Call for Expressions of Interest:
Varley Art Gallery of Markham outdoor vinyl mural installation

Deadline: July 22, 2022 11:59 p.m. EDT

To mark its 25th anniversary, the Varley Art Gallery of Markham invites Ontario-based professional artists (including artist teams) to submit an expression of interest for an upcoming mural project. The large, temporary vinyl mural (approx. 6 feet high by 39 feet wide) will be installed on the gallery’s exterior façade from September to December 2022.

Inspired by our current exhibition Refracting the Lens, the chosen artist will be given four weeks to create a new work that considers the ways in which our personal ‘lenses’ affect our perspective of the world around us. They will consider how our backgrounds, and our histories can inform our choices and define our experiences. Alternatively, these lenses also allow us to forge new narratives and push beyond those that have already been written. Artists should consider the location of the gallery, its history, and mandate, as well as how their work will engage local audiences.

Artists working in any medium are encouraged to apply, yet the final work is to be delivered as a high resolution print-ready digital file. Proposals will be assessed based on the strength of the artist’s past work, their reasons for applying, and the possible impact such a commission would have on their career development.

We encourage submissions from artists from equity seeking groups, including 2SLGBTQ+, Indigenous, Black, and racialized artists, as well as deaf artists and artists with disabilities.

Budget

The artist will receive a total of $8,000 for this project, which includes the creation fee, and associated CARFAC fees for preparation, consultation, and royalties.

The gallery will cover all expenses related to the fabrication and installation of the piece, as well as any accommodation needs (sign language, translation, etc.).

How to Apply

Create a document that includes the following:

• Tell us why you are applying, your relevant experience, and artistic approach. (500 words max)
• Explain how this opportunity will help advance your practice. (250 words max)
• 3-5 images of previous works
• CV

Combine the four items listed above into a single PDF and title it: “2022VarleyMuralApplication_YourName”.

Email your application to: submissions@markham.ca with “2022 Varley Mural Application” in the subject line.

If you require support or accommodations with your application, or have questions about the project, please contact:

Anik Glaude, Curator
aglaude@markham.ca
905-477-7000 x 3265

Project Timeline

Call for submissions: June 28 to July 22, 2022
Jury: July 25 to July 29, 2022
Creation Phase: August 1 to August 31, 2022
Production and installation: September 1 to September 23, 2022

About the Varley Art Gallery of Markham

The Varley Art Gallery of Markham is a vital cultural hub for artists and diverse communities. A municipal gallery, we create critical conversations about Canadian art and society. We inspire local and national audiences to engage with art through outstanding exhibitions and rich public and educational programs relevant to the communities we serve. We support artists from York region and seek to broaden access to the arts for diverse artists and cultural groups. We also share and celebrate the life and work of F. H. Varley, a founding member of the Group of Seven.

The Varley Art Gallery is situated on the traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples including the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe. We are committed to reconciliation, partnership, and enhanced understanding.

Varley Art Gallery of Markham
216 Main Street Unionville, Markham, ON, L3R 2H1
905.477.7000 ext. 3261 | varley@markham.ca

Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

The gallery is open Tuesday to Friday, and Sunday, 12 PM to 4PM and on Saturdays from 10 AM to 5 PM

Admission is free for all visitors.

Our venue is accessible and includes ramp access to enter the building and exhibition spaces. The doors to the building, galleries, and our accessible washrooms have automatic buttons. All galleries have seating and didactic material is available in large print. One wheelchair is available for visitors. Two accessible parking spots are available behind the gallery (Carleton St.) and two spots in front of the gallery (Main St.)