Call for Artists! Ritson and Olive Ground Mural Public Art Project

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!


A boy lays on top of a ground mural interacting with a painted chickenRoebuck Street Placemaking Project, Whitby
"Field to Fork" by artist Chrrie @kingchrrie