Call for Submissions: Sherwood Heights Multi-Sport Park Mural, Strathcona County

Call for Mural Artist or Artist Team
Sherwood Heights Multi-Sport Park – Sherwood Park, Alberta

Strathcona County is seeking an artist or artist team to design and paint a large-scale exterior mural on a freestanding cinder block skate shack / washroom / concession building located at the centre of Sherwood Heights Multi-Sport Park in Sherwood Park.

This highly visible structure is used year-round and serves a diverse community engaging in skating, baseball, pickleball, children’s play, and other recreational activities. The mural will enhance the park environment and contribute to a vibrant, inclusive sense of place.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to all professional artists and artist teams aged 18 and over. Special consideration will be given to local artists, artists living and working on Treaty 6 Territory, and artists who identify as members of equity‑deserving communities, including but not limited to BIPOC and LGBTQ2S+ artists.

Project Details

• Location: Sherwood Heights Multi-Sport Park, Sherwood Park, AB
• Structure: Freestanding, single-storey cinder block building
• Approximate dimensions (per wall): 30 ft wide × 8 ft 8 in high
• Four exterior walls available
• Budget: $20,000 CAD (inclusive of artist fees, insurance, materials, equipment, and travel)
• Completion: August 2026

Washrooms, water access, and storage space will be available onsite for the selected artist during production.

Selection Process

This is a one-stage selection process:

Stage 1 – Portfolio Review
A jury composed of community members and County staff will review submissions.

Stage 2 – Design Development
The selected artist will be contracted to develop a mural concept in consultation with the project team.

At the time of submission, artists are asked to provide a brief statement outlining:

• The type of mural they are interested in creating
• Proposed themes and imagery
• How much of the building they would like to activate (multiple walls, or all four sides)
• Any accessibility requirements needed to complete the work

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated by a jury composed of community members and Strathcona County staff using the following criteria:

1. Artistic Excellence (30%)

• Strength and originality of past work
• Demonstrated skill in large-scale mural or public art projects
• Cohesive visual language and clarity of artistic voice

2. Relevance to Site & Community (25%)

• Proposed themes and imagery appropriate to a multi-sport park setting
• Potential to create a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging environment
• Sensitivity to diverse audiences and year-round use

3. Feasibility & Technical Capacity (25%)

• Demonstrated experience with exterior mural materials and conditions
• Ability to complete the project within budget and timeline
• Clear understanding of scale and scope

4. Professional Experience & References (20%)

• Relevant public art or mural experience
• Strong professional references

Submission Requirements

Please submit one (1) PDF file (maximum 10 MB) that includes:

• Portfolio (maximum 10 images)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Artist Bio
• Letter of Intent
• Contact information for two (2) references

How to Submit

Email submissions to: public.art@strathcona.ca
Subject line: Sherwood Heights Mural Submission

Deadline: June 4, 2026, 11:59pm (MT)
Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Strathcona County is located on Treaty Six Territory and the homeland of the Métis. Strathcona County honours the First Peoples of this land. We recognize that we stand upon land that carries the footsteps of Cree, Métis, and Blackfoot amongst many other Nations, who have been here for thousands of years.

Therefore, Strathcona County has an inherent responsibility to foster healthier relationships with First Peoples and further the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action.