Call to Artists

Artist Opportunity

The City of Pickering invites artists or artist teams to respond to this Call for Artists to create permanent outdoor public artwork in celebration of Ernie Coombs. The work is to be installed inside East Woodlands Park, adjacent to George Ashe Library & Community Centre (GALCC). As per the City of Pickering’s Public Art Policy (CUL 130) an artist is defined as the designer/creator of an artistic work and can include, but is not limited to, a professional artist, graphic designer, collaborative team, architect, or landscape designer.

The total budget for the project, including artist fees, materials, foundation and installation, and other associated costs, is $60,000 (including HST). *

*Funding pending approval of the 2025 Budget.

The successful artist/ artist team will be selected through a two-stage process.

One (1) artist/ artist team will be awarded the opportunity.

Site Background

The City of Pickering resides on land within the Treaty and traditional territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and Williams Treaties signatories of the Mississauga and Chippewa Nations.

East Woodlands Park, adjacent to George Ashe Library & Community Centre (GALCC), is located at 470 P Kingston Rd, Pickering, ON L1V 1A5, Pickering.

Ariel photo of East Woodlands Park in Pickering

The choice of location holds significant meaning, as Mr. Coombs, through his character Mr. Dressup, was a strong advocate for early childhood education and literacy. The show often featured story time segments that fostered a love of reading among children. Therefore, placing the artwork near the GALCC creates a meaningful connection to literacy advocacy and community education.

About Ernie Coombs /Ms. Dressup

Ernie Coombs starred in Mr. Dressup, one of Canada’s most treasured and longest-running children’s programs. Mr. Dressup aired for 29 years, from 1967 to 1996, with over 4,000 episodes produced. It became one of Canada's most beloved children's television shows, leaving a lasting impact on generations of viewers.

Mr. Coombs lived in Pickering for many years until his passing in 2001. He is regarded as a Canadian children’s media icon who has been acknowledged for a number of prestigious awards and tributes.

Photo courtesy of Mr. Coombs estate.

Those include but are not limited to, ACTRA Award for best children's program in 1976, a Lifetime Achievement Gemini Award in 1994, a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame, an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Trent University, appointment as a member of the Order of Canada, a Lifetime Achievement from the Children’s Broadcast Institute, a commemorative Google doodle on the home page for his 85th birthday, and an Amazon Prime Video documentary that premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival which won the People’s Choice Award for Documentaries.

Project Brief

The City of Pickering’s Cultural Strategic Plan (2014) outlines the City’s commitment to collaborate with the community to celebrate our cultural diversity, heritage, and the arts; to sustain our natural environment; to foster a creative economy; and to strengthen our vibrant neighborhoods.

The artwork will be located inside East Woodlands Park, adjacent to George Ashe Library & Community Centre in Pickering. The exact location of the work as well as the chosen artist will be selected by the community through consultation. The City, Community Services will facilitate the introduction between the artist/team and the community as well as other project stakeholders. Detailed Terms of Reference will be provided to the shortlisted artist/ artists teams to help them prepare their concept.

Budget

$60,000 CAD including HST (maximum)*. This is the total amount available for all related expenses of this public art project including, but not limited to: up to 2 rounds of revisions, artist fees, all applicable taxes, detailed renderings, materials, technical consultations, community consultation, and approvals or other expertise as required (engineering review), fabrication, foundation, installation, insurance, equipment, travel to meetings and to the site, and an artist statement for completed work.

* Funding pending approval of the 2025 Budget.

The selected artist will enter into a written agreement with the City of Pickering following the approval of the acquisition of the public art outlined in the City’s Public Art Policy.

This agreement will address the artist's obligations, which include, but are not limited to:

• Materials

• Timelines

• Installation

• Maintenance and/or conservation plans

• Warranty

• Copyright, Intellectual Property and Moral Rights

• Payments to sub-contractors

Selection Process

Stage 1: Call to Artists – Expression of Interest (EOI) 

A public art jury comprised of practicing arts professionals, representatives from Ernie Coombs’ estate, and community members will be established for the evaluation of the Stage 1 submissions.

Expression of Interest (EOI) Submissions: Artists/ Artist teams are invited to respond to this EOI by submitting a single pdf document including:

• CV: Professional resume (3-pages max). If submitting as a team, an individual resume should be submitted for each team member.
• Artist statement: describe your interest in this project and share your experience in the field. You can submit a written document (1-page max) or record an audio or video message (MP3 or MP4 file, max 20 MB).
• Portfolio of past work: Examples of relevant work. You may include multiple images per project on 1 page of a maximum to 10 projects (10-pages). Add title, year, scope, budget and a short description.
• References: A list of at least two professional references familiar with your work and working methods. The list must include name, title, complete e-mail addresses and telephone numbers.
   

Submissions must be uploaded through the link here.

Deadline: February 13, 2025, at 4 pm EST.

If the submissions exceed 20 MB, artists should contact Stoyan Barakov, Curator, Public Art who will provide a link to an external file share program.

Incomplete submissions or submissions received after the deadline will not be juried.

Stage 2: Request for Proposal (RFP)

The Public Art Jury will review all submissions and identify a short-list based on artistic excellence and demonstrated or perceived ability to create and execute an innovative, engaging public artwork that is complementary to the overall design scheme and community context.

The Jury will select a short-list of three (3) artists/artist teams for Stage 2 – Request for Proposal (RFP). Each of the three (3) artists/artist teams will be compensated $1,500 CAD including HST for their time and the creation of concept for Stage 2.

The short-listed artists will be notified by Week of February 17, 2025 and invited to present their concept to the community and the public art jury during “Spring Fling”*. This concept presentation and community consultation will be based on the Terms of Reference provided prior. As part of the process, short-listed artists must attend the in-person presentation (online presentations may be accommodated).

When evaluating specific artwork proposals, the Public Art Jury will consider the vision, mandate and objectives of the Public Art Program and the objectives listed in the Public Art Opportunity outlined on Page 1 of this Call to Artists. The Public Art Jury (as per section 07.02 of the City of Pickering Public Art Policy (CUL 130) will also consider the artist’s:

• Artistic excellence of previous work;
• Ability to achieve the highest quality of contemporary artistic excellence and innovation;
• Professional qualifications and relevant working experience as related to the public art project brief;
• Ability to manage a project and experience working with a design team, project team and/or community group, as appropriate;
• Potential to comprehend, access and interpret relevant technical requirements; and,
• Interest in and understanding of the public art opportunity and the context.

The proposals may be used by the city of Pickering in meetings with community groups, stakeholders and staff.

*Pending approval of the 2025 Budget.

Anticipated Schedule
It is expected that the commissioned artist(s) will comply with the project’s general timeline dates, as stated below:

*Schedule is subject to change

Accessibility

The City will provide accommodations throughout the selection process to applicants with disabilities. Please notify Stoyan Barakov, Curator, Public Art at 289.200.7829 or sbarakov@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 is capable of performing the Work. The City reserves the right, at it sole discretion, to determine the number of pre-qualified Artists or Artist Teams. The City reserve the right to not proceed with awarding a contract.

Publication of Information

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: Stoyan Barakov, Curator, Public Art at 289.200.7829 or sbarakov@pickering.ca.

Download an accessible PDF version.

Artist Opportunity

The City of Pickering invites artists or artist teams to respond to this Call for Artists to create permanent outdoor public artwork for the main entrance of the new Pickering Heritage & Community Centre (PHCC).

As per the City of Pickering’s Public Art Policy (CUL 130) an artist is defined as the designer/creator of an artistic work and can include, but is not limited to, a professional artist, graphic designer, collaborative team, architect, or landscape designer.

The total budget for the project, including artist fees, materials, and installation, and other associated costs, is $125,000.00 (including HST). *

*Funding pending approval of the 2025 Budget.

The successful artist/ artist team will be selected through a two-stage process.

One (1) artist/ artist team will be awarded the opportunity.

Site Background

The City of Pickering resides on land within the Treaty and traditional territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and Williams Treaties signatories of the Mississauga and Chippewa Nations.

The Pickering Heritage & Community Centre (PHCC) designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects explores the intersection of memory institutions - museum, library, gallery and archive - into an integrated, dynamic, facility which will serve as a community gathering place and gateway to the existing components. Located adjacent to a ravine, the building is positioned to be sensitive to the natural ecology of the site while opening up views in all directions to the surrounding landscape. The sustainably sourced materials selected for the building are inspired by existing heritage buildings located in the Village: naturally-aged, weathered, wood and dry-stacked field stone. User engagement has been critical to the design process and a successful project will be an attraction for the local community and visitors alike. Construction began in Spring, 2024 and the building is to be completed in 2026.

The facility will be located on the Pickering Museum Village site. #1 on the map marks where the Pickering Heritage & Community Centre will be located.

About PHCC

The City of Pickering is making an investment in arts, heritage, and culture with the Pickering Heritage & Community Centre. This innovative project will bring the Museum, Library, and Community Centre into one dynamic facility.

Construction of this 44,000 square-foot facility has commenced, and is being undertaken by J.R. Certus Construction Co. Ltd.

What amenities will the new facility have?

• Exhibit gallery
• Program room
• Multi-purpose hall (with a stage)
• Kitchen suitable for public programs
• Library Express Kiosk and Local History Experience Centre
• Collections storage
• Gift shop
• Outdoor program spaces

This project is guided by the City’s Cultural Strategic Plan, which sets a vision for the place of arts, culture, and heritage in the City and identifies strategic directions for policy, investment, partnerships, and programs.

The Pickering Heritage & Community Centre has a strong vision and seven guiding principles in place (Belonging & Wellbeing, Learning & Storytelling, Innovation, Adaption & Responsiveness, Discovery & Play, Sustainability, and Decolonization). View the entire PHCC Vision & Guiding Principles document here.

Project Brief

The City of Pickering’s Cultural Strategic Plan (2014) outlines the City’s commitment to collaborate with the community to celebrate our cultural diversity, heritage, and the arts; to sustain our natural environment; to foster a creative economy; and to strengthen our vibrant neighborhoods.

The artwork will be in front of the building “Formal” entry way. The location for the art makes it unique as it will be visible for people driving by Highway 7.

The top three (3) artists/teams will be required to attend an in-person presentation in front of the community. The City, will facilitate consultation between the artists/teams and the community as well as other project stakeholders. Detailed Terms of Reference will be provided to the shortlisted artist/ artists teams to help them prepare their concept.

Budget

$125,000.00 CAD including HST (maximum)*. This is the total amount available for all related expenses of this public art project including, but not limited to: up to 2 rounds of revisions, artist fees, all applicable taxes, detailed renderings, materials, technical consultations, community consultation, foundation, and approvals or other expertise as required (engineering review), fabrication, installation, insurance, equipment, travel to meetings and to the site, and an artist statement for completed work.

* Funding pending approval of the 2025 Budget.

The selected artist will enter into a written agreement with the City of Pickering following the approval of the acquisition of the public art outlined in the City’s Public Art Policy.

This agreement will address the artist's obligations, which include, but are not limited to:

• Materials

• Timelines

• Installation

• Maintenance and/or conservation plans

• Warranty

• Copyright, Intellectual Property and Moral Rights

• Payments to sub-contractors

Selection Process

Stage 1: Call to Artists – Expression of Interest (EOI) 

A public art jury comprised of practicing arts professionals, project stakeholders and community members will be established for the evaluation of the Stage 1 submissions.

Expression of Interest (EOI) Submissions: Artists/ Artist teams are invited to respond to this EOI by submitting a single pdf document including:

• CV: Professional resume (3-pages max). If submitting as a team, an individual resume should be submitted for each team member.
• Artist statement: describe your interest in this project and share your experience in the field. You can submit a written document (1-page max) or record an audio or video message (MP3 or MP4 file, max 20 MB).
• Portfolio of past work: Examples of relevant work. You may include multiple images per project on 1 page of a maximum to 10 projects (10-pages). Add title, year, scope, budget and a short description.
• References: A list of at least two professional references familiar with your work and working methods. The list must include name, title, complete e-mail addresses and telephone numbers.
   

Submissions must be uploaded through the link here.

Deadline: February 13, 2025, at 4 pm EST.

If the submissions exceed 20 MB, artists should contact Stoyan Barakov, Curator, Public Art who will provide a link to an external file share program.

Incomplete submissions or submissions received after the deadline will not be juried.

Stage 2: Request for Proposal (RFP)

The Public Art Jury will review all submissions and identify a short-list based on artistic excellence and demonstrated or perceived ability to create and execute an innovative, engaging public artwork that is complementary to the overall design scheme and community context.

The Jury will select a short-list of three (3) artists/artist teams for Stage 2 – Request for Proposal (RFP). Each of the three (3) artists/artist teams will be compensated $1,500 CAD including HST for their time and the creation of concept for Stage 2.

The short-listed artists will be notified by Week of March 17, 2025 and invited to present their concept to the community and the public art jury during “Artfest” held on May 23 & 24, 2025*. This concept presentation and community consultation will be based on the Terms of Reference provided prior. As part of the process, short-listed artists must attend the in-person presentation (online presentations may be accommodated).

When evaluating specific artwork proposals, the Public Art Jury will consider the vision, mandate and objectives of the Public Art Program and the objectives listed in the Public Art Opportunity outlined on Page 1 of this Call to Artists. The Public Art Jury (as per section 07.02 of the City of Pickering Public Art Policy (CUL 130) will also consider the artists:

• Artistic excellence of previous work;
• Ability to achieve the highest quality of contemporary artistic excellence and innovation;
• Professional qualifications and relevant working experience as related to the public art project brief;
• Ability to manage a project and experience working with a design team, project team and/or community group, as appropriate;
• Potential to comprehend, access and interpret relevant technical requirements; and,
• Interest in and understanding of the public art opportunity and the context.

The proposals may be used by the City of Pickering in meetings with community groups, stakeholders and staff.

*Pending approval of the 2025 Budget. 

Anticipated Schedule

It is expected that the commissioned artist(s) will comply with the project’s general timeline dates, as stated below:

*Schedule is subject to change

Accessibility

The City will provide accommodations throughout the selection process to applicants with disabilities. Please notify Stoyan Barakov, Curator, Public Art at 289.200.7829 or sbarakov@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 is capable of performing the Work. The City reserves the right, at it sole discretion, to determine the number of pre-qualified Artists or Artist Teams. The City reserve the right to not proceed with awarding a contract.

Publication of Information

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: Stoyan Barakov, Curator, Public Art at 289.200.7829 or sbarakov@pickering.ca.

Artist Opportunity  

The City of Pickering invites Indigenous artists to respond to this Call to Artists – Request for Proposals by submitting concept artworks to be laser cut on metal panels. The commissioned artists will be responsible for creating four (4) original designs and collectively creating two (2) information panels to be installed at the boardwalk railing at the revitalized Beachfront Park in Pickering. The City will handle all fabrication and installation. 

Five (5) artists will be selected, each receiving $9,000 plus HST. The fee encompasses one in-person community consultation, up to two rounds of revisions, the design of four artworks, and the collective design of two information panels.

Eligibility  

An artist is the designer/creator of an artistic work, including but not limited to a professional artist, graphic designer, collaborative team, architect, or landscape designer. 

This call is open to all individual Indigenous artists (emerging, established, and re-emerging), Indigenous artist teams, or Indigenous artist collectives who are Indigenous to Turtle Island. 

Public Art Opportunity

The City of Pickering’s Cultural Strategic Plan (2014) outlines the City’s commitment to collaborate with the community to celebrate our cultural diversity, heritage, and the arts; to sustain our natural environment; to foster a creative economy; and to strengthen our vibrant neighborhoods. 

The Call to Indigenous Artists – Request for Proposals: Permanent Art Panels at Beachfront Park, seeks artists to propose digital designs that celebrate Indigenous resilience and connection to the land.  

Artworks are to be created digitally as a vector file and will be laser cut onto metal panels and installed on the new boardwalk at Beachfront Park in Pickering. The fabrication and installation of the panels will be the responsibility of the City of Pickering. The City will also be responsible for site prep and permits. The costs of all other materials required will be the artists’ responsibility. Designs, artwork, and plans are subject to final approval by the City.  

Individual Panel. Note the dimensions above are in millimeters. Converted to inches: 32" x 89".

Site Context

The City of Pickering acknowledges that it resides on land within the Treaty and traditional territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and Williams Treaties signatories of the Mississauga and Chippewa Nations, including the Mississaugas of Alderville, Curve Lake, Hiawatha, and Scugog Island, as well as the Chippewas of Beausoleil, Georgina Island, and Rama.

The artworks will be located as part of a new railing on the elevated walkway and cycling route at Beachfront Park.
Beachfront Park, located at the south end of Liverpool Road in Pickering, spans from Frenchman’s Bay harbour to Alex Robertson Park. This barrier beach uniquely separates Lake Ontario from Frenchman’s Bay and the Hydro Marsh, offering scenic views and important ecological functions.

Under the Beachfront Park Master Plan, Phase 1 construction began in September 2024, with completion expected by summer 2025. This revitalization aims to create a unique, welcoming space that is also resilient to extreme weather and cost-effective to maintain.

Key features include:

• An elevated walkway and cycling route with beach access
• Viewing platforms over the Hydro Marsh
• Shoreline protection enhancements
• New site lighting, seating, and accessible pathways
   

This redevelopment is a response to damage from intense storms in 2017 and 2019 and prepares for increased visitors due to projected population growth in Pickering’s downtown and Seaton areas.

Guiding Themes

Artists are invited to submit four (4) design concepts that celebrate the strength and resilience of Indigenous Peoples and honor their enduring connection to the land and waters of Beachfront Park. The artworks should reflect the powerful traditions, cultural richness, and harmonious relationship Indigenous communities have cultivated with nature over generations. By embodying themes of renewal, strength, and respect for the natural world, this art will serve as a tribute to Indigenous heritage and invite visitors to deepen their connection with the land and its history.

Artists are advised that artwork must adhere to the following specifications:

• Artwork will be professionally reproduced on outdoor rated metal panels, exact sizes to be shared with the selected artist.
• The artworks will be installed in an outdoor public space.
• Designs should not include text and current political figures.
• Fabrication and installation will be undertaken by the City of Pickering.
• The City of Pickering will have reproduction rights, if the works need to be replaced due to vandalism.
• The artist(s) retains sole copyright to their original artwork.
• The City may choose to display images of the artwork for marketing purposes.
• High-resolution vector files (PDF, AI, or EPS) required for production.

*Schedule is subject to change 

Download an Accessible Version