Public Art
Public art can transform a neighbourhood, evoke connections between people and place, promote tourism, and stimulate the local economy. Public art can also excite and create identity in places where community members live, work and play.
Call for Walls
The City of Oshawa is excited to launch a Call for Walls. We are looking for property owners in Oshawa’s downtown who would be interested in the possibility of having public art installed on a wall of their property. The public art would be owned and maintained by the City at no expense to the property owner.
We are currently looking for property owners to donate their wall for a ‘framed’ public artwork. These frames will be installed on the property for up to five years and the artworks will be replaced periodically.
The locations submitted will be reviewed by City staff and the Public Art Task Force for suitability. The site selection criteria will include unique criteria as outlined in Report ED-23-103 along with the site selection guidelines in the Public Art Policy and Public Art Master Plan.
If your location is not selected for a project we will keep your application on file as future projects arise.
Thank you for your interest in the City of Oshawa's Call for Walls. The application process is now closed and the submissions received are being evaluated.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Why is this Call for Walls only open to downtown property owners? |
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The Public Art Master Plan identifies the priority zones, areas and sites for future Public Art. The downtown core received the highest level of public interest during the Public Art Master Plan consultation. The Public Art Master Plan explains, “the urban core is a high priority area for Public Art due to its high volume of pedestrians, high concentration of local businesses, services and retail, public transit nodes and density.” Given the unique context of Oshawa, the precedence of City-owned murals already installed on private property, and the relative lack of City-owned property in the downtown area suitable for two-dimensional artworks, City Council endorsed Report ED-23-103, which includes an amendment to the Public Art Policy to allow the City to execute City led-art projects on private property within Oshawa’s downtown. |
| What is a ‘framed’ public artwork? |
| A ‘framed’ public artwork is an artwork printed on a vinyl material and installed in a metal frame. Please see The Downtown Kitchener Business Improvement Area (B.I.A.) “A Field Guide to DTK’s Art Walk” as inspiration. Examples can be found on the viewer page number 8, 26, 28, 50, etc. |
| Do the property owners have to financially contribute to the production/installation of the artwork? |
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No, the City of Oshawa will be responsible for all costs for this project, including installation, maintenance, and removal. |
| What criteria will be used to evaluate the locations? |
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The following criteria will be considered during evaluation:
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| Do wall partners get to pick the artwork that goes on their location? |
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In accordance with the Public Art Policy and Public Art Master Plan, the selection of artworks is the responsibility of the City’s Public Art Task Force, comprised of representatives from stakeholder organizations and professionals from the arts sector. Artworks may be selected through a number of means, including a public call for artists or by invitation. The artwork must align with the content guidelines, including:
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| What if the building is a heritage designated property? |
| Heritage designated properties are eligible to apply. If a heritage designated property is chosen there will be further consideration required regarding the scope of work. |
| Are property owners able to install artwork, for example a mural, on their building without partnering on a City-led project? |
| Property owners are welcome to initiate their own independent murals and art projects that are not through a City-led initiative. To do so, the property owner must apply for a sign variance. A sign variance is a minor exception to the Sign By-Law for a specific property. The sign variance must be approved by Council. |
If you have questions about applying, or require accommodations to participate in this process, please contact [email protected].
We are happy to provide support and advice related to the application to make this call as accessible as possible to applicants.
Public Art Collection
The City of Oshawa has a collection of murals, sculptures and monuments. These works have been acquired independently and in partnership with external organizations and agencies.
What is Public Art?
Public art is art in any medium located in a public space. Public art and public artworks are original art created for or located in public spaces, accessible to the public at no cost. Public Art can be found anywhere in or on City-owned buildings and spaces in Oshawa.
Public art plays a role in beautifying the community, engaging residents creating a sense of place, creating links to economic growth and strengthening tourism.
What are Types of Public Art?
Public Art installations may include (but are not limited to): sculptures, murals, street art, mosaics, two-dimensional artworks, interactive artworks, temporary installations, and community art projects. Monuments, water and outdoor garden features, street furniture/functional art and engineering or architectural features can also be public art if they include a strong design and/or integrated artistic feature.
Public Art Policy & Public Art Master Plan
The City of Oshawa has a Public Art Policy and Public Art Master Plan, which together guide the ongoing implementation of the City's Public Art Program.