Call for Artists: Outdoor Wall Vinyl Artwork 2025, Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts

South-facing entrance wall, Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts

Request for Expressions of Interest:
Outdoor Wall Vinyl Artwork at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts, Town of Oakville

Deadline: Thursday, May 1, 2025 11:59pm EDT
Artist Fee: $5000 (maximum includes HST)
Apply online | Learn more about the project

The Town of Oakville invites professional artists to submit expressions of interest (EOI) to create temporary public artwork for the exterior of the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts (OCPA).

The final artwork will be a digital file printed onto vinyl media installed on three exterior frames. All costs and tasks associated with the fabrication and installation of the vinyl media will be paid for and coordinated by the Town of Oakville.

The commissioned artist will be expected to complete the design of the project by August 2025.

The final artwork to be unveiled during Culture Days 2025 on October 11, 2025.

Since its opening in 1977, the OCPA has been a cultural hub in downtown Oakville. Hosting over 70 professional performances annually and supporting 230 community group performances, the venue plays a central role in fostering an appreciation for theatre, dance and music. This public artwork will play an important role in connecting the theatre’s users and visitors to the space, both as an important event venue and as a community arts and culture hub.

The selected artist must be willing to work with community members to inform the design of the artwork and it is expected that the selected artist will facilitate opportunities for community engagement. The artist will create a high-resolution digital file of their artwork, which will be provided to the Town to fabricate and install as exterior vinyl media.

West-facing fly tower, Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts

This opportunity is open to professional Canadian artists living in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). Priority will be given to artists with connections to Oakville. The selected artist will be required to:

1. Attend a technical and information consultation meeting.
2. Engage and consult with the local community for feedback.
3. Provide a concept proposal for review and approval.
4. Provide the final artwork as high-resolution digital files suitable for large-format printing. (Details will be provided).

Applicants must be 18 years of age and older. Town of Oakville employees are not eligible to apply.

An artwork proposal is not required at this time.

This call out is a for an expression of interest that will be reviewed based on merit of past work, professional qualifications, and experience. The selected artist will develop a concept proposal, based on detailed artwork specifications, for final review and approval by town staff.

Project Goals
The goals of the project are to:

• Provide visual interest to enhance the OCPA with inspiring exterior vinyl wall-based public artwork.
• Celebrate Oakville and its performing arts community by drawing inspiration from the OCPA.
• Engage Oakville’s diverse community at large, across all age groups, and within the neighbourhood.
• Foster dialogue.

Artwork Location and Specifications:
The artwork will be displayed on three prominent exterior locations of the OCPA:

1. West-facing fly tower, 234″ x 140″
2. South-facing entrance wall, 162″ x 99″
3. North-facing courtyard wall, 162″ x 99″

For more information, email public.art@oakville.ca

About the OCPA

Since its opening in 1977, the OCPA has been a cultural hub in downtown Oakville. Hosting over 70 professional performances annually and supporting 230 community group performances, the venue plays a central in fostering an appreciation for theatre, dance and music.

Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts
130 Navy Street
Oakville, ON L6J 2Z4
www.oakvillecentre.ca
Instagram @oakvillecentre
Facebook @oakville.centre

Visit oakville.ca for information about arts and culture in Oakville.