Post date: May 17

Application deadline: June 14 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 is seeking six (6) artists to submit digital designs that will be used to enhance the user experience on Durham Region Transit. This is a paid opportunity to expand your public art experience!

About the opportunity

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 works will be installed at high-volume transit shelters. The artwork will be printed on a film that will be adhered to the glass on the back wall. Designs should be active, dense and have limited negative space. Bright colours are encouraged, and imagery must be community friendly. If your artwork is selected, you will be required to submit the work as a high-quality digital file.

The rear wall of the shelter consists of two glass panels. There are various sizes. Depending on the location, standard shelters range in width from 100 inches to 114 inches and the height is approximately 81 inches. There are also some shelters that are nearly double width, 174 inches wide. A 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, it will be panelled. Final artwork must be submitted at 300 dpi.

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 artist's statement and description of the work, the work's artistic excellence, ability of the artist to deliver a high-quality product and the work's ability to fit the shelter. Artwork can be created in any medium however your proposal must describe how the final design will be provided as a digital file.

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.

Image credit: City of Barrie

Artwork by Brad MacMillan

Proposal Requirements

1. An artist statement describing your interest in this project, a description of your work and how you will provide your final artwork submission as a digital file (300 words maximum).
2. Your proposed digital design. This does not need to be a finished product but must show the selection committee your style and intention.
3. CV and/or portfolio of relevant work. 10-pages maximum. Links to online portfolios are accepted.

Key dates

Call for artists issued: May 17

Application deadline: June 14

Selected artists notified: June 28

Final design submission: July 10

*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!