Calls to Artists

Visual Artist Call 

Downtown Storefronts Public Art 

Public Art Installations 

Project Overview

The St. Catharines Downtown Association and the City of St. Catharines are seeking emerging, mid-career and established Niagara-based artists or art teams to submit existing artwork for a pilot project, to be installed as vinyl on vacant storefront windows.

The selected artworks will be reproduced as vinyl window coverings, transforming vacant storefront windows into vibrant art installations. Strong consideration will be given to works reflecting the Indigenous and Black histories / contemporary culture of St. Catharines. 

Important Dates

Entry Deadline: Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024

Selected Artist Notified by Email: Friday, Dec. 20, 2024 

Installation Date: Winter / Spring 2025 

Eligibility 

1. Open to all St. Catharines and Niagara-based artists, designers and collectives at all stages in their careers. 
2. There is no limit to the number of images an artist can submit for consideration.
3. At this time, a total of five works will be selected for the project. 
4. Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe artists residing outside of the Niagara Region are eligible. 

Artist Fees

There are no costs associated with entry.

Each finalist will be awarded an artist fee totaling $1720 (excluding GST). This fee is based on CARFAC recommended fees for billboards, banners, plaques, etc. for non advertising purposes (B.4.6).  Following the award, the artist will be required to sign a contract and will be provided with a first installment in accordance with the City's payment terms. The second and final installment will be processed after the artwork is installed. Costs associated with installation of the artwork will not be the responsibility of the artist.

Selection Process

A jury of arts professionals made up of members of the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee and additional local community member(s) will review submissions. Selection criteria include:

• Visual impact and suitability for window installation.
• Strong consideration will be given to works reflecting the Indigenous and Black histories / contemporary culture of St. Catharines. 

How to Submit your Artwork

Complete the application form, image(s) upload and artists statement(s) online.

Apply now

About Us

“The City of St. Catharines seeks to encourage all those who care about the community to participate in making art, collecting it and commissioning it.” - City of St. Catharines Public Art Policy.

The City Hall exhibit program is coordinated through the Cultural Services Office of Community, Recreation and Culture Services. The City of St. Catharines began the exhibit program in 2005 and continues each year with new exhibits to provide City Hall visitors with original art, historic photos or cultural treasures that reflect St. Catharines’ stories, creative self-expression, experiences and perspectives.

St. Catharines City Hall

50 Church St.

St. Catharines, ON L2R 7C2

P.O. Box 3012

905.688.5600

culture@stcatharines.ca

Live music programming

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.