Call for Applications: Parkdale Bridges Public Art, City of Toronto

Preliminary design concept for Dowling Bridge

Call for Applications: Parkdale Bridges Public Art

Deadline for Submissions: January 14, 2026 at noon

The City of Toronto invites professional artists living in Canada to apply to a two-stage competition towards integrated public art for three bridges in Parkdale. The successful artist will be embedded in the design team, working collaboratively to ensure the public art is fully incorporated into the overall design scheme.

The successful artist will receive a design services contract of $100,000 (plus HST). A separate production budget will be managed by the City of Toronto and is approximately $500,000 (plus HST) and covers materials, fabrication, and installation.

Project Background

Three bridges in Toronto’s Parkdale neighbourhood – Dowling, Dufferin and Dunn – are scheduled for upcoming replacement. The three bridges are highly visible, viewable to those traveling through the rail corridor, Gardiner Expressway or Lakeshore Boulevard. They act as a visual gateway and welcome those entering downtown Toronto.

These bridges are significant connectors: Dunn and Dowling act as key links to the waterfront, while Dufferin is a gateway to the historic Exhibition Place grounds and waterfront attractions.

Each bridge is located in Ward 4 Parkdale-High Park and within the designated South Parkdale Neighbourhood Improvement Area (NIA). NIAs are neighbourhoods with high levels of inequity, particularly in categories such as economic opportunities, social development and health.

The South Parkdale population includes a significant number of people aged 25 to 49. Residents come from a range of ethnic backgrounds, with 47% being first-generation immigrants and 25% being second-generation immigrants. There is significant representation from the Philippines and India, with Tibetan, Tagalog, and Portuguese being the most spoken non-official languages.

The Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Haudenosaunee, the Petun, and the Wendat peoples all have connections to this site.

Public Art Opportunity

An RFP to hire a design team is currently underway. The successful artist will work with the design team to identify public art opportunities and recommend feasible ways to integrate permanent public art into the design features of all three bridges, as well landscaping, landings and public realm elements. Some examples could include sculptures, benches, specialized railings or bridge elements, integrated streetscaping, and more.

The resulting public artwork(s) will:

1. be innovative and unique
2. be highly visible, draw attention and welcome those entering Toronto’s downtown
3. fit the community, design scheme and context

The artist will engage collaboratively with the design team throughout all phases of design and implementation, to ensure seamless integration of artwork into the built environment. The finalized designs will be part of the construction tender. Construction will begin in 2028 at the earliest. Once installed, the public artwork(s) will join Toronto’s Public Art & Monuments Collection.

The Dunn Avenue Bridge (City of Toronto Archives)

Eligibility

We’re looking for applications from artists that:

• are living in Canada
• meet the Canada Council’s definition of a professional artist
• are collaborative
• have previously exhibited work in public space and demonstrate an understanding of a visitor experience (though this is a good opportunity for an artist that has not yet installed permanent public art because they will have the support of a full design team and will not be responsible for fabrication)
• have the availability to meet with the project team regularly between March 2026 up to the tender in fall 2027. This may include occasional travel to site, in-person meetings, or opportunities to engage the community. Post-tender, consultative work would continue but on an irregular basis.

Artist teams may apply. Architects and design studios are not being considered for this project.

The Toronto 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.

Selection Panel and Competition Format

Decisions will be made by a specially convened Selection Panel composed of arts professionals and local community members. In Stage 1, the Selection Panel will review all eligible applications and identify a shortlist of five (5) artists. All applicants will be notified of their results by February 26, 2026. They will score each application on the following evaluation criteria:

• Approach and Interest: does the applicant have a strong understanding of the project and context? Do they demonstrate interest in this specific opportunity?
• Artistic Excellence: does the candidate’s previous work show an innovative vision, high quality of work, and a distinct practice?
• Cooperation: does the candidate have the perceived ability to successfully collaborate with a design team?
• Experience: does the applicant possess the perceived ability and/or personal experience to design a site-specific project?
• Visitor Visibility: does the applicant’s previous work demonstrate an understanding of the viewer and commitment to enhancing the visitor experience?

The Selection Panel may also consider feedback from community members and advisors, as well as the applicant’s past performance on previous contracts with the City of Toronto or Agencies, Boards or Commissions of the City.

In Stage 2, shortlisted artists will be invited to attend virtual interviews with the Selection Panel and key stakeholders between March 2 and 6, 2026. Further details of this meeting will be provided to those invited. Shortlisted artists will be paid a fee of $750 (plus HST) for the interview and preparation time. Artists will not be asked to create a proposal.

Information Session

A virtual information session about this opportunity will be hosted on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 6:00pm. Registration is required and is available here.

Submissions

Interested artists should apply through the online application form. The form will request the following information:

• Biography
• Artist Statement
• Statement of Interest
• CV
• Images of five recent projects, with descriptions
• Names and contact information for two individuals who are prepared to provide a reference (preferably from recent projects)

The application form will automatically close on January 14, 2026 at noon.

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