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.
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
Request for Expressions of Interest
Inspired by Bateman, Community Mural (Design Only)
Robert Bateman Community Centre, Burlington, Ontario
Deadline: Monday, September 8, 2025
Budget: $15,000 CAD (Design Only)
The City of Burlington is building its newest community centre, the Robert Bateman Community Centre. This community centre will be a multi-purpose, community-focused facility that includes tenants such as Brock University, Burlington Public Library, Halton District School Board, Tech Place, and the City of Burlington.
To recognize Robert Bateman’s distinguished career and connection to Burlington, the City of Burlington is seeking Expressions of Interest from professional artists or artist teams to create a community mural inspired by Mr. Bateman’s book Backyard Birds. Using Bateman’s wildlife paintings as a point of inspiration, the selected artist(s) will design a mural in their own artistic style. This Call for Artists is open to artists working in a variety of styles and mediums. The intention is not to reproduce Mr. Bateman’s artwork style but to use Backyard Birds as a point of inspiration.
This is a design only commission. The mural will be printed and installed on aluminum composite panel. The City of Burlington will be responsible for all costs relating to the fabrication and installation of the mural panels.
Mural design proposals are not required at this time. Applicants are asked to submit an Expression of Interest Statement that outlines their proposed approach to the project. The selected artist will develop a detailed design and community engagement plan in consultation with staff and the selection panel.
Community Engagement
The selected artist will be expected to incorporate an element of community engagement or participation into the mural. This may include, but is not limited to, community workshops, input into the mural theme and design, submission of bird drawings or other artwork to be incorporated into the mural design, etc. The City of Burlington will support community engagement activities through access to City-owned space, promotion, and administrative support.
Applications must include the following:
1. Expression of Interest Statement: A brief statement outlining your interest in this project. Please include the following:
- Describe your artistic practice and why you are interested in this opportunity. Please outline any relevant experience or qualifications relating to community engagement or education.
- A preliminary outline of your proposed approach to community engagement for this project.
- A high-level description of your proposed mural design (i.e., your preliminary thoughts on how you would approach the theme of the mural and how this connects to your artistic practice).
- Please note, mural design sketches are not required.
- 1000 words maximum
2. Biography: A short biography outlining the relevant interests, experiences and qualifications of the artist(s).
- 250 words maximum
3. Curriculum Vitae (Artist Resume): outline recent qualifications and artistic activities.
- If applying as part of a team / artist collective, please submit one consolidated C.V.
- 4 pages maximum
4. Artwork Samples: Submit up to ten (10) images of your past artwork which best illustrates a related body of artwork to the proposal.
5. Image List: A numbered list that corresponds with the Artwork Samples. Please include title, date, materials, dimensions, locations, commissioning agent or client and budget (if applicable).
Questions? We’re Here to Help!
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, need support using the online application system or require accommodation in the application process.
Kim Selman
Arts and Culture Planner
Recreation, Community & Culture
T: 289-208-5925
E: kim.selman@burlington.ca
W: www.burlingtonpublicart.com
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.