Applications Open For 2022 Artist Initiated Public Art Projects

The City of Peterborough’s Public Art Program invites artists or artist teams to submit their ideas to create art in public spaces.

A COMMUNITY MEMBER PAINTS “HELLO” ON PICNIC BY THE WATER as part of the 2021 Public Art Project. PHOTO COURTESY OF MIGUEL HERNÁNDEZ AUTORINO.

This call is open to both established and emerging artists, including those interested in expanding their practices into the public realm for the first time. Artists can propose artworks in any scale, scope, and medium in any part of the City.

The intention is to commission two projects, valued at $12,000 each. Projects are to be presented or installed within City limits between June and December 2022.

Special projects, such as Artist-initiated Projects, are a key area of focus of the Public Art Program that enable the program to keep up with emergent practices, respond to the needs of our community and integrate art into multiple sites within a short timeframe. These initiatives also provide opportunities for artists to experiment, and the freedom to create artworks outside the limits of a predetermined site, theme or medium.

This opportunity is open to professional artists of all disciplines. Applications are welcome from individual artists, artist teams, artist collectives, ad hoc groups, or arts and culture organizations, as well as partnerships and collaborations between arts and non-arts applicants. Artists and cultural practitioners from the Hiawatha and Curve Lake First Nations are encouraged to apply.

There is a two-stage Call for Proposals.

Stage 1 requires an initial artwork concept, preliminary site approvals, and expressions of interest from co-creators and other participants.

For the second stage of the selection process, shortlisted artists will be invited to an interview to discuss more in-depth their experience, vision, and approach as well as the financial viability of their plans.

The call for proposals for Artist-initiated Projects, including more information about the project parameters and tips to assist with the application process are on the City’s Public Art Program web page at peterborough.ca/publicart.

Submissions for Stage 1 are due May 12 at 4 p.m. All Proposals must be submitted online.

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