Call for Expressions of Interest: 40th Anniversary Public Art Installation, City of Spruce Grove

Call to Artists: Expression of Interest
City of Spruce Grove 40th Anniversary Public Art Installation

Submission Deadline: April, 20, 2026, 11:59pm MDT
View the full Call to Artists

The City of Spruce Grove is inviting professional artists and artist teams to submit their interest in a large-scale, site-specific public art installation celebrating Spruce Grove’s 40th Anniversary since becoming a city. This commission will result in a bold, immersive artwork located inside the atrium at Heavy Metal Place, positioned on the wall above the Cst. Brett Ryan Arena entrance. As a central gathering space within one of the City’s most significant civic facilities, the atrium provides a highly visible opportunity to reflect on Spruce Grove’s past, present, and future. Artists are encouraged to propose work that interprets the anniversary theme creatively, exploring ideas such as growth, community, resilience, identity, shared history, and future aspirations.

Project Requirements

Heavy Metal Place is the largest capital project in the City of Spruce Grove’s history and serves as a multi-use community hub. The facility includes arenas, a public library branch, arts and culture spaces, a black box theatre, and the Spruce Grove Transit Centre. The artwork will be located inside the atrium above the Cst. Brett Ryan Arena entrance, a space that connects visitors moving throughout the building and offers long sightlines and strong architectural presence. Approximate Site Dimensions: • Length: 62 feet • Height: 14.75 feet Artists may propose a mural installation that responds to the architectural features of the space. Final installation method will be determined in consultation with the City.

This project marks 40 years since Spruce Grove became a city. Artists are invited to respond to this milestone in ways that feel meaningful to their own practice and perspective. Proposals may be literal or abstract, historical or forward-looking, narrative or symbolic. Artists are encouraged to consider the site, the community, and the significance of time, change, and continuity, while bringing their own voice, visual language, and conceptual approach to the work. There is no requirement to depict specific events, people, or timelines. The intent is to allow for a wide range of artistic responses that resonate with the public in different ways.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to professional artists or artist teams based in Canada, with demonstrated experience completing large-scale public art projects. Experience working with architectural spaces and public environments is considered an asset.

Compensation

The total project budget is $25,000 (+GST if applicable) and must include:

• Artist fees
• Design development
• Materials and fabrication
• Equipment rental (a lift will be required to access the wall and required certification to operate the lift are required.)
• Installation
• Transportation and travel
• Insurance and overhead The selected artist or team will be responsible for managing the project within the approved budget. No additional funding will be provided.

Selection Process

This is a two-stage Request for Interest process:

Stage One – Expression of interest
Artists submit application for review. A selection committee will shortlist up to three artists or teams.

Stage Two – Design Proposal
Shortlisted artists will be invited to develop a detailed concept proposal. An honorarium will be provided to shortlisted artists for this stage. One artist or team will be selected for the commission. Final decisions rest with the City of Spruce Grove.

Submission Requirements

Please submit one single PDF file (maximum 25 MB) including:

• Artist information (name, address, phone, email, website)
• Letter of interest outlining your approach to this public art (including initial ideas/concept design)
• CV (maximum 2 pages per artist)
• Portfolio of up to 10 images of relevant work, including title, year, medium, dimensions, location, and commissioning body
• Contact information for two professional references

How to Submit

Applications may be submitted to Ranya Hadab, rhadab@sprucegrove.org

Submission Deadline: Monday, April 20, 2026, 11:59pm MDT
Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. Submission instructions and contact details will be provided in the official call release.

For additional information or questions, please contact:
Questions may be submitted to Ranya Hadab by email or phone by April 13, 2026: rhadab@sprucegrove.org | 780-962-7631 (ext. 157)

City of Spruce Grove
315 Jespersen Avenue
Spruce Grove, AB T7X 3E8
www.sprucegrove.org
rhadab@sprucegrove.org
780-962-7631 (ext. 157)

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