Request for Qualifications: Strathcona County Footbridge Public Art Project, Edmonton

The Edmonton Arts Council, on behalf of the City of Edmonton with Strathcona County, is seeking an Indigenous artist or artist team residing in Canada to create two site responsive sculptures, one located at each end of the new pedestrian bridge.

This Request for Qualifications includes a two-stage selection process.

Deadline for Request for Qualifications: Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 11:59am (noon)

Project Budget: $165,000. This budget encompasses all costs directly associated with the creation and installation of the artwork, including artist fees, travel, materials, fabrication, foundations, transportation, and installation.

Project Description

Construction for the new footbridge across the North Saskatchewan River is currently underway. Once complete, the bridge will link Strathcona County (Township Road 540) with the City of Edmonton (167 Avenue) and connect people to the trail systems within the North Saskatchewan River Valley. The Great Trail of Canada (Trans-Canada Trail) will connect to this pedestrian bridge through the local trail systems.

The new footbridge over the North Saskatchewan River will include shared pathway connections and support open space/ recreational upgrades on both sides of the river. The design also includes:

• A gathering area at each end of the footbridge.
• Shared pathways from the bridge to the existing trail system.
• Two viewing lookout areas.

The artworks will be located in the planting areas in the plaza at each end of the bridge. Selected artist(s) will explore the stories and histories of the bridge’s location within the North Saskatchewan river valley.

The selected artist or artist team may conduct research and engage with the surrounding community when developing concepts. If relevant to the artist’s process, preliminary ideas for research and engagement may be included in the submission. The EAC can support the artist with any engagement and consultation.

Project Timeline

• Wednesday, May 21, 2025: Deadline for Request for Qualifications
• Early 2026: Concept due
• Spring 2026: Design development due
• Fall 2026: Artwork installation complete

These dates are preliminary, and subject to change due to weather conditions.

For more information on this opportunity and to apply, visit edmontonarts.ca.

If you have questions, please email support@edmontonarts.ca.

Edmonton Arts Council
Phone: 780−424−2787 | Email: info@edmontonarts.ca
Prince of Wales Armouries, 2nd Floor (#222)
10440 108 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5H 3Z9