Call to Artists

This page provides information on current public art opportunities issued by the City. When available, calls to artists will be listed below. If no opportunities are currently posted, please check back soon for future callouts.

Call for Public Art Jury Members (2027 Term)

Deadline: December 4, 2026, at 4 pm

Are you passionate about the arts and want to play a key role in shaping the cultural landscape of Pickering? The City of Pickering is seeking enthusiastic and knowledgeable individuals to join our Public Art Jury. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the selection of thought-provoking and inspiring public artworks that will enhance our community’s identity and enrich public spaces for years to come.

By participating in this important initiative, you’ll collaborate with fellow art advocates and experts to ensure the city’s public art program reflects the diverse voices, stories, and creative talents of our community. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact and celebrate the power of art, we want to hear from you!

Up to five (5) Public Art Jury Members will be selected for the 2027 term.

Project Brief

About this Opportunity

As a Public Art Jury Member, you will:

Evaluate and recommend artist proposals for public art commissions in accordance with the City's Public Art Policy (CUL 130)
Contribute to the selection, acquisition, and review of public artworks for the City of Pickering.
Collaborate with a diverse group of professionals, residents, and stakeholders to ensure the highest standards of equity, transparency, and creativity in the selection process.

Budget

Compensation & Commitment

Terms: One year.
Compensations: The Public Art Jury member will be paid a flat rate of *$1,600.00 inclusive of HST for the year.
Projects: A Public Art Jury member may review six (6) to ten (10) public art projects during the term.

Note, not all five (5) Jury members may be involved for the same project at once. Approved Public Art Jury members will be invited to sit on a project based on their qualifications and availability.

*Pending approval of the 2027 budget.

Selection Process and Submission Requirements

Eligibility & Qualifications

We are seeking individuals with:

Experience or interest in public art, design, or culutral programming.
Insights into Pickering's social and cultural landscape.
Professional expertise (e.g. , artists, curators, architects, community organizers) or lived experience that can enrich the evaluation process.

Application Process

To apply, please submit:

A Letter of Interest detailing your experience and motivation for joining the Public Art Jury.
A professional CV highlighting relevant experience.

Please send above information to: etayles@pickering.ca

Reserved Rights & Accessibility

Accessibility

The City will provide accommodations throughout the selection process to applicants with disabilities. Please notify Ellen Tayles-Armstrong, Curator, Public Art at 905.409.0567 or etayles@pickering.ca of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require in respect of any materials or processes used to ensure your equal participation.

Reserved Rights of the City of Pickering

The City of Pickering, at its sole discretion, may request clarification or request additional information, as deemed necessary to evaluate the submissions. The City retains the sole discretion to determine whether a submission is responsive and if the prospective Artist or Artist Team can perform the Work. The City reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to determine the number of pre-qualified Artists or Artist Teams. The City reserves the right to not proceed with awarding a contract. The City of Pickering shall have the exclusive rights to issue all public announcements regarding the competition.

Additional Information

For any additional information or questions please contact Ellen Tayles-Armstrong, Curator, Public Art at 905.409.0567 or email etayles@pickering.ca.

Community Services
One The Esplanade
Pickering, Ontario
Canada L1V 6K7

905.420.4620

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