“Community-connected public art for Ontario Line subway construction hoarding sites”
Metrolinx and Ontario Transit Group (OTG) are seeking to commission artworks to be exhibited at four (4) construction hoarding sites along the new Ontario Line subway project within the City of Toronto through a single-stage competition. The commissioned artworks are scheduled to be on display as early as November 2026 and will remain on site until the hoarding is removed. Selected artists will create a unique artwork for one of the four (4) pilot sites. The preference is for selected artists to have a direct connection to the community where the artwork will be installed. Each project budget is $5,000 CAD and must cover all costs directly associated with the artwork, including taxes, artist fees, production, materials, any required professional services, and other incidental expenses. OTG will be responsible for printing, installing, and maintaining the artwork at each site. All selected artwork will be printed on aluminum dibond signage panels. Managed by STEPS Public Art on behalf of Metrolinx and OTG.
Closed
Applications close
Jun 15, 202611:59 PM EDTCloses Jun 15, 2026
This program is no longer accepting applications.
Closed
Applications close
Jun 15, 202611:59 PM EDTCloses Jun 15, 2026
This program is no longer accepting applications.
Arts council · Toronto, ON, Canada · 2 programs
Up to 4 awards of $5,000 CAD each, inclusive of taxes, artist fees, production, materials, insurance, and other incidental expenses.
Install Support
OTG will be responsible for printing, installing, and maintaining the artwork at each site. All selected artwork will be printed on aluminum dibond signage panels.
Compensation details
Each project budget is $5,000 CAD and must cover all costs directly associated with the artwork, including taxes, artist fees, production, materials, any required professional services, and other incidental expenses.
Requirements
Single PDF package (max 10MB total): Letter of Intent (max 1 page), Connection to the Community statement (max 1 page), CV (max 3 pages; one per team member for artist teams), and up to 10 artwork sample images. Concept artwork should not be submitted at this stage.
Preference is for selected artists to have a direct connection to the community where the artwork will be installed. Four pilot sites are located along the Ontario Line within Toronto (from Exhibition Place through downtown to Distillery District area).
Applications close
Jun 15, 202611:59 PM EDT
Program begins
Nov 1, 2026Single-stage competition. Selection based on Letter of Intent, Connection to the Community statement, CV, and Artwork Samples. Selected artists participate in a design development process with up to two rounds of feedback and revisions in collaboration with Metrolinx and OTG teams.
Arts council · Toronto, ON, Canada
A Canadian charity providing public art management, cultural planning, and paid opportunities for equity-deserving artists.