Request for Qualifications: Public Art Opportunity for Canadian Artists with Connections to Toronto

Cabbagetown BIA, City of Toronto + STEPS Public Art

Image courtesy of STEPS Public Art

Cabbagetown BIA Public Art: National Call to Canadian Artists with Connections to Toronto
Request for Qualifications

Application Deadline: May 24, 2026, by 11:59pm EDT
Budget: $200,000 CAD (plus HST)

Opportunity Overview

STEPS Public Art, the Cabbagetown Business Improvement Area (BIA) and the City of Toronto’s BIA Office invite professional Canadian artists and artist teams with connections to Toronto to submit qualifications for the first stage of a two-stage public art competition. This opportunity is for the creation of a new public artwork (or series of artworks) to be installed in Toronto’s Cabbagetown BIA on the public right of way adjacent to the sidewalk at Amelia Street and Parliament Street. The work(s) of art should incorporate the character, history, environment, and culture of the neighbourhood.

The selection process will follow an open, two-stage format. Up to five (5) artists or artist teams will be shortlisted and awarded $1,000 CAD (inclusive of HST) each to develop detailed design proposals. One artist or artist team will be selected for the final commission.

The total budget for this project is $200,000 CAD (plus HST), which must cover all costs related to the project, including (but not limited to) artist fees, materials, fabrication, foundations, a solar lighting system, equipment rentals, installation, site preparation, engineering and professional services, insurance, WSIB coverage, permits, travel, and other associated expenses.

Please note that this project has a short turnaround time. View the STEPS website for more information.

Community Background

Nestled between Wellesley St and Shuter St, and bound by Sherbourne St on the West and the Don River on the East, Cabbagetown embodies a unique blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy. Renowned for its picturesque streets adorned with the largest area of preserved Victorian homes in North America, this community exudes an inviting ambiance that beckons exploration.

Beyond its architectural wonders, Cabbagetown thrives with an eclectic mix of businesses that add to its allure. Local shops, cozy cafes, and delectable eateries line the streets, offering a rich tapestry of experiences to residents and visitors alike. The neighbourhood’s dynamic atmosphere seamlessly intertwines with its historical roots, creating a distinct character that captivates anyone who wanders its streets.

Until the 1840s, this area was mostly farmland. When thousands of Irish immigrants arrived in Toronto during Ireland’s potato famine, they settled here, planting cabbages in their front gardens to feed their families—giving Cabbagetown its iconic name. By the late 1800s, the neighbourhood grew into a thriving community. However, during the Depression, Cabbagetown faced deep poverty, and later, many older homes were demolished to make room for developments like Regent Park. In the 1970s, a wave of restoration began—largely led by the queer community—sparking a revival. Today, these streets hold stories of struggle, renewal, and resilience.

Image courtesy of STEPS Public Art

Submissions

Professional artists and artistic teams are invited to respond to this RFQ by submitting a single PDF document via Google Forms. This single PDF document must include:

1. Artistic Statement – 1-page maximum. Outline your artistic experience, ability, approach and interest in this project, highlighting relevant experience. Please note any connection to or understanding of the neighbourhood in which the artworks would be installed. Proposals will NOT be accepted at this stage of the competition.

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) – 3-page maximum. Detail professional experience as an artist, past public art experience, and other information relevant to this RFQ. If applying as an artist team, please identify all team members and include a CV for each.

3. Artistic Support Material – A maximum of ten (10) images of work.

4. Support Material List – A written list that clearly outlines the Artistic Support Material (above) with corresponding titles and numbers. Include the following details in order of: Title, date, location, commissioning agent (if applicable), budget, dimensions, medium/materials and a brief description of the works (maximum 50 words).

5. References – Names and contact information (current email and phone number) for two (2) references (preferably from recent public art projects). Please identify their role and affiliation in the project. Reference letters will not be accepted.

Additional artist/artist team information will also be required when filling out the Google Form.

Application Delivery and Deadline

View the full opportunity on the STEPS website. Submissions must be received by May 24, 2026, at 11:59pm EDT. Incomplete and/or late applications will not be accepted. Applications must be submitted via Google Forms. Emailed, faxed, or mailed applications will not be accepted. It is your responsibility to ensure the application package is complete and submitted by the posted deadline. Final submissions must not exceed 20 MB in total size.

Opportunity Contact

Questions and requests for clarification will be received by email until April 30, 2026, at 9am EDT. 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.

The Cabbagetown BIA and the City of Toronto reserve the right to reject any or all submissions, or any part thereof, or to terminate or re-advertise the RFQ. The decision of the Selection Panel is final.

Partners

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.

• Takeaways from the Global Placemaking Summit
• How to Prepare for a Public Art (An Artist’s Guide)
• Sustainable Practices in Public Art

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Image Descriptions:
1 + 2. Images of the installation site, looking directly at it and from a side profile, in Toronto’s Cabbagetown BIA on the public right of way adjacent to the sidewalk at Amelia Street and Parliament Street. Demonstrates size and existing trees.