Call for Mural Proposals: 2022 Just Us Art Project

Artwork by Leyland Adams

StreetARToronto (StART) invites street, mural and graffiti artists or artist collectives to participate in the 2022 Just Us Art Project.

StART has received requests from artists interested in doing more projects in support of Black Lives Matter and justice for Indigenous Peoples. In response, this “Just Us” Art Call is for concepts for mural projects or activations that highlight social injustice, equity, race relations and community engagement. StART is collaborating with NIA Centre for the Arts and 7th Generation Image Makers for the 2022 Just Us Art Project.

StreetARToronto programs and projects are designed to celebrate the City of Toronto motto “Diversity Our Strength” and foster a greater sense of belonging among all. StART welcomes and actively seeks out partners for initiatives that support and reflect these values.

Artists interested in applying to this program can do so by visiting this submittable link.

StreetARToronto Just Us Art Project Requirements

For this Request for Concept Descriptions, the City of Toronto is seeking submissions from street, mural and graffiti artists or artist collectives who have access to a wall exposed to city streets with written authorization from the property owner granting the artist permission to paint their mural concept on the wall.

All projects must be located in Toronto.

The goal of this Request for Concept Descriptions is to establish a roster of projects eligible to participate in the StART “Just Us” Art Project. An Advisory Panel will select up to 10 projects from the roster to receive up to $3,000 toward the creation of their project.

Artwork by Adrian Hayles

Background and Objectives

“Just Us” art call is a request for mural art proposals in support and recognition of Black lives and the rights of Indigenous Peoples, produced by StreetARToronto (StART) in collaboration with Nia Centre for the Arts and 7th Generation Imagemakers. The “Just Us” art call seeks mural concepts that create awareness surrounding social injustice, equity, race relations and community engagement. Project proposals should speak to historic and current social issues and movements within Black, Indigenous and BIPOC communities, and the importance, benefits and opportunities to build a better future through inclusion, collaboration and knowledge sharing.

About StreetARToronto
StreetARToronto (StART) is a suite of innovative programs specifically designed for streets and public spaces, and has been successful in working with artists to produce vibrant, meaningful, community engaged street mural and graffiti art. StART programs encourage active transportation (walking and cycling), make our streets more inviting and safe, showcase local artists, mentor emerging talent, and create opportunities for positive engagement among residents, business, artists, arts organizations and City staff. While based on themes relevant to local sites and neighborhoods, StART artworks and artists also reflect the City of Toronto motto: Diversity Our Strength and foster a greater sense of belonging among all. An initiative of the City of Toronto, Transportation Services Division, StART has become a leader in significant mural, street and graffiti art installations since its inception in 2012.

About Nia Centre for the Arts
Nia Centre for the Arts is a Toronto-based non-profit dedicated to promoting, showcasing and preserving Afro-diasporic art. Since 2009, Nia Centre has created meaningful cultural, artistic experiences rooting in Black traditions. In 2020, the Centre launched construction to transform their facility into Canada’s first professional multidisciplinary Black arts centre. Learn more at niacentre.org.

About 7th Generation Image Makers
7th Generation Image Makers is a dynamic, youth-led Aboriginal community arts program operating within Native Child and Family Services of Toronto. Since 1995, 7th Generation has provided quality and accessible art and media based programming in a culturally supportive and safe environment to Toronto-based youth and youth at-risk. Learn more here.

Overview of Artist Selection Process

Artist submissions will be received on a rolling basis at the end of each month on May 30, June 30, July 30, and August 30 2022. Applicants will be notified on or around June 15, July 15, August 15, September 15, 2022.

Submissions will be reviewed by an Advisory Panel composed of at minimum: two representatives with an arts equity and inclusion background and one StART staff who will select up to 10 concepts to receive funding toward the installation of their mural.