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.

By addressing these points, your proposal will be 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: 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!

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!

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