implementation: June 12 – June 19

*Schedule is subject to change

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 art@durham.ca or call 311.

Apply now!

Roebuck Street Placemaking Project, Whitby
"Field to Fork" by artist Chrrie @kingchrrie

Post date: February 13

Application deadline: April 16, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST

Durham Region is commissioning six innovative public art benches to enhance transit stops across the region. Selected artists will receive $7,000 CAD to design and fabricate unique, functional seating that reflects our community's character.

Planned installation locations are Durham Region Transit stops in Ajax, Brooklin, Newcastle, Oshawa, Pickering, and Whitby. This opportunity is open to all Canada-based artists, with designs due by April 16, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST.

Projects must be durable, accessible, and able to comfortably seat at least two people. Selected benches will be installed in August 2025.

For submission details and design specifications, visit https://forms.gle/ez4w7Lar4w85yRzt9. Questions can be directed to Collin Zipp at 1-888-783-7780 ext. 704 or collin@stepspublicart.org by March 28, 2025.