Call for Expressions of Interest: Youth Centre Mural Project, Town of Oakville

Call for Artist: Youth Centre Mural Project, Town of Oakville

Deadline: May 1, 2023, by 11:59 p.m. EDT
Venue: Queen Elizabeth Community and Cultural Centre, Town of Oakville
Total Project fee: $6000 (includes HST)
Open the application form.

The Town of Oakville invites artists to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) to create an indoor public art mural for the Youth Centre at Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre (QEPCCC). This call is open to professional artists living within the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area community (GHTA). Artists with demonstrated experience working with youth, and connections to Oakville will be given priority.

QEPCCC presents “Youth Centre Mural Project”, an interactive and collaborative project designed for youth interested in exploring and developing their creativity while making a meaningful impact in their community. In collaboration with the Oakville Youth Action Committee (OYAC), this project will bring together youth participants aged 13 – 18 years/grades 9 – 12, from the community with a local professional artist with an interest in inspiring and supporting youth. They will collaboratively create a large-scale mural to be displayed in the new QEPCCC’s Youth Centre, which reflects their shared vision and values, allowing them to shape their own space and bring it to life.

An artwork proposal is not required at this time.

All applicants will be reviewed on the basis of the merit of past work, professional qualifications and experience with community based art making. Shortlisted artists will meet with OYAC. The selected artist will then enter a contract with the Town of Oakville for the creation of the mural. The successful artist will have a maximum budget of $6,000 to create the artwork.

The final artwork will be a wall-based mural painted onto boards that will cover a large upper wall area in the QEPCCC Youth Centre. The selected artist will engage and work with a group of youth artists aged 13 – 18 years/grades 9 – 12, to design, create, and paint the mural over the fall 2023 and winter 2024 program seasons. The first workshop will occur during Culture Days Festival (September 22 to October 15), a national celebration of arts and culture and the final installed mural will be unveiled during National Youth Week May 1-7, 2024.

The town will be responsible for the installation of the final work.

Proposals will be assessed based on artistic merit, and demonstrated capacity to work with youth to develop and complete the project.

The Town of Oakville strives to offer youth-friendly recreation and culture services that are accessible, inclusive and safe. Engaging local youth in meaningful recreation experiences plays a crucial role in positive youth development and provides opportunities for asset-building. Through participation and volunteerism, our mission is to empower youth and amplify their voice, offering an opportunity to influence service delivery and foster a positive image for young people in our community.

The Oakville Youth Action Committee engages youth and provides opportunities for them to have a voice in our community. OYAC is a dynamic group of local volunteers ages 13 to 19 with a mission to empower their peers and help shape the future of our town.

Visit Youth Services and Arts and Culture for details about town programs and opportunities.

For more information contact: public.art@oakville.ca