Open Call for Artists: Our Communities, Your Canvas
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:
- Durham's 14 Downtowns
- Major Transit Station Areas (MTSAs) and transit stations, terminals, and hubs
- Waterfront Trail locations
- Priority health neighbourhoods
- Regional roads and right-of-way areas
💡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.ca. By 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.