Call for Expressions of Interest: Public Art for DCHC West Garden, City of Pickering

Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre, West Garden, City of Pickering

Public Art Opportunity: Dorsay Heritage & Community Centre (DCHC) West Garden

Submission Deadline: March 27, 2026, 4pm ET

The City of Pickering invites artists or artist teams to respond to this Call to Artists to create permanent outdoor public artwork for the west garden of the Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre.

The Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre (DCHC) designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects explores the intersection of memory institutions—museum, library, gallery and archive—into an integrated, dynamic facility which will serve as a community gathering place and gateway to the existing components. Located adjacent to a ravine, the building is positioned to be sensitive to the natural ecology of the site while opening up views in all directions to the surrounding landscape. The sustainably sourced materials selected for the building are inspired by existing heritage buildings located in the Village: naturally aged, weathered wood and dry-stacked field stone. User engagement has been critical to the design process and a successful project will be an attraction for the local community and visitors alike. Construction began in Spring 2024, and the building will open in Spring 2026.

The total budget for the project, including artist fees, materials, installation and other associated costs is $125,000.00 (including HST)*

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

West Garden Dimensions

Project Brief

For this project, the City is seeking artists or artist teams interested in creating a placemaking-focused public art experience in the west garden area adjacent to the building. This outdoor space which is visible from the parking lot and used daily by residents and visitors, is a highly active zone with strong potential for creative transformation.

• Creates a shaded space for public use
• Enhance the garden as a welcoming and meaningful public place
• Encourage interaction, participation, or exploration by the public
• May incorporate multi-sensory or experiential elements such as lighting, audio, tactility, or movement
• Goes beyond traditional sculptural approaches to include site-responsive installations, experiential pathways, interactive environments, or creative place-based interventions

The top three (3) artists/teams will be required to attend an in-person presentation during Artfest for community feedback. 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

$125,000.00 CAD including HST (maximum)*. This 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, 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.

This agreement will address the artist’s obligations, which include, but are not limited to:

• Materials
• Timelines
• Installation
• Maintenance and/or conservation plans
• Warranty
• Copyright, Intellectual Property and Moral Rights
• Payments to sub-contractors

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 short-listed artists will be notified by the week of April 22, 2026 and invited to present their concept to the community and the public art jury during “Artfest” held on May 23 & 24, 2026*. This concept presentation and community consultation will be based on the Terms of Reference provided prior. As part of the process, short-listed artists must attend the in-person presentation (online presentations may be accommodated).

Submission Requirements

Artists are invited to respond to this EOI Call by submitting a single pdf document (max size 20 MB) including: artist statement, project statement, concept design, 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.

Deadline: March 27, 2026 at 4:00pm 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.ca
905.420.4660

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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.