Call for Expressions of Interest: Northeast LRT Extension Public Art Opportunity, Calgary

Map of the Blue Line LRT extension alignment to 88 Avenue NE showing Saddletowne and Martindale stations. Source: City of Calgary.

Call for Expressions of Interest: Northeast LRT Extension Public Art Opportunity – Artist Embedded in a Design

Submission Deadline: November 19, 2025, 4:30pm MT

Project Summary

Calgary Arts Development is seeking a professional artist or artist team to join the design team for the proposed Blue Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) Northeast Extension station plaza at 60th Street and 88th Avenue NE. This embedded artist role will ensure that public art is integral to the planning and design process from the outset.

The selected artist will collaborate with architects and engineers to envision and develop a concept for an integrated, site-specific public artwork. The project will require a balance of artistic leadership and collaborative problem-solving, with flexibility to consider a range of artistic approaches including sculpture, media-based works, functional or social design, and community-led programming.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the public realm of Calgary’s growing northeast communities. The project is grounded in meaningful community engagement and will explore how public art can respond to the dual context of the site—both a neighbourhood gathering space and a busy transit hub.

Project Requirements

• Participate in collaborative co-design with the project’s consulting team (AECOM and Dialog).
• Lead community engagement to inform the artwork’s design.
• Contribute to design discussions and planning meetings.
• Create a scalable artwork concept that accounts for site conditions, safety, and long-term sustainability.
• Provide 90% detailed design drawings by the end of the one-year design phase.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to local, national, and international professional artists and artist teams.

We strongly encourage submissions from artists who are typically underrepresented, including:

• Black, Indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC)
• LGBTQIA2S+ identifying individuals
• D/deaf persons and persons with disabilities

Compensation

The artist fee for this design phase is $75,000 + GST. This includes time spent on design development, community engagement, travel, and meetings. Pending project funding, the artist may also be engaged to complete fabrication and installation in a second phase (2027–2030).

Selection Process

• Stage 1: Submission of an Expression of Interest through Calgary Arts Development’s online portal.
• Stage 2: Shortlisted artists will be interviewed by an assessment committee made up of peers, community members, subject matter experts, and City representatives. Shortlisted artists will receive an honorarium of $1,000.

Submission Requirements

Applicants must include:

• A Letter of Interest (max 500 words)
• Curriculum Vitae (max 3 pages)
• Up to 5 images of relevant work (JPEG or PDF)
• Names and contact information for 2 references

Please submit applications online via the Calgary Arts Development website.

Submission Deadline: November 19, 2025, 4:30pm MT

Accessibility

Calgary Arts Development is committed to removing barriers in our programs. If you have questions or need support to complete an application, please contact caroline.loewen@calgaryartsdevelopment.com.

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Calgary Arts Development’s office and programs are fully accessible.