Call for Expressions of Interest: Public Art at Oakville Public Library, Sixteen Mile Branch

Oakville Public Library at Sixteen Mile Branch, interior view of the children’s area, architect’s rendering, designated wall for new wall-based artwork 2026.

Public Art Opportunity at Oakville Public Library, Sixteen Mile Branch

Submission Deadline: Wednesday, October 15, 2025 by 11:59pm ET via online application
Budget (All-Inclusive): $40,000 CAD (maximum)

The Oakville Public Library (OPL) invites artists to submit expressions of interest to create a permanent indoor 2-dimensional public artwork for the interior wall area of the new Sixteen Mile Library Branch opening in Winter 2026.

The OPL is seeking artwork that is imaginative, joyful, and reflective of the library as a place of inspiration and community. The piece should evoke curiosity, celebrate creativity, and resonate with the energy of a space where people come together to learn, explore, and dream. Artists are encouraged to interpret this vision in their own unique style, bringing forward concepts that will captivate audiences and create a lasting impression.

The new Sixteen Mile Branch will be 18,000+ square feet and offer a mix of spaces designed for work, study, collaboration, and creativity. Visitors will enjoy reading and conversation areas, children’s and teen areas, indoor and outdoor programming spaces, and access to print and media collections. The branch will also feature public computers, free Wi-Fi, and creative equipment to support hands-on learning and innovation. Uniquely positioned to advance the library’s strategic pillar of promoting digital discovery, the branch will empower visitors to explore emerging technologies, experiment with creative tools, and build essential digital skills through multiple creative spaces.

Project Requirements

This is a two-stage competition. An artwork proposal is not requested at this time.

The commissioned artwork must meet the following design and technical requirements to ensure safety, durability, and alignment with the library’s vision:

• Interior, wall-based installation: The artwork must be designed as a permanent, wall-mounted flat 2D artwork suitable for a high-traffic public library environment. There cannot be any 3D elements or sculptural components. The final location for the artwork will be sited on a second-level wall in the children’s area, above the library stacks, and viewable from the main floor. The wall dimensions are 13.5 metres wide by 2.7 metres high. Approximately 37 square meters.
• Accessibility and Flow: The artwork must not obstruct visitor movement, interfere with library operations, or compromise accessibility standards as outlined by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
• Material Quality and Durability: All components must be fabricated using high-quality, long-lasting, and low-maintenance materials suitable for an indoor environment. Materials should resist fading, warping, and damage from routine cleaning.
• Public Safety: The design must not pose any hazards, such as sharp edges, protruding elements within reach, climbable surfaces, or detachable parts that could present choking risks.
• Thematic Relevance: The artwork should incorporate themes that resonate with the Children’s Area experience, such as imagination, learning, play, and community.
• Technical Compliance: The selected artist may be required to provide engineer-certified drawings (by a structural engineer licensed in Ontario) to confirm the safety and feasibility of the artwork.
• Integration with Building Systems: The design must account for existing architectural features, lighting, HVAC systems, and wall finishes to ensure seamless integration.
• Sustainability and Maintenance: Artists are encouraged to use environmentally responsible materials and fabrication methods. The artwork should be designed for ease of cleaning and minimal maintenance, with surfaces that can withstand regular dusting and gentle cleaning without damage.

Eligibility

This competition is open to all professional Canadian artists and artist-led teams. Artists must be 18 years of age and older. Oakville Public Library employees are not eligible to apply.

Oakville Public Library at Sixteen Mile Branch, interior view of the children’s area, architect’s rendering, view looking down to library stacks from the second level, next to the designated wall for new wall-based artwork 2026.

Compensation

The total budget for all expenses related to this project is a maximum of $40,000 Canadian dollars (includes HST). This is the total amount available for all related expenses of this public art project including but not limited to: artist fees, all applicable taxes, detailed renderings, materials, site preparation, technical consultations and approvals or other expertise as required, fabrication, installation, insurance, equipment, permit fees, travel to meetings and to the site, and an artist statement for the completed work.

Selection Process

Stage One: Applicants are reviewed based on the merit of artist’s past work, professional qualifications and experience.

Stage Two: Short-listed artists will be paid an artist fee of $1,500 to develop their artwork concept proposal based on detailed artwork specifications.

The selected artist will enter into a contract with the OPL for the artwork creation and installation phase of the project. The final artwork to be unveiled in Winter 2026.

During stage one of the competition, applicants will be reviewed on the basis of the merit of past work, professional qualifications and experience. In stage two shortlisted artists will be required to submit an artwork concept proposal. Short listed artists will be paid an artist fee of $1500 to develop their proposals. The selected artist will then enter a contract with the OPL for the artwork creation and installation phase of the project.

The artwork concept will be selected by a specially convened independent committee made up of visual arts professionals, community representatives, library staff and board. The project will be awarded in December 2025 and installed during the winter of 2026.

Submission Requirements: Stage One

Applications are to be submitted online and must include:

• Artist resume, curriculum vitae
• Artist proposal/expression of interest statement
• Images of artist’s artwork
• Image list
• Two references

How to Submit

Submit expressions of interest via online application

Submission Deadline: Wednesday, October 15, 2025 by 11:59pm ET

For additional information or questions, please contact: public.art@oakville.ca

Oakville Public Library
Sixteen Mile Branch
3250 Neyagawa Boulevard
Oakville, ON L6M 4L6
opl.ca
oplreference@oakville.ca
905-815-2044
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