Call to Ontario Artists: Brightening Barriers, City of Barrie

Alex Kostecka-Silva, Some Really Canadian Geese, Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery, 2025. Photo: The City of Barrie.

The City of Barrie and the Barrie Public Art Committee are seeking to commission up to six (6) artworks that enhance seasonal patio fencing into a collective artistic experience through a single-stage competition.

Submission Deadline: March 13, 2026, by 11:59pm ET

Brightening Barriers 2026 will feature commissioned artworks by emerging and professional artists and artist teams from Ontario, with priority given to local Simcoe County artists. The selected works will bring a free and accessible cultural experience and animate the downtown corridor. Each installation will be affixed to a patio fence provided by a local business.

The City of Barrie will commission up to six (6) new works of art that will be on display from May 15 to September 21, 2026. Four (4) commissions are reserved for local/regional artists, and two (2) commissions are open to successful proposals from artists/teams based elsewhere in Ontario.

Visit the website for full details.

Project Requirements

Artists are invited to respond to the theme Rhythms of the City. This theme explores the patterns, movement, and energy that shape the City of Barrie. Artwork must be suitable for public display, community friendly, and engage both locals and visitors.

After selection, artists will be paired with a downtown patio. Submissions should not be tailored to any specific patio. Please consider the following:

• The artwork must remain safely affixed to the patio fencing and must not damage or alter the fencing during installation or removal.
• The artwork may be constructed in any medium but must be solid, weatherproof, and able to tolerate all weather conditions for the duration of the exhibition.
• The artwork must cover the patio fencing.

Fencing may vary in length and be made from materials such as wood, wrought iron, steel, or combinations thereof.

Eligibility

This Call to Artists is open to emerging and professional Ontario-based artists/artist teams, prioritizing local Simcoe County artists. The City of Barrie is committed to an inclusive and equitable approach to public art and recognizes artists from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds. Artist teams are welcome to apply but must share the total project award.

Jessica Wisniewski, Find Your Place, Homestead Artisan Bakery + Café, 2025. Photo: The City of Barrie.

Compensation

Selected artist or artist teams will receive $5,000 CAD. This project budget includes all costs directly associated with the artwork, including taxes, artist fees, production, materials, professional services, insurance, travel, installation, and other incidental expenses.

Selection Process

The selection process will be facilitated by the Public Art Coordinator. The Selection Panel will be composed of art and design professionals and project interest holders.

Artist/Artist teams will be selected based on the following criteria:

• Artistic Merit: Quality, originality, and overall artistic excellence.
• Response to Theme: Effectiveness in reflecting and interpreting the 2026 theme, Rhythms of the City.
• Project Feasibility: Ability to meet project goals within the proposed timeline and budget.

Up to three (3) emerging artists whose proposals demonstrate strong artistic merit and potential will be selected to receive mentorship from experienced local artists. Mentors will provide guidance while supporting successful project delivery and maintaining artistic vision. No separate application is required.

MacLaren Youth Mentorship Project with Kaitlyn Hewett, Willow Peart, Alliyah Segura & Maya Segura, and artist mentor Neda Mazhab Jafari, Whispers of Green, Bohemia, 2025. Photo: The City of Barrie.

Submission Requirements

Each artist or artist team must submit a complete proposal that includes the following:

• Letter of Intent: A brief statement outlining your artistic background, interest in the project, and connection to the community or City of Barrie. Please highlight any experience relevant to this opportunity. (Maximum 300 words)
• Artist Statement/Concept Description: A description of your proposed artwork and how it responds to the 2026 Brightening Barriers theme, Rhythm in the City. (Maximum 500 words)
• Resume/CV: A summary of your artistic experience, which may include professional work, community-based projects, self-directed practice, education, mentorships, or other relevant experience. Artists at all career stages are encouraged to apply, and prior public art experience is not required.
• Concept Images: Up to three (3) images illustrating your proposed concept. These should be preliminary visuals rather than finished designs and are intended to demonstrate your artistic style and approach.
• Fabrication and Installation Approach: A brief description of proposed materials, approximate dimensions, fabrication methods, and installation/hanging methods.
• Budget: A preliminary budget breakdown based on the total project budget of $5,000 CAD (inclusive of HST), covering artist fees, materials, fabrication, and any other relevant costs.
• Additional Work Samples: Up to five (5) images of past artwork or related projects.

If applying as a team, please list all members and submit the required materials for each, providing contact information for one designated contact person.

How to Submit

Please submit the applications in a single PDF document (not larger than 10 MB) via email to liza.mishko@barrie.ca with the subject line: Brightening Barriers 2026 (name of applicant).

The City of Barrie will answer questions about the application process and mentorship opportunities and can provide accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Please contact Liza Mishko to ask questions or discuss accommodation needs.

To learn more about the 2026 Brightening Barriers Call for Artists, please visit the website.

Submission Deadline: March 13, 2026, by 11:59pm ET

For additional information or questions, please contact:
Liza Mishko, Public Art Coordinator, City of Barrie
liza.mishko@barrie.ca | (705) 791-5431

City of Barrie
70 Collier Street
Barrie, ON L4M 1G8
www.barrie.ca

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Accessibility:
The Brightening Barriers exhibit in the City of Barrie is fully accessible. For more information, please visit the website.

Image Descriptions:
1. Street view of a storefront with an outdoor patio enclosed by a black metal fence featuring public art of colorful geese, including a gosling.
2. Street view of a storefront patio displaying public art depicting nature scenes.
3. Street view of a storefront with a green “Bohema” sign and patio fence panels painted with a frog, plants, and flowers.