Call for 2026 Temporary Public Art

Organization:
City of Nanaimo

Deadline:
Oct. 26, 2025

Website:
https://www.nanaimo.ca/parks-recreation-culture/public-art/temporary-public-art-program

Call for Artists Description:
The City of Nanaimo is inviting artists to submit proposals for the 2026 Temporary Public Art Program, with projects initiated in 2025 and installed in 2026. This is a unique opportunity for artists of all disciplines and backgrounds to shape the city’s cultural landscape through public art.

The Temporary Public Art Program is open to individual artists or artist teams and welcomes a wide range of proposals varying in scale, scope, and medium, from sculptural installations to socially engaged or community-based projects. Artwork must be designed to remain in place for up to five years.

This program reflects the City’s commitment to supporting innovative public art practices that enhance civic spaces, spark conversation, and build connection. Artists will receive staff and logistical support to bring their visions to life, with successful applicants being selected through a two-stage process involving panel review by City of Nanaimo staff and members of the Art in Public Spaces Working Group.

The City particularly encourages applications from those who experience systemic barriers of access, including those related to gender identity, race, or perception of disability. While applicants do not need to reside in Nanaimo, they must demonstrate a strong connection to the community and relationship to this place. Anyone experiencing challenges or barriers in the application process or requiring additional support is encouraged to reach out to the Culture team at cultureandevents@nanaimo.ca. Online information sessions offered in August and September will provide potential applicants with the opportunity to learn more about the program and ask questions.

How to Apply:
Submissions must be received no later than 11:59 PM, Pacific Time, October 26, 2025.
There are two ways to submit:

1. Submit your application and required documents online using the submission form on our website (nanaimo.ca);

2. Drop off your application and required documents in person to the Culture & Events Dropbox, located at the Bowen Complex, 500 Bowen Road. The Dropbox is located on the lower level of the building near the tennis courts (Pine Street Entrance). Hand-delivered submissions must be in a sealed envelope/package clearly marked:

Your Name
Temporary Public Art Program
City of Nanaimo
Culture and Events

Requirements:

1. A detailed Statement of Intent about your Temporary Public Art project including: the artwork you’re proposing, how you see the work situated in location, how your project relates to Nanaimo and/or the location selected/proposed, how your project relates to your artistic practice, and how you intend to approach concept and project development. (1 to 2 pages maximum).

2. Up to 15 images, or up to 15 pages of materials in PDF or paper form. You may include up to 2 videos that offer context or are indicative of previous work. Supporting materials must have a corresponding descriptive listing, such as an image list.

3. A resume for all artists/lead collaborators who will be undertaking the project.

4. If a project proposal engages with Indigenous content, please clarify whether the approval of Snuneymuxw First Nation has been acquired and/or whether you intend to seek approval in collaboration with the City of Nanaimo.

Fees/Compensation:
Artists whose projects are commissioned will receive an honorarium of $7,500 and a production budget of up to $5,000.

Contact Name:
Jaime-Brett Sine

Contact Email:
cultureandevents@nanaimo.ca

Contact Phone:
(250) 755-4483

Alternate Contact Email:
jaimebrett.sine@nanaimo.ca

Alternate Contact Phone:
(250) 268-2165