Call for Expressions of Interest: York Mills Centre Clock Tower Revitalization Project

Call to Ontario Artists – Expression of Interest (EOI)
York Mills Centre
Clock Tower Revitalization Public Art Project

A permanent, outdoor public art installation in Toronto, Ontario

Value of the Awarded Commission: $70,000 (+HST)
Submission Deadline: November 3, 2024 at 10pm ET

Public Art Opportunity:

York Mills Centre is seeking expressions of interest from Ontario artists and/or artist teams for the purpose of selecting up to 5 proposals at the second stage of the competition, for a permanent outdoor public art installation. In the first stage of competition, Ontario artists/artist teams are invited to submit their Expression of Interest and a shortlist of up to five (5) artists and/or artist teams will be selected. In the second stage, the shortlisted artists will be invited to develop concept proposals for the site.

Shortlisted artists will be asked to develop a work that will engage and inspire the residents and visitors of York Mills Centre.

The successful artist or artist team will be responsible for the creation, production and installation of the art and will work with the team at York Mills Centre to bring the artwork to implementation in Spring 2025.

Project Brief

York Mills Centre located at 4025 Yonge St., sits in a well-established neighbourhood, and it is conveniently connected and highly accessible to a thriving population.

The public art location is the clock tower situated just north of the busy commuter corner of Yonge Street and York Mills Road. The tower abuts the entrance of 4025 Yonge Street offering a variety of professional services, amenities and a food court. The entrance is also an access way into the York Mills subway station, part of the Yonge St. subway line.

The clock tower is made of concrete and measures 90′H x 15′W x 16′D – approx. 4,300 sq. ft. The public art location identified requires a contemporary mural artwork.

This public art project includes an opportunity for artists and/or artist teams to refurbish and transform this highly visible clock tower and bring more colour, beauty, pride and enjoyment to the city street, landscape and gateway into the York Mills Centre.

For more information about the centre please visit: yorkmillscentre.com

Eligibility

This is a public competition open to professional artists and artist/artist-led teams* residing in Ontario.

* York Mills Centre defines a professional artist as someone who earns all or a sizeable portion of their livelihood through remuneration for artistic performance or creation and is recognized by their peers as an artist.

Interested Ontario artists, must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada, will need to submit their expression of interest for consideration as part of the first stage of this two-stage public art process.

Architects and designers / design studios are not being considered for this project.

The finalist must have their Working at Heights certification and will be required to carry the appropriate insurance from the signing of the contract until completion when the artwork is signed over to York Mills Centre. A $2 million liability/damage insurance coverage will be required.

We encourage all qualified artists to contact the public art consultant on this project with any queries.

Selection Process
Call to Ontario Artists – Expression of Interest (EOI)

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

Note: Artists are not asked to make a proposal at this time.

Budget

Stage 1: Short-listed artists will be provided a Terms of Reference with additional information about the project.

Stage 2: Short-listed artists will be paid a fee of $2,000.00 (+HST) for their submission of the conceptual design proposal. Short-listed artists will be required to attend in person and present their proposals to the Public Art Jury on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. The total budget for the final selected artists’ designs is $70,000 (+HST). A Public Art Jury comprised of York Mills team, members with experience as practicing arts professionals, and community members with significant knowledge of arts and culture will be established for this competition.

How to Submit

Ontario Artists/ Artist teams are invited to respond to this EOI by submitting a single pdf document including:

• CV: Detailing professional experience as an artist, prior public art experience, and other relevant information; max 3 pages: artist teams should include resume for each team member;
• Statement of Interest: One page with a description outlining why you are interested in this project, how it relates to your art practice and how you would approach this project as an artist;
• Visual documentation: of previous artworks (maximum 10) which best illustrate a body of work. Include title, dimensions, media, budget, location and date of completion (PDF file)
• References: A list of at least three professional references who may speak to their experience commissioning on projects referenced. The list must include name, title, complete e-mail addresses and telephone numbers.

Submissions must be sent by email to: alexcorr99@gmail.com
Email Subject Line: <YourLastName> – EOI:York Mills

EOI Submission Deadline: November 3, 2024 at 10:00pm ET

If the submissions exceed 10 MB, send a Dropbox link (or equivalent) and contact Alex Correia, Public Art Consultant.

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

Shortlisted Artists will be announced on November 20, 2024.

Reserved Rights of the York Mills Centre

York Mills Centre, at its sole discretion, may request clarification or request additional information, as deemed necessary to evaluate the submissions. York Mills Centre retains the sole discretion to determine whether a submission is responsive and if the prospective Artist or Artist Team is capable of performing the Work. The Centre reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to determine the number of pre-qualified Artists or Artist Teams. The Centre reserves the right to not proceed with awarding a contract.

Contact Information: For any additional information or questions please contact: Alex Correia, Public Art Consultant, at 416.871.5566 or alexcorr99@gmail.com.