The SUMO Hitchhiker’s Guide to Public Art (for beginners)

Helping Novice Artists Navigate the System—From Ideas to Execution

The SUMO Hitchhiker’s Guide to Public Art (for beginners) is a concise, visual reference guide providing a clear overview of the public art process and its steps, structured around a main path, supporting information, and practical advice to help novice artists navigate the system—allowing artists to orient themselves while accessing deeper layers of knowledge as needed. While it may appear complex, it is designed to be intuitive and accessible.

Created by SUMO Project, this initiative draws from our professional practice, mentorship programs, and research in the field, which collectively revealed the barriers commonly faced by novice artists,* including portfolio-based selection processes that create a catch-22: artists are expected to have public art experience to qualify, yet can’t gain that experience without access—made even harder by complex, multi-stage applications requiring proposals, budgets, insurance, and other professional documentation; creating a significant barrier to entry.

These barriers are often intensified for newcomers to Canada (or new to the cities), who often lack established social and professional networks to provide support.

In response, The SUMO Hitchhiker’s Guide to Public Art (for beginners) supports novice artists in navigating the public art system more confidently and strategically, building capacity through shared knowledge, practical internal tools, and accessible, scalable resources that encourage long-term professional development.

300 printed guides were mailed to artists, cultural centers, and major art institutions across Canada. For more info, and to get a free digital download visit the website.

This guide has been possible thanks to the generous support of the Canada Council for the Arts.

About SUMO Project

SUMO Project is a multi-disciplinary studio whose practice focuses on the integration of Art,* Architecture and Urban Design.

Believing that “specialization is for insects,” we find opportunities in unusual places, to explore how our creative practice can contribute to improve the spaces we inhabit, public or private, with the use of art.

Work with us,

SUMO Project
www.sumoproject.com
admin@sumoproject.com
Instagram @sumo_project_inc

*Novice Artist is defined as an artist new to the field of public art—whether a recent graduate or an established studio artist exploring or beginning to create work for public spaces.

*Public Art Management: Overseeing the full lifecycle of public art projects—such as murals and sculptures—from initial planning to installation. Art Integration: incorporating art directly into buildings and public spaces so it functions as an integral design component, not an add-on. Art Strategies: creating cultural frameworks that guide planning and strengthen places through artistic and cultural initiatives…and more.