Call for Expressions of Interest: Henderson Connections Asphalt Art Pilot Project, City of Lethbridge

Call for Artists: Henderson Connections Asphalt Art Pilot Project

Submission Deadline: July 21, 2025, at 11:59pm MT
For full details, view the full Call for Artists.

The City of Lethbridge Public Art Program is inviting artists or artist teams to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to design and paint a series of temporary asphalt murals throughout Henderson Park and adjacent areas. This pilot initiative aims to foster community connection and wayfinding through creative visual interventions, encouraging exploration of the surrounding park amenities.

The project will also involve a professional development opportunity and a community engagement component developed in collaboration with project staff.

Site and Safety Considerations

The sites eligible for painting include paved park pathways and pedestrian gathering areas in Henderson Park and nearby Lethbridge & District Exhibition grounds. Roadways and designated sidewalks are not included in this call. The artwork must not overwrite existing directional markings or function as advertising.

Applicants should be aware that designs must not include content generated by AI and should avoid text-based work unless integral to the artist’s established practice. Materials requiring specialized installation, such as thermoplastics, are ineligible.

Paint products and materials will be selected in consultation with the City, with consideration given to durability, safety, and surface compatibility.

Background

Henderson Park is a central and beloved green space in Lethbridge, home to a 24-hectare lake, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and over 7 km of trails. Adjacent amenities include the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, Henderson Outdoor Pool, Spitz Stadium, and the newly redeveloped Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre.

For more about the area, visit:
Henderson Lake Park
Henderson Park Strategic Plan

Budget

The project budget is $10,000 + GST. This includes artist fees, materials, engagement activities, insurance, and all related project expenses. An artist fee of $750 + GST will be paid upon submission of the full project proposal. The remaining $9,250 + GST will be paid in instalments according to deliverables.

A travel budget of up to $3,000 may be negotiated if required.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to artists and artist teams across Canada. Artists must be available for the installation and engagement timelines and have the capacity to lead both public engagement and a peer learning component.

Project Timeline

• Call Opens: June 10, 2025
• Info Session: June 25, 2025
• EOI Submission Deadline: July 21, 2025
• Notification of Selection: July 31, 2025
• Site Visit: Early August 2025
• Proposal Due: August 31, 2025
• Phase 1 Installations: September–October 2025
• Planning for Engagement: Fall 2025–Winter 2026
• Final Installations & Events: Spring 2026
• Final Report: Due within one month of project completion

Proposal Submission

EOIs must be submitted by email as a single PDF document to KT Wilde at publicart@artslethbridge.org on July 21, 2025, 11:59pm MT. Subject line and filename should read: “Asphalt Art Pilot EOI – YourName”

The Expression of Interest must include:

1. Letter of interest (max. 2 pages) including artistic background and intended approach
2. Current CV or outline of experience (for each artist if applying as a team)
3. Contact information
4. 5–10 images of past or current work with title, date, size, medium, and brief description

Artists are encouraged to direct inquiries to publicart@artslethbridge.org.

Lethbridge Public Art – Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge
318 7th Street South
Lethbridge, AB T1J 2G2
publicartlethbridge.ca