Closed - Call to Artists! Doors Open Durham Region Picnic Tables

CLOSED: This call for artists is now closed.

Application deadline: May 6

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

Durham Region is seeking six (6) artists to apply to paint a wooden picnic table during Doors Open on June 15, 2024 at Durham Region Headquarters in Whitby. This is a paid opportunity to expand your public art experience!

Colourful painted picnic tables in a parking lot. Image credit: Tourism Richmond Artist: Dawn Lo
Image credit: Tourism Richmond
Artist: Laura Kwok
About the opportunity

Location: Durham Region Headquarters, 605 Rossland Road East, Whitby

Number of Artists Selected: 6

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

Details of the opportunity: The selected artists will be provided with a six-foot cedar picnic table to paint live during Doors Open on June 15th celebrating Durham Region’s 50th anniversary. The tables are a similar design to the sample photos included in this call, however, the tabletop consists of five smaller boards. The artist will paint both the table top as well as the bench seats. Artists will be required to seal the final artwork with weather appropriate varnish.

Budget/Artists Fee: There is no registration fee and everyone who feels like an artist is welcome to apply. The awarded artists will be paid $750.00 plus HST. 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, materials including exterior paint and varnish, equipment, travel to the site, and an artist statement for the completed work.

Selection criteria: When evaluating artwork proposals, the Selection Committee will consider how the proposal considers placekeeping, artistic excellence of previous work, ability to achieve a high-quality final product, professional qualifications and relevant experience.

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 examples of past work. 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

  1. Artist statement: Describe your interest in this project and your idea for your design (300 words maximum).
  2. CV and/or portfolio of relevant work. 10-pages maximum.
  3. A sketch or rendering of your proposed design (optional).

Key dates

  • Call for artists issued: April 15
  • Application deadline: May 6
  • Selected artists notified: May 13
  • Painting date: June 15 (10 am expected start)

*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.

Apply now



Photo credit: Tourism Richmond
Artist: Dawn Lo