The mission of the City of Burlington's Public Art Program is to enhance the quality of life in Burlington through the rich context of the arts. The program strives to bring artwork by both established and emerging artists to the city centre and the neighbourhoods throughout Burlington, Ontario. The Public Art Program provides cultural opportunity, guides the evolution of a vibrant artistic character for the City’s emerging public places, and ensures a visual legacy for all to enjoy.
Calling All Burlington Writers and Artists!
Culture Days at The Beachway
Award: $400 per commission (design only), 20 commissions available
Deadline: Monday, July 29, 2024
Eligibility: Applicants must be a resident of Burlington, Ontario, Canada
The City of Burlington’s public art program is presenting a series of temporary public art signs at The Beachway as part of Ontario Culture Days. Running from September 20 – October 13, 2024, the Ontario Culture Days Festival is an annual celebration of arts, culture and heritage taking place each fall across the province. The City of Burlington is pleased to be a 2024 Festival Hub.
To showcase the incredible work of local artists, we are commissioning 10 visual artists and 10 writers to display their artwork on temporary signs along the Beachway multi-use path. This project provides trail users with a unique way to enjoy art and learn more about the amazing creators in our community.
This call is open to Burlington-based artists and is open to all art forms that can be presented in a sign format. This includes but is not limited to visual art, graphic art, illustration, photography, poetry, short story, non-fiction, etc. Photographs of three-dimensional artistic works such as sculpture, fashion and craft may also be submitted. Artists may submit existing work or proposals for new work.
*** Important! Please read the full Call for Artists document prior to submitting an application as this contains important project information. The Call for Artists can be found at: https://burlingtonpublicart.com/calls-for-artists/
Please submit the following:
Please note, only one submission per applicant will be considered. Please do not submit multiple applications or artwork submissions. Applications must include the following information:
1. Artwork Statement: Please provide a brief statement (maximum 150 words) outlining your artwork concept.
2. Artwork or Writing Submission:
- Visual Art Submission: You may submit an existing artwork for consideration or a preliminary sketch of a proposed concept. Artwork can include visual art, photography, digital illustration, photography of artistic work such as sculpture, craft, etc.). Please submit a high-resolution image suitable to printing.
OR
- Writing Submission: Submissions must be a maximum of 250 words. Submissions may be from existing or newly created work. It may be a stand-alone piece such as a poem or short story or an excerpt from a larger piece.
3. Artist Biography: Please provide a short (maximum 50 words) artist biography written in the third person. This biography will be included on your sign if your application is selected.
Questions? We’re Here to Help!
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or need help with the application process:
Kim Selman (she/her)
Arts and Culture Planner
Recreation, Community and Culture
T: 905-515-9334
About Community Public Art
Are you interested in creating a public art project in your neighbourhood? The City of Burlington public art program is committed to supporting community-led projects by providing public art advice and, where applicable, access to City-owned parks and facilities.
Important! Please read the complete application package (click here) before proceeding with the online application.
What kinds of projects can be considered?
A wide variety of projects will be considered. The goal of this program is to support community and/or artist-led projects that happen in public space. Community public art projects can include, but are not limited to:
- Murals (interior or exterior)
- Two-dimensional works such as mosaics, surface treatments, etc.
- Free-standing sculpture
- Temporary art installations
- Video and LED artworks (digital projections and lighting)
- Artist-designed functional art (benches, bike racks, light standards or other streetscape amenities)
How do I apply?
If you would like to lead a community public art project, the first step is completing this application package (click here to download full document). A staff member will then contact you to outline the application review process and discuss next steps
Participate in a Public Art Jury
Do you love art and your community? Help make your mark on The City of Burlington’s public program by participating in a public art jury. We are looking for local artists, creative professionals and residents to evaluate public art applications throughout the year.
No experience is necessary! Each jury is made up of a mix of arts professionals and residents to represent a broad cross-section of the community.
Simply fill out a brief application form to be added to the jury roster by clicking the 'Submit' button.