Call for Proposals: Winter 2026-27 Window Paintings, City of Pickering

Opportunity for Local Artists

Jacob Headley, Snow much fun, window painting at Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex Main Entrance

Call for Proposals
Window Paintings at Pickering City Hall and Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex

Submission Deadline: July 31, 2026 4pm ET

The City of Pickering invites local artists or artist teams to apply for this placemaking opportunity to paint the main windows at City Hall and Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex. Under the theme of Many Ways to Winter, this temporary placemaking opportunity will aim to showcase the diverse experiences, traditions, and perspectives that shape the season. From outdoor activities to quiet indoor moments, submissions can reflect the many ways people connect with and move through winter in their everyday lives.

This activation will be displayed on the windows from November 9, 2026, to February 1, 2027. One artist/team will be commissioned by The City of Pickering to create the works.

Project Requirements

1. This call is directed towards local artists.
2. The created work must be painted on the interior side of the windows and removed at the end.
3. The work is to reflect the theme of Many Ways to Winter. Possible ideas include everyday winter life, outdoor activities like skating or sledding, cozy indoor moments, cultural traditions and personal experiences, local environments and landscapes, or even abstract expressions of the season that show the many ways people live, move through, and connect with winter.
4. The work is to be inclusive, engaging and create a feeling of joy.
5. The work may incorporate components; however, this should not add further to maintenance and durability.
6. The Artist will work with City of Pickering staff to identify exact windows for the project at both buildings.

Eligibility

As per the City of Pickering Public Art Policy (CUL 130) an artist is defined as the designer/creator of an artistic work and can include, but is not limited to, a professional artist, graphic designer, collaborative team, architect, or landscape designer.

For this project, the City of Pickering is looking to attract local artists.

Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex Exterior

Compensation

The budget for this project is $5,000.00 including HST (maximum)*. This is the total amount available for the commission of these placemaking artworks in addition to all related expenses of this project including, but not limited to: artist fees, all applicable taxes, detailed renderings, materials, removal, and schedules or other expertise as required, insurance, equipment, travel to meetings and to the site, and an artist statement for completed work.

The selected artist will provide a Scope of Work based on the Placemaking opportunity to The City of Pickering. This Scope of Work will address the artist’s obligations, which include, but are not limited to:

• Materials
• Timeline
• Installation
• Removal
• Insurance
• Copyright, Intellectual Property and Moral Rights

*Subject to change based on final confirmation of number of windows.

Selection Process

A jury comprised of professional artists and community members of diverse backgrounds will be established for the evaluation of the proposals. This is a single-stage competition. One (1) artist/team will be awarded the commission.

The Jury will recommend an artist/team for the award of the commission based on the following criteria:

1. Artistic merit, including quality of work, originality, and artistic excellence.
2. Adhesion to location, theme and expressed desire in this project; and,
3. Artist’s demonstrated ability and proposal feasibility to meet the artwork goals and technical requirements, within the set timeline and budget.

The City of Pickering reserves the right to select and retain the artist deemed most appropriate for the project at its sole discretion.

Pickering City Hall Exterior

Submission Requirements:

• Artist Statement: Describe your interest in this project and share your experience in the field. You can submit a written document (1-page max).
• CV: Professional resume (3-pages max). If submitting as a team, an individual resume should be submitted for each team member.
• Portfolio of Past Work: Examples of relevant work. You may include multiple images per project on 1 page of a maximum to 10 projects (10-pages). Add title, year, scope and a short description.
• Artwork Design: Concept sketch, photos, and other images/details as applicable along with proposed dimensions, materials, and maintenance plan.
• Proposed Budget and Delivery/Installation/Deinstallation Plan: For artist fees, delivery and installation. Note, the work will become property of the City of Pickering after the installation.
• References: A list of at least two professional references familiar with your work and working methods. The list must include name, title, complete e-mail addresses and telephone numbers.

How to Submit

Complete the RFP submission form on the City of Pickering website.

Submission Deadline: July 31, 2026, 4pm ET

For additional information or questions, please contact:
Ellen Tayles-Armstrong
etayles@pickering.ca | 905.409.0567

City of Pickering
One the Esplanade
Pickering, ON L1V 6K7
www.pickering.ca
905.420.4660

Facebook @cityofpickering
Instagram @cityofpickering
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Accessibility:
The City will provide accommodations throughout the selection process to applicants with disabilities. Please notify Ellen Tayles-Armstrong, Curator, Public Art at 905.409.0567 or etayles@pickering.ca of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require in respect of any materials or processes used to ensure your equal participation.