Call for Expressions of Interest: 150th Legacy Mural CommissionThe City of St. Catharines invites skilled mural artists and artist-led teams to submit Expressions of Interest for A Love Letter to a City: A St. Catharines 150th Legacy Mural Commission. Inspired by A Love Letter to a City, an original poem by St. Catharines Poet Laureate Shannon Kitchings, this landmark public art project is a key component of the City's sesquicentennial celebrations.The City seeks a bold and impactful public artwork that reflects the stories, people, places, and shared experiences that have shaped St. Catharines over the past 150 years while looking toward the future. The selected mural will transform the north-west facing exterior wall of the Ontario Street Parking Garage into a significant public art destination and downtown landmark. The mural site is a highly visible concrete façade approximately 170 feet wide by 44 feet high and includes circular ventilation openings that must be thoughtfully integrated into the design.Artists are encouraged to create contemporary, visually compelling works that celebrate community, connection, transformation, and pride of place.Project RequirementsArtists are encouraged to explore themes related to the evolution and identity of St. Catharines, including:Indigenous histories and enduring relationships to the land and waterwaysThe Welland Canal and its significance to city developmentShipbuilding, manufacturing, and industrial heritageWilliam Hamilton Merritt and the city's early growthHarriet Tubman and St. Catharines' role in the Underground RailroadThe Garden City identityAgriculture, orchards,



and Niagara's fruit-growing traditionsHistoric architecture and neighbourhoodsArts, culture, music, and community celebrationsDiversity, newcomer experiences, and belongingInnovation, sustainability, and future aspirationsShortlisted artists will be provided with Love Letter to a City and asked to creatively integrate a phrase, excerpt, or thematic element from the poem into their final mural concept.This opportunity is open to:Professional mural artistsArtist-led teams and collectivesApplicants must:Reside in Ontario and/or have strong connections to St. CatharinesApplications from Indigenous artists, Black artists, racialized artists, artists with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ artists, and artists from other equity-deserving communities are strongly encouraged.CompensationProject Budget: $50,000 CAD (inclusive of artist fees, assistant fees, materials, equipment, permits, insurance, travel, accommodation, surface preparation, protective coatings, and all associated project costs).Shortlisted artists advancing to Stage Two will receive an honorarium of $1,500 CAD plus HST to support concept development.Selection ProcessStage One: Expression of InterestArtists submit qualifications and portfolio materials. No mural design is required at this stage.



A Selection Committee will review submissions and shortlist up to five artists or artist teams.Stage Two: Concept DevelopmentShortlisted artists will develop and submit a detailed concept proposal. Selected concepts may be shared publicly for community feedback before a final artist is chosen.Artists may propose mural concepts covering all or a portion of the available wall surface. Shortlisted artists will be asked to identify the proposed square footage of coverage and explain how the design responds to the architectural features of the wall.Evaluation Criteria (Stage One)Artistic ExcellenceQuality and Relevance of PortfolioDemonstrated Experience with Large-Scale ProjectsProject Understanding and SuitabilitySubmission RequirementsSubmit PDF documents containing:1. Artist StatementMaximum 500 words describing artistic practice, interest in the project, and relevant experienceCurrent CV outlining public art, mural, exhibition, and professional experience (maximum three pages)Maximum of 10 completed projectsDemonstrating experience with murals, public art, large-scale commissions, and community-engaged projects where applicable4. Image ListTitleYearLocationDimensionsMaterialsProject budget (if available)5. ReferencesTwo professional references including name, organization, email, and telephone numberApplicants should review the full Expression of Interest requirements and upload all required materials through the online submission portal.Submission Deadline: Sunday, November 22, 2026, 11:59pm ETFor additional information or questions, please contact:Chelsea Ryan, Culture Coordinator, Public [email protected] | (phone hidden)

📌 Call For Expressions Of Interest: 150th Legacy Mural Commission (St. Catharines)
🏢 The Arty Crowd
📍 St. Catharines