Organizer Information
The City of Toronto is the municipal government responsible for public services, infrastructure, urban development, and cultural initiatives across Toronto, Canada. Through its Economic Development & Culture division and Public Art Program, the City commissions and supports artworks that contribute to Toronto’s public spaces and cultural landscape. This opportunity forms part of the George Street Revitalization (GSR) project, which is transforming the existing Seaton House site into a modern facility providing shelter, supportive housing, long-term care, and community services.
Title & Description
George Street Public Art Application
George Street Construction Hoarding – Public Art Application is a two-stage public art competition inviting Canadian practicing artists working in two-dimensional media to propose artwork for construction hoarding surrounding the redevelopment at 309–345 George Street, Toronto.
One selected artist will have their artwork reproduced and printed on aluminum composite material (ACM) and installed along the construction site. The artwork is intended to improve the pedestrian streetscape and public environment throughout the construction period.
Artists are encouraged to develop work that responds to the history, character, and cultural context of Moss Park and the Garden District Heritage Conservation District. Priority will be given to artists with lived experience of, or a meaningful connection to, these neighbourhoods.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Public Art
- Two-Dimensional Art
- Painting
- Drawing
- Illustration
- Photography
- Digital Art
- Print-based and other reproducible two-dimensional media
Eligibility
The competition is open to Canadian artists who are practicing artists working in two-dimensional media. Artists with lived experience or a connection to the Moss Park and Garden District Heritage Conservation District will receive priority consideration.
Applicants should be capable of developing artwork suitable for large-scale reproduction and printing on ACM. The competition does not indicate a specific age requirement.
Program Benefits & Awards
Four artists will be shortlisted based on artistic excellence and their demonstrated or perceived ability to develop engaging, site-specific public artwork. Each shortlisted artist will receive a $1,000 artist fee to develop a custom concept following the Terms of Reference.
One artist will ultimately be commissioned. The selected artist will receive an $8,000 + HST fee for design and consultation services, including contract administration, project management, travel, and incidental expenses.
The City will manage production, budgeting, scheduling, coordination with the general contractor, and installation. The commissioned artwork will be publicly displayed on the construction hoarding during the George Street construction period.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 9 September 2026
- Notification Date: 25 September 2026
- Shortlisted design proposals due: 28 October 2026
- Selected artist contracted, approvals obtained, and hoarding installed: November 2026
Location
George Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Additional Details
The George Street Revitalization project is connected to the long history of Seaton House and the site's role in providing shelter and community care. The redevelopment also incorporates the historic Allan School, a designated heritage building.
The public art project sits within a broader context of Indigenous presence and community-building in Toronto's Downtown East. Artists are encouraged to consider the site's history, reconciliation, inclusion, community care, and evolving Indigenous cultural context.
The selected artwork must be supplied as print-ready digital files suitable for reproduction on ACM. The commissioned artist will not be permitted to directly paint or alter the hoarding after installation. The final design requires approval from City staff, the project team, and the local Councillor.
For application questions or accessibility-related application needs, artists can contact Katriina Campitelli, Public Art Officer, at publicartcompetitions@toronto.ca.