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Friends of the Guelph Public Library Call to Artists: Children's Area, Central Library

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Friends of the Guelph Public Library Call to Artists: Children's Area, Central Library — Friends of the Guelph Public Library
Artist rendering of the new Central Library showing a view from the street looking into the Children’s Area where the artwork will be installed (circled). Image courtesy of Guelph Public Library.
  • Who Can Apply: Experienced artists and artist-led teams whose primary residence is Canada and who are legally entitled to work in Canada, plus Indigenous artists residing in or originating from the unceded territories now known as Canada; Friends of the Guelph Public Library members, Guelph Public Library employees, and City of Guelph employees are not eligible.
  • The Focus: Create an original, durable public artwork for the Children's Area of Guelph's new Central Library that sparks curiosity, creativity, and child-led engagement.
  • Compensation: $250,000 +HST project budget (artist fees, production, travel, installation, insurance); up to 5 shortlisted artists receive a $2,500 +HST honorarium for Phase 2 proposals.
  • Key Requirements: Online application with an Expression of Interest (up to 500 words, PDF ≤2 MB), CV/experience summary (up to 3 pages, PDF ≤2 MB), support materials (up to 10 pages including 3 preliminary visual references and 7 past-work examples with details, PDF ≤5 MB), and two letters of reference on public art projects.
DeadlineFriday, November 27, 2026
PayAll-inclusive CAD 250,000 + HST (if applicable) for artist fees, design, production, fabrication, shipping, studio space, travel, accommodation, installation and insurance. Separately, up to five shortlisted artists or teams receive CAD 2,500 + HST for Phase 2 proposals.
Program datesFabrication April–September 2027; installation October 2027; unveiling October–November 2027
LocationGuelph, ON
ParticipationOn-site
Career stagesAll Stages
Disciplinespublic art
Application notesSubmit the individual online form with contact details, a PDF expression of interest of up to 500 words (maximum 2 MB), and a CV of up to 3 pages (PDF, maximum 2 MB). Submit support materials of up to 10 pages (one PDF, maximum 5 MB): 3 preliminary visual references and 7 past/current work examples, each identifying title, year, medium, dimensions, location, publicly disclosed budget if applicable, and a brief description. Include 2 reference letters concerning previous public-art projects, each a PDF of at most 2 MB, with the referee's name, title, organization, email and phone. Complete privacy consent, conflict disclosure and certification. Teams use https://www.guelphpl.ca/friends-of-the-guelph-public-library-public-art-commission-artist-led-team-application/ and submit qualifications as a single PDF of up to 10 pages and 5 MB, including each member's CV (maximum 3 pages each) and a cover letter (maximum 1 page) explaining roles; the 7 past-work examples are the team total. The optional online information session is October 19, 2026. Shortlisted applicants sign an agreement before receiving the proposal honorarium.
Contactculture@guelph.ca
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Friends of the Guelph Public Library

Organization based in Guelph