Call for Mural Proposals: StreetARToronto ‘Just Us’ 2026 Program

Andre Mandela Lopez (@SunofAquarius), ‘Just Us’ 2025. Photo: Kwame Newman-Bremang Symbolik

The ‘Just Us’ Art Call

Early Bird Submission Deadline: April 6, 2026 at 11:45pm ET
Final Submission Deadline: July 19, 2026 at 11:45pm ET
Visit the StART Portal to submit

The sixth annual ‘Just Us’ Art Call is for concepts for mural projects that recognize and create awareness of social injustice, and support equity, race relations and community engagement related to Black lives and the rights of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples and equity deserving groups.

This call invites concepts from street, mural and graffiti artists and artist collectives committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and inspiring positive change through who they are and the work they create. Project proposals should speak to historic and current social issues and movements within Black and First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities and social justice issues in support of equity deserving groups and the importance, benefits and opportunities to build a better future through inclusion, collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Mural projects must be exposed to and visible from a city street. Submissions must include written authorization from the property granting the artist or collective permission to paint their concept on the wall. All projects must be located in Toronto.

An Advisory Panel will select up to 6 projects to receive up to $7,000 based on the scale and complexity of the creation of their project. Projects will be distributed equitably across the city in Scarborough, Etobicoke, North York and Downtown.

Elicser (@elicserelliott), ‘Just Us’ 2025. Photo: Kwame Newman-Bremang Symbolik

Overview of Artist Selection Process

There are two deadlines for Artist submissions. The early bird deadline is April 6, 2026 at 11:45pm. Artists who apply by this deadline will be notified during May 2026 with the results of their submission.

Benefits of applying by the Early Bird Deadline:

• Artists whose proposals are selected for implementation have the option to paint their murals in spring before the heat of summer arrives and have a longer runway to paint their mural.
• Artists whose proposals are not selected for implementation may request Advisory Panel feedback from StART to help strengthen their proposal and are welcome to re-apply once again by the final deadline.

The second and final deadline is July 19, 2026 at 11:45pm. Artists who apply by this deadline will be notified during August 2026 with the results of their submission.

Submissions will be reviewed by an Advisory Panel with an arts and community, equity and inclusion background who will evaluate proposals and recommend up to 6 proposals to receive funding for the installation of their mural.

Eligibility

• All projects must take place in Toronto
• Artist applicants must be at least 18 years old
• All projects must be completed in 2026
• City of Toronto employees are not eligible to apply
• All projects must be located in Toronto
• All projects must be exposed to and visible to a city street
• Designs should be suitable for all ages and avoid references to alcohol or drugs.
• Submissions must include written authorization from the property owner granting the artist or collective permission to paint their mural concept on the wall.

How to Submit

Visit the StART Portal to submit

Early Bird Submission Deadline: April 6, 2026 at 11:45pm ET
Final Submission Deadline: July 19, 2026 at 11:45pm ET

Victoria Day (@artistvictoriaday), ‘Just Us’ 2025. Photo: Kwame Newman-Bremang Symbolik

Join Us for the ‘Just Us’ Exhibit & Information Session

Learn more about the ‘Just Us’ program, and how to apply at the ‘Just Us’ 2025 Mural Exhibition at Worth Gallery.

This exhibit spotlights works created as part of the 2025 StreetARToronto ‘Just Us’ Mural Program. Murals in the exhibit speak to historical and current social issues and movements within Black and Indigenous communities, equity deserving causes and groups, and the importance, benefits, and opportunities to build a better future through inclusion, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

Join us for an exhibition, reception, and a series of public programs throughout the run that speak to artists seeking to become a part of this program.

February 12 – March 1, 2026
Opening Reception: February 12, 5pm – 9pm
Mini Mural Makers Workshop: February 19, 12pm – 4pm
Artist and Property Owner Talk: February 22, 3pm – 6pm
Worth Gallery (830 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON)

About StreetARToronto

StreetARToronto (StART) is a suite of innovative programs specifically designed for streets and public spaces. StART has been successful in working with artists to produce vibrant, meaningful, community engaged street mural and graffiti art. StART programs encourage active transportation (walking and cycling), make our streets more inviting and safe, showcase local artists, mentor emerging talent, and create opportunities for positive engagement among residents, business, artists, arts organizations and City staff.

While based on themes relevant to local sites and neighbourhoods, StART artworks and artists also reflect the City of Toronto motto: Diversity Our Strength and foster a greater sense of belonging among all. An initiative of the City of Toronto, Transportation Services Division, StART has become a leader in significant mural, street and graffiti art installations since its inception in 2012.

For additional information or questions, please contact:
streetart@toronto.ca

StreetARToronto
www.streetartoronto.ca

Facebook @StreetARToronto
Instagram @start_streetartoronto

Accessibility:
StreetARToronto strives to create accessible opportunities for all. For more information or to request accommodation for your application contact us at streetart@toronto.ca.