“Public art integrated into civic infrastructure and the public sphere, enhancing quality of life and shaping the Town's cultural identity”
The Town of Halton Hills Public Art Program invites artists and other creative professionals to submit portfolios to be included in the Town's Artist Roster. The Roster is comprised of pre-qualified regional artists who can provide original artwork for a variety of art opportunities integrated into civic infrastructure and the public sphere. By joining the Roster, artists are eligible to be contacted for direct commissions or limited competitions for a period of 5 years, with the option to re-apply at the next open call.
The Public Art Roster ensures regional artists and creative professionals are provided the opportunity to contribute to the creation of a healthy, vibrant and connected community, enhance quality of life for residents and shape the Town's cultural identity.
Invited commissions and limited competitions may be facilitated for recurring/ongoing programs such as:
- Smaller murals or surface treatments on community buildings, skate parks, construction hoarding or other civic infrastructure including the Bell Box Project;
- Artistic treatments for utility box wraps including Under Wraps Program;
- Banners and signage;
- Street installations including crosswalks, picnic tables, traffic barriers, planter boxes;
- Functional design elements like shade canopies, seating or other integrated components and;
- Other projects valued under $15,000
Proposed Public Art Roster Projects for the 2026 operating year include, but are not limited to:
- Hand painted Bell Box Murals;
- Digital artwork reproductions for the Under Wraps Program;
- Library and Cultural Centre banners;
- Hand painted and digital artwork reproductions for indoor children's murals;
- A street art inspired, hand painted skate park ramp mural.
The Roster is open to both established and emerging artists and creative professionals. The Roster is populated through a bi-annual open call prioritizing regional artists. Submissions are reviewed by Town Staff, members of the Public Art Advisory Board, or in some cases an external artist adjudication panel. Upon acceptance to the Roster, artists are eligible to be contacted for direct commissions or limited competitions for a period of 5 years, with the option to re-apply at the next open call. There is no limit to the number of times an artist can apply to be on the Roster, and there is no limit to the number of active artists on the Roster at any given time.
It is important to note that acceptance to the Roster does not guarantee a project offer.
The Town encourages a diversity of applicants, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, socioeconomic status, class, and religion.