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Guelph Public Library Board Public Art Commission: Atrium, Central Library

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Guelph Public Library Board Public Art Commission: Atrium, Central Library — Guelph Public Library Board
Artist rendering of the Atrium in the new Central Library. Courtesy of Guelph Public Library.
  • Who Can Apply: Professional artists and artist-led teams whose primary place of residence is Canada and who are legally entitled to work in Canada; Indigenous artists residing in or originating from the unceded territories now known as Canada are also eligible.
  • The Focus: Create an original three-dimensional public artwork for the Atrium of Guelph's new Central Library, to become part of the City of Guelph Public Art Collection.
  • Compensation: Total project budget of $250,000 +HST managed by the artist, covering artist fees, production, studio space, travel and accommodation where necessary, installation, and insurance; up to 5 shortlisted applicants receive a $2,500 +HST honorarium for Phase 2 proposals.
  • Key Requirements: Apply online with an EOI (500 words, PDF 2 MB), CV (3 pages, PDF 2 MB), support PDF (10 pages, 5 MB: 3 visual references and 7 works), and 2 reference letters. Teams add a 1-page role letter and each member’s CV in one PDF (10 pages, 5 MB).
DeadlineMonday, November 30, 2026
PayCAD 250,000 + HST all-inclusive budget for artist fees, design, fabrication, shipping, installation, studio space, necessary travel/accommodation and insurance. Separately, up to five shortlisted artists or teams receive CAD 2,500 + HST each for proposals.
DurationApproximately 6 months of fabrication (April–September 2027)
Program datesAnticipated installation: Fall 2027; fabrication approx. April–September 2027; installation October 2027; unveiling and celebration October–November 2027
LocationGuelph, Ontario
ParticipationOn-site
Career stagesAll Stages
DisciplinesPublic art, Three-dimensional artwork
Application notesSubmit through the individual or artist-led team online form. Supply an expression of interest of up to 500 words (PDF, maximum 2 MB); an individual CV of up to 3 pages (PDF, 2 MB); a support-material PDF of up to 10 pages and 5 MB containing 3 preliminary visual references and 7 past/current works, labelled with title, year, medium, dimensions, location, public budget if applicable, and description; and 2 PDF reference letters for previous public art projects with contact name, title, organization, email and phone. The individual form allows 30 MB per reference letter; the team form allows 2 MB per letter. Teams submit one qualifications PDF (10 pages, 5 MB), with a CV of up to 3 pages per member and a cover letter of up to 1 page explaining roles, and designate one contact artist. Complete privacy consent, conflict disclosure and certification. Team form: https://www.guelphpl.ca/guelph-public-library-board-public-art-commission-artist-led-team-application/. The team form contains conflicting November 27 and November 30 dates; confirm with culture@guelph.ca. Up to five shortlisted applicants develop paid second-phase proposals, due February 8, 2027.
Contactculture@guelph.ca
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Guelph Public Library Board

Organization based in Guelph