Public Art for the Children's Area, Guelph Central Library — CA$250,000 Commission, Canadian Artists and Teams

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A project budget of CA$250,000 + HST, managed by the artist, covering artist fees, production, studio space, travel, installation and insurance, paid on an agreed schedule and informed by the CARFAC public art fee schedule. Up to five shortlisted artists or teams are paid a CA$2,500 + HST honorarium to develop a Phase 2 proposal and visit the site. The artwork joins the City of Guelph Public Art Collection, is documented and promoted, and is unveiled at an event in October and November 2027. The work is for the Children's Area (556 sq ft, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides), for children 0 to 12 and their caregivers: contemporary art, visible from the street, not a climbing structure.

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Artists or artist-led teams whose primary place of residence is Canada and who are legally entitled to work in Canada, and Indigenous artists residing in or originating from the unceded territories now known as Canada. Applicants with limited experience in large-scale or technical work are encouraged to apply with a team that can cover it. Friends of the Guelph Public Library, library staff and City of Guelph employees are not eligible. Fundraising activities are not eligible.

Dates & details

Deadline

11:59 pm Eastern (Phase 1 expression of interest); shortlist notified 14–18 December 2026; Phase 2 proposals due 16 February 2027; winner notified 3 March 2027

Programme dates

Fabrication April to September 2027, installation October 2027

Results

Shortlist 14–18 December 2026; winner 3 March 2027

Costs to the artist

None; the budget covers artist fee, production and installation

Language

English