Call for Expressions of Interest: Dundas-Islington Public Art Competition, City of Toronto

No Shoes by Mark Di Suvero

Call for Expressions of Interest: Dundas–Islington Public Art Competition

Submission Deadline: Friday, May 15, 2026 at 12:00pm ET

The City of Toronto invites professional Canadian artists (including artist teams) to submit their Expression of Interest to the first stage of a competition for integrated public artwork(s) at the intersection of Dundas St. W and Islington Ave.

The artwork(s) will be selected through an open two-stage competition, with a net budget of approximately $245,000.00 (+ HST). The project budget includes all costs directly associated with the artwork: all fees for design, fabrication, installation, engineering and professional services, insurance, travel and other incidental expenses.

Project Background

There is an opportunity to install a new public artwork at the busy intersection of Dundas St. W and Islington Ave. (on the south-west corner). The site is situated at a prominent location that will act as an entranceway with intuitive wayfinding to Islington Village, an area with a vibrant history. The site is located on the south triangle of the busy traffic crossroads of east/west Dundas Street and north/south Islington Avenue.

The Islington population includes residents from a range of ethnic backgrounds with 45 per cent being first-generation immigrants and 31 per cent second-generation immigrants. There is significant representation from Ukraine, Poland, Philippines and India. Ukrainian, Serbian, Polish, Korean and Spanish are the most spoken non-official languages.

The Dundas-Islington public art competition was originally initiated in 2013 and secured by artist Noel Harding with his artwork Mimico Crossing. However, with Harding’s passing in 2016, the proposed artwork was never actualized.

The City of Toronto acknowledges that we are on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The City also acknowledges that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands.

Public Art Opportunity

The intent of the public art project is to define an entry point to the area of Islington Village, creating a pedestrian-friendly environment. Islington Village is frequently cited as an outdoor art gallery that features over 25 murals showcasing the history of the area.

The total available area for the installation is around 660 square metres, with some restrictions to be outlined in the Terms of Reference.

Artists are encouraged to consider flow, continuity, and expand on the site’s rich cultural and environmental histories (both settler and Indigenous).

The artwork(s) will:

• Create an entry point into the community, operating as intuitive wayfinding
• Encourage awareness of the neighbourhood’s collective heritages, identities and future
• Fit the community, design scheme and context
• Align with the community’s priorities for the site

The artwork(s) must be unique. We will not consider acquiring editioned works or versions of existing works. Architects and design studios are not being considered for this project.

Current site view at Dundas St. W and Islington Ave.

Community Engagement

Shortlisted artists will be required to submit a community engagement plan as part of their proposals. The selected artist will be expected to implement their community engagement plan.

Eligibility and Selection Process

This is a two-stage, open, national competition for professional artists born or living in Canada. They must meet the Canada Council’s definition of a professional artist.

The City of Toronto’s 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. We welcome submissions from Indigenous, Black, and racialized artists, and artists with relevant experience who may not have previously worked in the public realm.

A specially convened Selection Panel composed of arts professionals and community members will be established for this competition. The successful applicant(s) will be selected at the absolute discretion of the City.

Stage 1: Request for Expression of Interest
Friday, March 20 – Friday, May 15, 2026

The Selection Panel will review all submissions and identify a shortlist of a maximum of five (5) artists, based on artistic excellence and demonstrated or perceived ability to create and execute an innovative, engaging public artwork that is complimentary to the site and context.

Stage 2: Request for Concept Proposals
Monday, June 15 – Monday, August 10, 2026

The shortlisted artists will be notified in mid-June and invited to submit a conceptual design proposal. A detailed Terms of Reference project document will be provided to help shortlisted artists prepare their proposals. Proposals will be due on Monday, August 10 at 12pm ET. Shortlisted artists will be paid a fee of $3,000 (+HST) for this stage.

The artwork proposals will go through feasibility reviews and community consultations. Shortlisted artists will attend an interview and present their proposals to the Selection Panel on Friday, October 12, 2026. The panel will receive evaluation criteria specifically tailored to this site. They will choose a finalist whose vision for the site best suits the overall scope of this project and has the ability or perceived ability to conceive and realize a public artwork on this site.

Competition Timeline

Stage 1

• Accepting EOI submissions (8 weeks): March 20 – May 15, 2026
• EOI deadline: May 15, 2026, 12pm ET
• Artists notified: Week of June 8, 2026

Stage 2

• Terms of Reference to shortlisted artists: June 15, 2026
• Artists designing proposals (8 weeks): June 15 – August 10, 2026
• Design meeting with shortlisted artists: June 19, 2026
• Halfway point meeting (optional): July 15, 2026
• Deadline for artists proposals: August 10, 2026, 12pm ET
• Presentations & jury meeting #3: October 12, 2026
• Artists notified: Week of October 19, 2026

How to Submit

Professional Canadian artists are invited to respond to this EOI by submitting through the City of Toronto’s 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

The application form will automatically close on Friday, May 15, 2026 at 12pm ET. Late applications will not be accepted.

For questions, please contact Catherine Machado, Public Art Officer at publicartcompetitions@toronto.ca.

Learn More

More information about the City of Toronto public art opportunities and updates on commissions, installations and unveiling can be found online at toronto.ca/publicart.

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Image Descriptions:
1. Mark Di Suvero’s No Shoes sculpture, consisting of orange steel beams and wooden logs.
2. Sidewalk, trees and buildings at Dundas St. W and Islington Ave.