Outdoor Public Exhibition of Temporary Sculptural Works

ORGANIZATION:
Oak Bay Parks, Recreation and Culture

DEADLINE:
February 3, 2026

WEBSITE:
https://www.oakbay.ca/parks-recreation/arts-culture/arts-alive

CALL FOR ARTISTS:
Arts Alive is Oak Bay Parks, Recreation & Culture’s yearly public sculpture exhibition. The exhibition is on display for up to 12 months at outdoor sites throughout the municipality.

Oak Bay, part of Greater Victoria, is located on the southeastern tip of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It lies within the traditional territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən people, known today as the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations.

Surrounded by beaches and parkland, the area offers gorgeous views across the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Salish Sea. It is also home to the unique and rare Garry Oak meadow ecosystem.

Oak Bay’s 18,000 residents have a deep connection to their natural and built environment. The community is known for its fine domestic architecture, picturesque gardens, parks, and charming village centre, home to several art galleries enjoyed by local artists and art lovers.

The annual and permanent sculpture collection frames views, animates parks, streetscapes, and gathering areas. Sculptures are valued for their artistic merit and for encouraging viewers to pause and reflect on life in this seaside community. The collection includes realistic and abstract works—kinetic and static—made from metal, stone, glass, ceramic, mixed media, and mosaic.

Project Requirements

This is an excellent opportunity for sculptors to showcase work in a picturesque outdoor seaside setting.

Sculptures will be displayed for approximately one year in outdoor public locations (May 2026–April 2027).

Only freestanding works that can be securely attached to a provided concrete display base will be selected for exhibition.

Sculptors are responsible for installing and removing their work on the supplied bases. Installation guidelines outline specific measurements, bolt patterns, and weight limits.

Materials must be durable in outdoor conditions and safe for public interaction.

Eligibility

Canadian residents are invited to apply for the 2026–2027 outdoor public art program. (Due to shipping and import logistics, sculptures shipped from outside Canada cannot be accepted.)

Artists may submit up to two sculptures; each sculpture requires its own application.

Emerging sculptors are encouraged to apply and may contact the Arts & Culture Programmer for guidance in preparing their application.

Selection Process

Submissions are reviewed and shortlisted by a volunteer arts jury.
Depending on community sponsorship, up to 10 works may be selected.
Shortlisted entries undergo review by municipal staff to ensure technical feasibility and public safety.

HOW TO APPLY:
Visit the Arts Alive webpage for full submission details.

Submit the following required materials:

• Completed Application Form

• Signed Display Agreement

• Artist Biography

• Artwork Statement

• Detailed description of the sculpture, materials, fabrication, and installation considerations

• Three photos, sketches, or images of the sculpture from different views

• Artist résumé, CV, and/or website link to portfolio

Online submissions can be made through:
https://www.oakbay.ca/parks-recreation/arts-culture/arts-alive

FEES/COMPENSATION:
Selected sculptors will receive a $1,600 honorarium, inclusive of travel and delivery/retrieval of artwork. All sculptures will be available for purchase. A 10% commission on sales supports the ongoing development of the Arts Alive program.