Expression of Interest - Call to Mural Artists and Artist Teams
A Love Letter to a City: A St. Catharines 150th Legacy Mural Commission
The title of this project is inspired by A Love Letter to a City, an original poem by St. Catharines Poet Laureate Shannon Kitchings, commissioned as part of the City's 150th anniversary celebrations. During Stage Two of the competition, shortlisted artists will be provided with the poem and invited to incorporate a phrase, excerpt, or thematic element into their mural concept in consultation with City staff.
As part of St. Catharines' year-long sesquicentennial celebrations, the City seeks a bold and impactful public artwork that reflects the stories, people, places, and shared experiences that have shaped St. Catharines over the past 150 years while looking toward the future.
The selected mural will transform the north-west facing exterior wall of the Ontario Street Parking Garage into a significant public art destination, creating a vibrant and memorable gateway feature within downtown St. Catharines.
The mural site is a highly visible concrete façade measuring approximately 170 feet wide by 44 feet high, featuring a series of circular ventilation openings that must be thoughtfully integrated into the artwork design.
The City welcomes proposals that are contemporary, visually compelling, community-minded, and respectful of the diverse histories and identities that contribute to St. Catharines' character. Artists are encouraged to create work that celebrates community, connection, transformation, and pride of place while interpreting the project's themes in an original and creative way.
Important Dates
EOI Submission Deadline: November 22, 2026
Shortlisted Artists Notified: December 2026
Concept Development Period: January-February 2027
Community Review Period: March 2027
Artist Selection: March 2027
Design Refinement and Contract Development: April-May 2027
Mural Installation Window: June-August 2027
Project Completion Deadline: September 2027
Public Unveiling: Fall 2027
*Timeline for mural installation to be agreed upon with artist.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to:
- Professional visual artists
- Professional mural artists
- Artist-led teams and collectives
Residing in Ontario.
Applicants must demonstrate experience delivering public art, murals, or large-scale artistic projects.
Budget
- Total commission: $50,000 + HST
inclusive of all artist fees, assistant fees, materials, equipment, permits, insurance, travel, accommodation, surface preparation, protective coatings, and all associated project costs
- Stage 2 honorarium: $1,500 + HST (per shortlisted artist/team)
Contact Info
If you are experiencing difficulties with this submission form or have questions related to the application or supporting documents, please contact culture@stcatharines.ca to connect with Cultural Services Staff. Regular office hours are Monday to Friday 9 am to 4:30 pm.
Accessibility
If you require assistance with the online application process, including language support, or would like to express interest in an alternative format, please contact Culture Services (culture@stcatharines.ca) or call 905 -688-5601 x 5244. A member of the Culture team is happy to assist you.
