Call for Expressions of Interest: Permanent Public Art for Dave Ryan Park, City of Pickering

Dave Ryan Park rendering with public art location marked, City of Pickering.

Public Art Opportunity: Dave Ryan Park

Submission Deadline: November 6, 2026, 4pm ET

The City of Pickering invites artists or artist teams to respond to this Call for Artists to create permanent outdoor public artwork for Dave Ryan Park.

As per the City of Pickering’s Public Art Policy (CUL 130) an artist is defined as the designer/creator of an artistic work and can include, but is not limited to, a professional artist, graphic designer, collaborative team, architect or landscape designer.

The successful artist/artist team will be selected through a two-stage process. One (1) artist/artist team will be awarded the opportunity.

Images (left to right): Detail of rendering with artwork location cirecled in yellow. Site plan with dimensions (scale: 6000mm = 6m).

Project Brief

The future Dave Ryan Community Park will be located at the southeast corner of Mulberry Lane and Alexander Knox Road. The community park will include a full-size lit soccer pitch, lit ball diamond, tennis/pickleball courts, half-court basketball, large junior and senior playground, water play area, on-site parking lot, and a washroom/fieldhouse.

The park is being developed to serve a growing residential neighbourhood and will provide a range of recreation, social, and ecological amenities.

For this project, the City is seeking artists or artist teams interested in creating an integrated functional public art experience in the area adjacent to the fieldhouse building. The Art in Public Spaces Plan recommends integrated functional public artwork that combines artistic expression with a practical purpose, such as seating, lighting, wayfinding elements, gathering spaces, or landscape features, and reflects the themes of community building, expansion, and growth in our City.

The top three (3) artists/teams will be required to present their concept to the jury at the March 31,2027 Public Art Jury Meeting.

The City will facilitate consultation between the artists/teams and the community as well as other project stakeholders.

Detailed Terms of Reference will be provided to the shortlisted artist/artists teams to help them prepare their concept.

Eligibility

The City of Pickering recognizes and values that diverse perspectives, skills, backgrounds, and lived experiences contribute to the growth and strength of our community. As such, we actively encourage and welcome applications from Indigenous Peoples and equity-deserving communities including women, persons with disabilities, racialized persons, persons who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, and other diverse communities.

Compensation

$60,000.00 CAD (including HST)* is the total amount available for all related expenses of this public art project including, but not limited to: up to three (3) rounds of revisions, artist fees, all applicable taxes, detailed renderings, materials, technical consultations, community consultation, foundation and approvals or other expertise as required (engineering review), fabrication, installation, insurance, equipment, travel to meetings and to the site, conservation plan, and an artist statement for completed work.

The selected artist will enter into a written agreement with the City of Pickering following the approval of the acquisition of the public art outlined in the City’s Public Art Policy.

Selection Process

Stage 1: Call to Artists – Expression of Interest (EOI)

A public art jury comprised of practicing arts professionals, project stakeholders and community members will be established for the evaluation of the Stage 1 submissions.

Expression of Interest (EOI) Submissions: Artists/ Artist teams are invited to respond to this EOI by submitting a single pdf document including:

• CV: Professional resume (3-pages max). If submitting as a team, an individual resume should be submitted for each team member.
• Artist statement: describe your interest in this project and share your experience in the field. You can submit a written document (1-page max) or record an audio or video message (MP3 or MP4 file, max 20 MB).
• Portfolio of past work: Examples of relevant work. You may include multiple images per project on 1 page of a maximum of 10 projects (10-pages). Include title, year, scope, budget and a short description.
• References: A list of at least two professional references familiar with your work and working methods. The list must include name, title, complete e-mail addresses and telephone numbers.

Stage 2: Request for Proposal (RFP)

The Public Art Jury will review all submissions and identify a short-list based on artistic excellence and demonstrated or perceived ability to create and execute an innovative, engaging public artwork that is complementary to the overall design scheme and community context.

The Jury will select a short-list of three (3) artists/artist teams for Stage 2 – Request for Proposal (RFP). Each of the three (3) artists/artist teams will be compensated $1,500 CAD including HST for their time and the creation of concept for Stage 2.

The proposals may be used by the City of Pickering in meetings with community groups, stakeholders and staff.

Submission Requirements

Artists are invited to respond to this EOI Call by submitting a single pdf document (max size 20 MB) including: artist statement, CV, portfolio of past work and references.

If the submissions exceed 20 MB, artists should contact Ellen Tayles-Armstrong, Curator, Public Art who will provide a link to an external file share program.

For more information check our website at pickering.ca/calltoartists

How to Submit

Complete your EOI submission for Stage 1 by filling out the online form.

Submission Deadline: November 6, 2026, 4pm ET

Incomplete submissions or submissions received after the deadline will not be juried.

For additional information or questions, please contact:
Ellen Tayles-Armstrong
etayles@pickering.ca | 905.409.0567

City of Pickering
One the Esplanade
Pickering, ON L1V 6K7
pickering.ca
905.420.4660

Facebook @CityofPickering | @RecreationPickering
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LinkedIn @city-of-pickering

Accessibility:
The City will provide accommodation throughout the selection process for applicants with disabilities. Please notify Ellen Tayles-Armstrong, Curator, Public Art, Community Services at 905.420.2660, ext. 3717 or etayles@pickering.ca as to the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require in respect of any materials or processes used to ensure your equal participation.