City-Wide Public Art Banners 2026

ORGANIZATION: City of Surrey
DEADLINE: December 8, 2025
WEBSITE: https://www.surrey.ca/arts-culture/public-art/artist-calls-project-updates

CALL FOR ARTISTS:
Every year, the Public Art Program commissions artwork to be displayed on approximately 100 street poles near significant cultural destinations in Surrey. These artist-designed banners add vibrancy to streetscapes and provide an annual opportunity for artists to celebrate Surrey’s cultural, urban or ecological landscape.

The City-Wide Banner Series for 2026 seeks proposals from artists who explore 2D abstraction. The artwork should capture the theme of dynamic growth—to illustrate the growth that Surrey is experiencing—through form, shape, and colour. The design should emphasize movement to animate the City’s streetscapes and create a joyful atmosphere.

Submissions can explore a range of mediums including collage, graphic design, photography, printmaking, painting etc. Artwork will be printed digitally onto vinyl banner fabric. This call is open to all BC-based artists.

We are looking for an abstract design that captures Surrey’s dynamic energy and growth.

HOW TO APPLY:
Please submit a concept proposal to Public Art Staff at:
Email: publicart@surrey.ca
Subject line: 2026 Public Art Banners – (Your Name)

Deadline for application is December 8, 2025.

Your Expression of Interest should contain the following information:
• Contact Details: Name, address, email and phone number
• Design Concept: Concept designs for the banners (need not be the final artwork, max size 10 MB)
• CV: History of past exhibitions, commissions, education and/or relevant experience. If applying as a team, include one for each member.
• Portfolio: Up to 10 images of past work
• Bio & Artist Statement (300-word max)

FEES/COMPENSATION:
The award for the selected artwork is $3,000. Fabrication and installation costs are covered by the City.