Call for Proposals: Royal Canadian Legion Centenary Public Art, City of Summerside

Military recruits on the steps of the Summerside Armoury during the First World War. MacNaught History Centre and Archives Collection.

Call to Artists: Royal Canadian Legion Centenary Public Art Opportunity
City of Summerside, Prince Edward Island

Submission Deadline: Monday, November 30, 2026, at 4:00pm Atlantic Time (3:00pm ET)emm

The City of Summerside invites artists to submit proposals for public artwork commemorating the Royal Canadian Legion’s centenary in 2026. For 100 years, the Legion has honoured and supported Veterans, their families, and communities across Canada. The City is seeking artwork that honours the dedication and sacrifice of Canada’s military personnel and offers a meaningful opportunity for community reflection.

The call is open to artists working in all mediums. Proposals are invited for self-supporting two-dimensional and three-dimensional works suitable for a downtown Summerside location. Artists are encouraged to consider sites along Water Street and in Memorial Square, taking into account the setting and public experience of their proposed work.

Project Requirements

Artists are asked to explain how the proposed work relates to Summerside, engages or impacts the community, and responds to the centenary theme. Applications should also address the significance of the proposed location and include relevant location research and photographs or maps.

Proposals should consider accessibility for residents and visitors, materials and durability over time, maintenance and installation expenses, and a project timeline that includes development and installation. If the proposed work is permanent, applicants should explain how it will remain relevant in the future.

Potential Water Street art location, downtown Summerside. Google Maps Streetview.

Eligibility

Artists working in all mediums are welcome to submit proposals. Artists with questions about suitability or the application process may contact Culture Summerside.

Compensation / Project Budget

The available project budget is $13,000 plus applicable taxes for completion of the artwork. This total must cover materials, artist fees, any engineering or fabrication fees where applicable, and all installation expenses. Applicants must submit a detailed project budget.

Selection Process

Submissions will be reviewed by the City of Summerside Public Art Working Group and the Public Art Selection Panel. Following evaluation, applicants will be contacted about next steps and may be asked to provide additional information or answer questions.

Submission Requirements

Applications should include the completed and signed City of Summerside Public Art Application “Call to Artists” form, together with:

• Artist CV and biography outlining experience and artistic practice
• Examples of previous artistic work
• A project proposal of no more than 750 words
• Location map and/or photographs and background research on the proposed location
• A detailed project budget

The application form also requests applicant and artist details, artwork title, proposed dimensions and materials, estimated project value, completion date, proposed location, and insurance information. Proposals should respond to the questions set out in the official form.

How to Submit

Application forms are available at the Lefurgey Cultural Centre, 205 Prince Street, Summerside, or online at www.culturesummerside.com.

Submit applications by email to publicart@summerside.ca or by mail/delivery to the Public Art Working Group, Culture Summerside, Summerside City Hall, 275 Fitzroy Street, Summerside, PE C1N 1H9.

Submission Deadline: November 30, 2026, at 4:00pm AT (3:00pm ET)

For Questions: publicart@summerside.ca | 902-432-1298

City of Summerside / Culture Summerside
Summerside City Hall
275 Fitzroy Street
Summerside, PE C1N 1H9
www.culturesummerside.com
publicart@summerside.ca
902-432-1298

Accessibility:
Public artwork is proposed for a downtown location; site-specific accessibility will be considered through the application process. The main floor of the Lefurgey Cultural Centre is fully accessible.

Image Descriptions:
1. Sepia-toned historical photograph of eleven uniformed military recruits arranged on the stone steps of a brick building.
2. Image of Water Street in downtown Summerside with brick sidewalks, trees, a roadway, vehicles and a CIBC bank frontage.