Request for Qualifications: Public Art Mural at Maison Riverain, Ottawa

Rendering, Maison Riverain, provided by Main + Main (Ottawa ON)

Request for Qualifications (RFQ): Mural at Maison Riverain, Main + Main (Ottawa ON)

Submission Deadline: August 23, 2026 at 11:59pm ET

STEPS Public Art and Main + Main invite professional Canadian artists and artist teams with connections to Ottawa to submit qualifications for the first stage of a two-stage public art competition. This opportunity is for the creation of a new mural to be installed at Maison Riverain, 300 Montgomery Street, Ottawa, ON. Maison Riverain is a significant new development composed of three towers ranging from 22 to 32 storeys. Once complete, it will provide over 1,000 new rental housing units for the Vanier community, alongside new retail and shopping opportunities.

Visit the STEPS website for more information.

Project Requirements

The mural envisioned for this project will explore Vanier’s ongoing evolution as a community and its important role within Ottawa’s contemporary identity. The artwork should reflect Vanier as a place with a rich history, a strong sense of community, and an evolving narrative shaped by the people who live, work, gather, and build relationships there.

The anticipated mural dimensions are 20′H x 60′W. These dimensions are intended as a starting point, and shortlisted artists are welcome to propose alternative sizing based on their concept, budget, and overall vision. The artwork may also extend beyond the rectangular area to create a more organic shape. Additional site information will be provided to shortlisted artists.

Mural location (area above red car), Maison Riverain, provided by Main + Main (Ottawa ON)

Eligibility and Compensation

This is a two-stage, open competition for Canadian artists/artist teams with connections to Ottawa. Artists should be from or living in Ottawa, or hold strong connections to the City. Artists must include in their application a written description of their connections to Ottawa.

One artist will be selected for the final commission. The total budget for this project is $30,000 CAD (HST inclusive), which must cover all costs related to the project. The selection process will follow an open, two-stage format. Up to three (3) artists or artist teams will be shortlisted and awarded $750 CAD (HST inclusive) each to develop detailed design proposals.

Selection Process

Main + Main will shortlist three (3) artists to create detailed proposals. From this list, Main + Main will then choose one (1) final artist/artist team whose vision best suits the overall scope and intent of the project, and has the ability or perceived ability to conceive and realize a public artwork on the site. The public artwork will be produced and installed in Spring 2027 (start date pending weather).

Stage One: Request for Qualifications

The client will review all submissions and identify a shortlist of up to three (3) artists, based on artistic excellence, relevant experience and demonstrated or perceived ability to create and execute an innovative, engaging public artwork that is complementary to the overall design scheme and community context. Design proposals will not be accepted during this Stage One selection process.

Stage Two: Shortlisted Artist Proposal Development

Shortlisted artists will be notified shortly after the Client’s selection and invited to participate in a proposal development period, which will result in a detailed final proposal, a proposed design and written rationale, a timeline and a detailed budget. A Terms of Reference document will be provided to shortlisted artists, containing all the information required to prepare and submit their full proposals. Shortlisted artists will be paid a fee of $750 CAD (HST inclusive) for this stage.

Submissions

Interested professional artists and artistic teams are invited to respond to this RFQ by submitting a single PDF document via Google Forms. Please see the full call to artists on the STEPS website for additional information on the application process and required materials.

The submission deadline is August 23, 2026 by 11:59pm ET. Incomplete and/or late applications will not be accepted.

Inquiries and Questions

Questions and requests for clarification will be received by email until August 7, 2026, at 12pm noon ET. Applicants who need accommodations or support applying for this opportunity are encouraged to contact Collin Zipp at collin@stepspublicart.org at least 15 business days before the application deadline to allow STEPS to appropriately accommodate your needs and to discuss alternate formats for submitting your application.

About STEPS Public Art

STEPS is a Canadian charity and social enterprise. We provide services in public art management, cultural planning, and artist capacity building. Through our charitable programs, we support artists and foster vibrant, inclusive communities. To stay connected with public art opportunities like this and community programming, subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on social media (@STEPSPublicArt) or reach out! Explore our Fieldnotes Blog Series below to learn more about our work.

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