Call to Black/Afro-diasporic Artists: Exterior Public Art for Lawrence Heights Community Recreation Centre, Toronto

View of Lawrence Heights CRC, showing exterior public art location. Rendering care of CS&P Architects Inc.

Call for Expressions of Interests from Black/Afro-diasporic Artists: Exterior Public Art for new Lawrence Heights Community Recreation Centre, City of Toronto

The City of Toronto invites practicing Black/Afro-diasporic artists (including artist teams) to submit their Expression of Interest to the first stage of a public art competition for the new Lawrence Heights Community Recreation Centre.

The exterior public artwork will be selected through an open two-stage competition, with a net budget of $375,000 (plus HST).

Submission Deadline: March 20, 2025 at noon

Ward: Eglinton-Lawrence

Project Background

The vision for the new Lawrence Heights CRC was co-created with the community. The space will be: alive with the energy of the many communities it serves; a welcoming, inclusive and safe space for all communities to gather, connect and grow together; a place of play, fitness, food, sport, health, music, art, learning, belonging, connection, strength and fun; where diversity is celebrated and community aspirations are reflected and embraced.

Building construction is expected to start in 2025, with completion anticipated for 2028. Learn more about Lawrence Heights Community Recreation Centre.

The communities of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the Huron-Wendat, the Haudenosaunee, and the Anishinaabe all have connections to this site.

Public Art Opportunity

There are two public art opportunities for this site: one interior public art competition open to all and one exterior public art competition open to Black/Afro-diasporic artists.

Over the summer and fall of 2024, residents and community members participated in surveys, workshops, and consultations led by Oddside Arts. Participants provided their preferences for the forthcoming public artwork and three major themes emerged: Black/African/Caribbean culture; togetherness, multiculturalism and connectivity; and nature.

The exterior public artwork will be a permanent sculptural addition to the community square adjacent to the new Lawrence Heights CRC. It will be vertical icon, signifying a place to meet, gather, and connect. It will capture attention and be noticeable from a distance.

View of community square and Lawrence Heights CRC exterior. Rendering care of CS&P Architects Inc.

The Selected Project

The successful artist/team will have a budget of $375,000 plus HST. The project budget includes all costs directly associated with the artwork: all fees for design, fabrication, mechanical, electrical, structural and engineering drawings, and installation, as well as contract administration, travel and other incidental expenses.

The artwork commissioned will be unique; editioned works or versions of existing works will not be considered.

The successful artist/team will develop and implement a community engagement plan and mentorship plan as part of the commission.

Due to the many safety and maintenance requirements of the site, the selected artist/team must be prepared to meet and work collaboratively with City staff and contractors to develop and refine proposals according to these parameters, which will be further specified in the Terms of Reference for shortlisted artists.

Competition Format

This is a two-stage, open competition for Black/Afro-diasporic artists. Per the Canada Council’s guidelines, a professional artist is defined as someone who:

• has specialized artistic training, not necessarily in academic institutions
• is recognized as a professional by their peers
• has a history of public exhibitions
• has produced an independent body of work.

Architects and design studios are not being considered for this project.

The Public Art Strategy outlines the City’s commitment to public art created for, and with the input of, Toronto communities, and to create opportunities for artists of diverse backgrounds, experience and practice.

A specially convened Selection Panel composed of arts professionals and community members will be established for this competition.

Stage 1 – Request for Expression of Interest
January 10 to March 20, 2025

The Selection Panel will review all submissions and identify a shortlist of a maximum of four (4) artists. EOIs will be evaluated based on artistic excellence, related experience, connection between their practice and the project, and appropriateness for the community and site. The artists selected for the shortlist will have the perceived ability to create and execute an innovative, engaging public artwork that is complimentary to the overall design scheme and context. The City may also consider the applicants’ past performance on previous contracts with the City of Toronto or Agencies, Boards or Commissions of the City.

Stage 2 – Shortlisted Artists develop concept proposals
Late April to Early October, 2025

The shortlisted artists will be notified in late April and invited to submit a conceptual design proposal. A detailed Terms of Reference document will be provided to help shortlisted artists prepare their proposals. Proposals are due on July 10, 2025 at noon. Shortlisted artists will be paid a fee of $3,500 plus HST for this stage.

The concept proposals will go through feasibility reviews and community consultations. Shortlisted artists will present their proposals to the Selection Panel on September 26, 2025. One concept will be commissioned based on evaluation criteria (specifically tailored to this project), community consultation results, and additional feedback from community members and advisors.

Project Timeline

Stage 1
January 10, 2025: EOI released to public
March 20, 2025 at noon: EOI deadline
Late April 2025: Artist notifications

Stage 2
May 6 – 9, 2025: Terms of Reference given to shortlisted artists
July 10, 2025 at noon: Concept proposals due
Summer 2025: Community consultations, feasibility reviews, jury reviews
September 26, 2025: Artist presentations
Early October: Artist notifications

Submissions

Black/Afro-diasporic artists are invited to apply through this application form. The form will request the following information:

• An explanation of interest in project, and how it relates to their practice and experience. Do not include proposals at this stage.
• CV (for each team member, if applicable).
• Maximum 10 images of work, with descriptions.
• Names and contact information for two references.

Submissions must be received by: March 20, 2025 at noon

For questions, please contact Katriina Campitelli, Public Art Officer, at publicartcompetitions@toronto.ca.