Call to Artists

Call to Artists (RFP) Culture & Sport Tourism

City of Peterborough - Digital Artwork 
Deadline: February 9, 2026 at 4 p.m. (EST)

The City of Peterborough invites local artists, designers, and creatives to submit proposals for the creation of one original, scalable digital artwork to support the City’s Culture and Sport Tourism marketing, communications, and merchandise initiatives.

This is a one-stage, competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) open to artists and creative teams based in Peterborough and the surrounding region. The selected artwork will be used across a wide range of non-profit and for-profit applications, helping promote Peterborough as a destination for culture, sport, and community experiences.

Project Overview

The commissioned artwork will be adaptable for use across multiple platforms, including:

• Apparel and merchandise (e.g., t-shirts, hats, bags)
• Printed promotional materials
• Digital marketing and communications
• Event branding and tourism campaigns

This commission will result in a future-ready visual asset that can be reused and adapted over time to support evolving City campaigns and initiatives.

Artwork Theme & Creative Direction

Artists are invited to propose concepts that explore culture and sport as drivers of tourism, identity, and community pride.

• Suggested (non-prescriptive) themes include:
• Culture and creativity as expressions of place
• Sport, movement, energy, and participation
• Community pride and belonging
• Peterborough as a destination
• Culture and sport as unifying forces

The artwork should be:

• Bold, contemporary, and visually engaging
• Highly legible and adaptable across scales
• Suitable for merchandise and promotional reproduction
• Appropriate for a broad, all-ages public audience
• Designed for long-term, repeat use

Scope of Work

The selected artist or team will be responsible for:

• Developing one original digital artwork
• Participating in a project kick-off meeting
• Refining the artwork based on City feedback
• Completing up to two (2) rounds of revisions
• Delivering final, production-ready digital files

Fabrication, printing, and merchandise production are not the responsibility of the artist and will be managed by the City or third-party vendors.

Artist Fee & Rights

• Artist Fee: $8,000 + HST (all-inclusive)
• Fee includes concept development, design, revisions, and final deliverables
• The selected artist will enter into an agreement granting the City the right to reproduce, adapt, and use the artwork for marketing, communications, and for-profit merchandise
• Copyright, licensing, moral rights, and credit provisions will be clearly outlined in the artist agreement

Eligibility

Open to:

• Professional and emerging artists
• Graphic designers and illustrators
• Creative teams or collectives
• Applicants must be based in Peterborough or the surrounding region.

How to Apply

Applicants must apply through the online application form.

Submissions must be uploaded as one combined PDF (max. 10 MB) and include:

• Letter of Interest (max. 1 page)
• Professional CV (max. 3 pages)
• Portfolio (up to 10 relevant examples)
• Concept sketch, mock-up, or visual proposal
• References

Download a PDF of the Call to Artists (Request for Proposals)

Content Standards

All submitted and final artwork must be accessible and appropriate for a broad public audience.

Artwork must not include:

• Derogatory, discriminatory, or offensive imagery or language
• Profanity, hate-based content, or harmful symbolism
• Content that could reasonably be considered exclusionary or disrespectful

Submissions that do not meet these standards will be deemed ineligible.

Anticipated Timeline (Subject to Change)

Selection Process

Submissions will be reviewed by panel based on:

• Artistic quality and originality
• Strength and clarity of the proposed concept
• Relevance to culture and sport tourism objectives
• Ability to deliver high-quality digital artwork
• Suitability for merchandising and promotional use

The City reserves the right not to award the commission.

Reserved Rights

The City of Peterborough reserves the right to request clarification, modify the project scope, or cancel, suspend, or reissue this call at its discretion.

Accessibility

The City of Peterborough is committed to an inclusive and accessible process.
Accommodation requests may be directed to:

Ashlee Kielbiski
Recreation Events, Sport & Tourism Coordinator
AKielbiski@peterborough.ca 
705-742-7777 ext. 2214

Call to Artists (EOI) Simcoe Street Transit Terminal

City of Peterborough
Deadline: February 23, 2026 at 4 p.m. (EST)

The City of Peterborough invites professional artists and artist collectives to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a large-scale vinyl mural public art project at the Simcoe Street Transit Terminal (190 Simcoe St.), recently completed exterior rehabilitation funded through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

This project will integrate durable, site-specific vinyl murals directly onto the terminal’s exterior concrete columns and façade surfaces, serving as the exterior treatment while enhancing wayfinding, safety, accessibility, and the overall user experience for transit riders and the broader community.

Project Intent

The vinyl murals will:

• Complete unfinished exterior architectural surfaces
• Improve wayfinding by clearly identifying entrances, circulation routes, and key areas
• Enhance safety and visibility using Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) informed design
• Support accessibility through high-contrast, legible visual elements
• Reflect the diversity, identity, and values of the Peterborough community

Artwork Parameters

• Artwork Type: Integrated, site-specific vinyl murals
• Location: Exterior columns and façade surfaces, Simcoe Street Transit Terminal
• Materials: High-performance, UV- and weather-resistant vinyl with anti-graffiti laminate
• Permanence: Fixed installation
• Maintenance: Low-maintenance

Budget & Fabrication

• Total Project Budget: $100,000 CAD (inclusive of all fees, fabrication, installation, insurance, contingencies, and HST)
• The City will collaborate with the selected artist to ensure compliance with architectural, engineering, and operational requirements.

Eligibility

• Open to professional artists and artist collectives
• Preference given to local and regional artists, consistent with City policy
• Demonstrated experience with large-scale, durable, site-responsive work required
• Collectives must designate a lead artist
• Artists must be eligible to work in Canada

Competition Structure (Two-Stage Process)

Stage 1 – Expression of Interest (This Call)
Artists submit qualifications and past work only.
No detailed design proposal or budget is required.
Up to three (3) artists/collectives will be shortlisted.

Stage 2 – Request for Proposals (Shortlisted Artists Only)
Shortlisted artists will receive a $1,500 + HST honorarium to develop a detailed proposal.
Community presentation and engagement may form part of the evaluation.

How to Apply (Stage 1)

Applicants must apply through the online Expression of Interest form.

The form will request one combined PDF (max. 10 MB) containing:

• Letter of Interest (max. 1 page)
• Professional CV (max. 3 pages)
• Portfolio (up to 10 images of relevant work with project details)
• Two professional references

No concept drawings or budgets are required at this stage.

Download a PDF of the Call to Artists (Expressions of Interest)

Accessibility & Content Requirements

All submitted and final artwork must be appropriate for a broad, all-ages public audience and accessible to diverse users.

Artwork must not contain derogatory, discriminatory, offensive, or exclusionary imagery, symbols, or language. Submissions that do not meet these standards will be deemed ineligible.

Anticipated Timeline (Subject to Change)

Reserved Rights

The City of Peterborough reserves the right to request clarification, modify the project scope, or cancel, suspend, or reissue this call at its discretion.

Accessibility

The City of Peterborough is committed to an inclusive and accessible process.
Accommodation requests may be directed to:

Stoyan Barakov
Manager, Cultural Services
sbarakov@peterborough.ca 
705-742-7777 ext. 1481

Call for Public Art Jury Members

City of Peterborough – One-Year Term
Deadline: February 23, 2026 at 4 p.m. (EST)

Are you passionate about public art and interested in helping shape the cultural landscape of Peterborough?

The City of Peterborough is seeking knowledgeable, thoughtful, and community-minded individuals to serve as Public Art Jury Members. Jury Members play a key role in reviewing artist submissions and making recommendations for public art commissions that enhance public spaces, reflect diverse voices, and contribute to the City’s Civic Art Collection.

This opportunity supports a fair, transparent, and equitable public art selection process and involves collaboration with artists, cultural professionals, residents, and City staff.

Up to five (5) professional Public Art Jury Members will be selected through this call for a one-year term.

About the Role

Public Art Jury Members are responsible for:

• Reviewing and scoring artist submissions for public art projects, including EOIs, RFPs, direct invitations, and proposed donations
• Evaluating submissions using established artistic, technical, equity, and feasibility criteria
• Participating in jury meetings (virtual and/or in person)
  Note: Jury Members will be called on a project-by-project basis. While up to five (5) members may be appointed to the Jury, not all members will review every project. Jury participation will be determined based on relevant expertise, lived experience, and the specific requirements of each project.
• Contributing professional expertise, lived experience, and community insight
• Supporting the City’s Public Art Policy and Acquisition & Procurement Procedure

Jury Members make recommendations to the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee (ACAC). Final approvals follow City governance processes.

Term, Time Commitment, and Compensation

• Term: One (1) year
• Workload: Up to six (6) public art projects per year
• Compensation: $1,500 + HST (if applicable), inclusive of all meetings and reviews

Eligibility and Qualifications

Applications are welcome from individuals with:

• Professional experience or demonstrated interest in public art, visual arts, design, architecture, planning, curatorial practice, or cultural programming
• Knowledge of, or lived experience related to, Peterborough’s social, cultural, and community landscape
• Experience working with artists, community groups, or public-sector organizations
• A commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in cultural decision-making

Local applicants from equity-deserving communities, Indigenous communities, and individuals with diverse lived experiences are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete the online application form by including:

• A letter of interest outlining relevant background and interest (PDF)
• A professional résumé or CV highlighting relevant experience (PDF)

Download a PDF of the Call for Public Art Jury Members

Reserved Rights of the City

The City of Peterborough reserves the right to request clarification or additional information, determine eligibility and suitability, and cancel or modify this call at its discretion.

Accessibility

The City of Peterborough is committed to an accessible and inclusive process.
If you require accommodation to participate fully, please contact:

Stoyan Barakov
Manager, Cultural Services
sbarakov@peterborough.ca 
705-742-7777 ext. 1481

Accommodations will be provided upon request.