Calls to Artists

The City of St. Catharines invites professional artists and artist teams to submit Expressions of Interest for A Love Letter to a City: A St. Catharines 150th Legacy Mural Commission. This public art opportunity will commission a large-scale original mural that reflects the evolving story of St. Catharines by exploring its past, present, and future.

Following the Expression of Interest stage (Stage 1), a shortlist of artists will be invited to develop detailed concepts for consideration (Stage 2). Artists residing in Ontario and/or with strong connections to St. Catharines, with experience in large-scale mural projects and community-engaged public art practices are encouraged to apply.

For the Expression of Interest stage (Stage 1), artists are invited to submit a statement of interest and a portfolio of past work.

In Stage 2, shortlisted artists may propose mural concepts covering all or a portion of the available wall surface. Shortlisted artists will be asked to identify the proposed square footage of coverage and explain how the design responds to the architectural features of the wall.

For eligibility requirements, project details, budget information, timelines, and submission instructions, please review the full Call for Expressions of Interest.

Submission Deadline:

Sunday, November 22, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST

Location:

Ontario Street Parking Garage, Downtown St. Catharines, Ontario

How to Apply:

Complete the application form and upload any additional information online.

Apply now

As part of the City’s revised SCCIP Policy (adopted in fall 2025), SCCIP review committees shall be comprised of individuals that reflect, as best as possible, a diversity of knowledge, experience and perspective in the areas of arts and culture and, ideally, both professional and community practice. Review committees will include at least five individuals, including two members of the City’s Arts and Culture Advisory Committee.

The City is therefore seeking applications from interested members of the arts community to sit on SCCIP review committees this spring. Individuals will review applications to either the Sustaining – Festival program, the Arts Development and Culture Builds Community programs, or the PAC Facility Access Program. More information about these programs, and SCCIP in general, can be found on the SCCIP page of the City’s website.

About the review committees

Members of the review committees will:

• Thoroughly review all applications within the time allocated (generally 2 to 3 weeks);
• Score all applications using evaluation tools provided by City staff;
• Share scores with the Culture Office no later than 24 hours before the agreed-upon meeting time;
• Be available to participate in one 4-hour online meeting (in-person meeting option available if preferred) to discuss applications and allocate funding. Meeting date/time TBD based on review committee members’ schedules; and,
• Abide by the Conflict of Interest section of the SCCIP Policy (p.11).

An honorarium of $350 will be provided to each review committee member.

How to apply

Applications for 2027 SCCIP Review Committees will be accepted beginning in early spring 2027. 

The St. Catharines Culture Plan 2025-2030: Stay for the Culture presents a transformative vision for culture in St. Catharines, outlining a strategic roadmap to guide municipal support for arts and culture over the next five years.

As part of this roadmap, we are planning to provide additional opportunities for artists of all disciplines to engage the public in activities, lead workshops and host performances in a variety of public spaces throughout the city. These experiences will enrich lives, foster pride, and ensure a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable cultural sector within the city.

Eligibility

This application form is an open call to all artist(s), artist ad-hoc groups or arts and culture organizations seeking to lead a workshop or arts activity as part of programming initiatives undertaken by the City of St. Catharines.

How to submit

Complete the application form and upload any additional information online.

Apply now

Each year, we feature a variety of live music programming at Market Square. These concerts help enhance our Farmers Market and add vibrant character to our downtown.

To apply, complete our Musician Application Form. We accept applications throughout the year and welcome submissions from artists with original songs and covers of recording artists.