Call for Expressions of Interest: Public Art for Newton Roundabout, City of Surrey

Completed Roundabout at 132 Street & 60 Avenue

Call to Artists
Newton Roundabout

Submission Deadline: January 19, 2026
Project Budget: $150,000

The City of Surrey invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) for a public artwork in the centre of a newly constructed roundabout at 132 Street and 60 Avenue in the Newton neighbourhood.

Newton is Surrey’s most populous town centre and is home to many residents of South Asian heritages. This intersection is in a highly residential area in southwest Newton, with two parks and two elementary schools in the immediate vicinity. The Surrey Zoo, which was operated by the Galicz family, existed in this location between 1967 and 1977.

The new roundabout was completed in the summer of 2025. During construction a foundation was installed that could support a significant free-standing sculpture.

The artwork will become a distinctive landmark in this area, and it should speak to the area’s natural heritage and local history.

Who Is Eligible?

This call is open to all professional artists and artist teams.
Applicants must demonstrate the creative expertise and technical skills to manage a project of this scale from concept development to installation.
Applicants must have the skills to liaise and coordinate with project contractors and municipal staff.

What Projects Will Be Considered?

Concepts must adhere to the technical constraints below.
Concepts must be the original creation of the artist(s) and must not have been previously executed.

Project Goals

To contribute to neighbourhood placemaking.
To enrich public space and bring art into the daily lives of neighbourhood residents.

Selection Process

Proposals will be shortlisted by selection panel consisting of community members and art professionals.
The selection process will occur in two phases.
Phase 1: Expressions of Interest
◦ Eligible artists will submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
◦ The selection panel will review all eligible submissions and 5 to 7 artists will be shortlisted for the next phase.
Phase 2: Concept Development
◦ Short-listed artists will be given a project orientation.
◦ Each short-listed artist or team will be given an honorarium of $2,000 to further develop their concept proposal.
◦ Proposals will be presented to the selection panel.
◦ The selection panel will recommend the final artwork for presentation to the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee.

Site Notes

This roundabout is located in a residential neighbourhood.
At the intersection itself there are 3 private homes and the Berea Baptist Church.
Located nearby are:
◦ West Newton Community Park
◦ Aspen Park
◦ Panorama Park
◦ Panorama Park Elementary
◦ North Ridge Elementary
Between 1967 and 1977 the Surrey Zoo, operated by the Galicz family, existed near this intersection.
Community engagement has shown that local residents are interested in seeing an artwork related to nature and/or local history.
They have also indicated interest in an artwork that sparks joy and brings a calming atmosphere.

Site Map

Technical Considerations

The diameter of the roundabout is approximately 6m.
Maximum artwork size: 4′ (w) x 4′ (d) x 10′ (h).
Maximum artwork weight: approximately 1500 to 2000 lbs.
The artwork would be supported on a foundation installed by the City at the time the roundabout was constructed.
◦ Further details will be given to the shortlisted artists.
Pedestrians will not be able to approach the artwork and will only be able to view it from the sidewalk across the road.
Plants in the roundabout will grow to a typical height of 0.5m.
The desired life expectancy of the artwork is 25 years.

Administrative Notes

The City respects the intellectual property rights of the artist.
The artist will retain ownership rights over their proposal and concept.
Submitted images will only be shared with the selection panel and will not be used for any other purpose.
Due to the large number of submissions, only the shortlisted artists selected for the opportunity will be contacted.
The City reserves the right not to implement the project should circumstances change.

Budget

The budget for the selected artwork is $150,000.00
This is inclusive of all costs including:
◦ Artist fees
◦ Design
◦ Materials
◦ Insurance
◦ Engineering expenses
◦ Fabrication
◦ Delivery & installation
◦ Travel and taxes

Schedule

January 19: Application deadline
Late January: Phase I Selection Panel
February: Announcement of Short-listed Artists
February to March: Concept Development
March: Phase II Selection Panel
April: Presentation to Advisory Committee
Summer to Fall: Design & Fabrication
Winter: Installation
*Dates are subject to change

How to Apply

Please submit an Expression of Interest to:
Email: publicart@surrey.ca
Subject line: Newton Roundabout– (Your Name)

Your Expression of Interest should contain the following information:

Contact Details: Name, address, email and phone number
Letter of Intent: Outline you artist approach and interest in this specific project and site (250 – 500 words max).
CV: History of past commissions, exhibitions, education and/or relevant experience
◦ If applying as a team, please include one for each team member.
Artist Statement: A brief introduction to who you are and what your practice is about (250 – 500 words max).
Portfolio: Up to 10 images of past work
◦ Please include titles, date, description and materials.
Package: Combine all items into a single PDF document (10mb max)