Artist Calls

Artist-Initiated Projects

Thank you for your interest. All applicants selected have been notified.

In the spring of 2023, the City of Oshawa launched its first open call for artist-initiated projects. Proposals were accepted from artists, collectives and arts groups for all manner of artistic projects, including installations, exhibitions, performances, workshops and temporary public art.

This provided an opportunity for artists to submit creative project proposals; artists were encouraged to think outside the box and propose projects they were interested in presenting within Oshawa. Artworks will be presented or installed within Oshawa city limits between July and December 2023.

Artists applied for projects with budgets ranging from $100.00 to $4,000.00.

Applications were accepted in a wide range of artistic disciplines, including dance, literature, media art, multidisciplinary art, music, theatre and visual art (as defined by the Ontario Arts Council).

Project Objectives

Each year the City of Oshawa is proud to offer arts, culture and heritage programming in alignment with Oshawa's Cultural Strategic Plan, Culture Counts: Oshawa's Arts, Culture & Heritage Plan.

We are excited to present our first ever artist-initiated open call in 2023. This program provides increased support for artists, collectives and arts groups by providing the opportunity for the arts, culture and heritage community to propose unique project ideas. Projects selected through this call will:

• Demonstrate artistic excellence;
• Engage the wider public through the delivery of compelling, unique, and meaningful artistic experiences;
• Activate outdoor or indoor public spaces and strengthen the community through creative placemaking; and
• Showcase Oshawa’s incredible artistic talent across a diversity of artistic styles and disciplines.

Application Streams

Applications were accepted in two streams:

Stream 1: Artist Projects

• Projects should be short term, lasting from a few hours to a maximum of seven days.
• Examples include workshops, performances, temporary installations, digital projections/projects, interactive installations, sound/light installations, etc.

Stream 2: Temporary Public Artworks

• Accepting applications of proposals for temporary public artworks, which will be exhibited for up to three years.
• Examples of temporary public artworks include temporary installations, environmental art/land art, temporary sculptures, etc.

Upcoming Projects

• Stream 2: Temporary Public Artworks - Report ED-23-125 – Temporary Public Art Installation in Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park was approved by Council on June 26, 2023. This outdoor photography exhibition will feature large-scale photographs taken by Shay Conroy installed on purpose built ‘billboard’ style signs.
• Stream 2: Temporary Public Artworks - From Tuesday, October 10, 2023 to Tuesday, October 17, 2023 watch artist duo Amy Shackleton and Julian Brown at-work while they create a drip mural and augmented reality experience at South Oshawa Community Centre. The mural will remain on display until Thursday, November 16, 2023. 
• Stream 1: Artist Projects - Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. celebrate #hiphop50 with a family-friendly performance, organized by POR AMOR, celebrating hip-hop culture and its power to build community. This event will spotlight poetry, breakdancing, emceeing, and beat boxing, with opportunities to learn and participate in the art forms.