Call for Submissions: StART Outside the Box & Concrete Barrier Mural Programs 2026

Daria Domnikova & Janine Payne. Photo by Kwame Newman-Bremang Symbolik.

New in 2026: StreetARToronto launches new two-stage design application process for both small canvas art calls

StreetARToronto (StART) follows a career ladder model, encouraging artists to work on a variety of ‘canvases’ of ever-increasing size as they progress in their careers. To support this growth, StART offers multiple programs focused on artistic and professional development. Often, the Outside the Box and Cycle Track Barriers Programs—StART’s ‘small canvas’ initiatives—serve as entry points for emerging artists.

Sarah Imrisek. Photo by Alexei Malakhov.

StreetARToronto Outside the Box Program

Submission Deadline: March 11, 2026, 11:59pm ET
Apply Here

The Outside the Box program provides an opportunity for local artists to create works of art on traffic signal boxes across Toronto. Since 2013, over 600 boxes have been hand-painted or wrapped by local artists and transformed into extraordinary works of art. Artists applying to this program are encouraged to consider the context of the local area and the city as a whole.

This open call is for hand-painted boxes only.

• Applicants must reside in the City of Toronto.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• City of Toronto employees are not eligible to apply.

Finished works will be on functioning City of Toronto equipment that will need repair or replacing at some point in time. The City therefore cannot guarantee the duration of use of each traffic signal box. Artists should also be aware that traffic signal boxes are often targets for vandalism.

Although the City will protect the artwork with a vandal-resistant clear coat or wrap, it cannot guarantee that vandalized traffic signal boxes will be repaired and the artwork restored to its original state. Artists must accept the risk that their artwork may be damaged, altered, or removed at any time after completion.

Artist Fee

Each selected artist will receive a total artist fee of $1,500+HST (if applicable), paid upon completion of the project:

1. $500 for design development
2. $1,000 for execution (painting labour and materials)

Artists grant the City of Toronto a royalty-free, non-commercial license to reproduce the final design for promotional and documentation purposes only.

Painting Weeks

Selected artists must be available to paint their assigned traffic signal boxes on site during the following tentative period: May 15 – May 31,2026.

Important Notes:

• This call is intended for artists with an interest in mural and public art practices.
• All artworks under this program are hand-painted on site on City-owned utility boxes.
• Designs are not required at this stage, only artists selected for Stage Two will be invited to submit designs.

To ensure opportunities are available to a broad range of Toronto-based artists, artists will be eligible to be awarded a maximum of three boxes within the life span of the OTB program. If you would like to talk about other opportunities for career advancement or have any questions, please contact the StART team at streetart@toronto.ca.

Multiple Artists. Lansdowne Road Cycle Track. Photo by Kwame Newman-Bremang Symbolik.

StreetARToronto Concrete Barrier Mural Program

Submission Deadline: March 11, 2026, 11:59pm ET
Apply Here

The StreetARToronto (StART) Concrete Barrier Mural Program celebrates diversity, inclusion, and the health and wellness benefits of active transportation and a vibrant public realm.

Project Information

The 2026 Cycle Track Mural Program will take place in a protected City of Toronto yard. Artists selected from the Stage One Art Call to move forward to the Stage Two Design Submission will receive a design fee of $125.00 and site-specific and/or thematic context approximately two weeks to one month before the Stage Two Design Submission deadline.

Project Details

• Selected Artists will be assigned barriers in Stage Two and provided with design templates for their specific barriers
• Designs will be informed by additional site context and details provided by the project Curators

Logistics & Safety

This project requires coordination across multiple City of Toronto divisions. Safety is a priority, and artists will be painting in a protected City of Toronto yard. Additional details will be provided to accepted artists in advance of the production schedule.

Please do not apply to this project if shifting timelines might not work for you.
We will always share up-to-date project information with accepted artists by email.

Questions pertaining to this application process can be sent to: cycletrackmurals@gmail.com CC streetart@toronto.ca

Eligible Toronto-based artists are encouraged to apply for both programs here.

Submission Deadline: March 11, 2026, 11:59pm ET

Learn more about both programs at our upcoming Information Session on March 5, 12–4pm, at The Tranzac Club (292 Brunswick Ave, Toronto). RSVP here.

About StreetARToronto

StreetARToronto (StART) is a suite of innovative programs specifically designed for streets and public spaces. StART 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.

For additional information or questions, please contact:
streetart@toronto.ca

StreetARToronto
www.streetartoronto.ca

Facebook @StreetARToronto
Instagram @start_streetartoronto

Accessibility:
StreetARToronto strives to create accessible opportunities for all. For more information or to request accommodation for your application contact us at streetart@toronto.ca.