Call for Artists
The Town of Midland commissions public art for projects throughout the Town. Public Art creates an interesting, visually-rich community and cultivates community pride.
Public Art projects may include murals as well as vinyl wrapping of utility boxes at some intersections.
Submissions will be evaluated based on criteria outlined in the Town of Midland’s Public Art Policy including:
- suitability for display in a public space;
- responds to or complements the installation location;
- reflection of the Town’s history/heritage, culture, and/or natural elements and landscapes;
- ability to build appreciation for public art;
- originality of design;
- ability to intrigue the viewer and stimulates the imagination;
- the artist/artist team’s reputation and demonstrated and related experience.
Public Art proposals for the Town of Midland must be inclusive and diverse and respect the rights of Indigenous people to own and control their heritage, including Indigenous images, designs, stories and other cultural expression.
Artists are encouraged to review each submission form as there are different requirements for each and to take note of deadlines.
Current Opportunities:
Mural Restoration - application deadline is Monday, May 6, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.
Please complete the Mural Restoration Application in full, and upload a copy of your artist resume as well as samples of past work.
Community Mural - application deadline is Monday, May 6, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.
Please complete the Community Mural Application in full, and upload a copy of your artist resume as well as samples of past work.
Mural Restoration
The Town of Midland is home to 30 historical murals located within the downtown and waterfront area and the Town is looking to contract mural artists to restore some of these murals in 2024 and possibly into 2025. These murals are painted directly onto the building's exterior on brick or stucco and the work will be completed outdoors from spring to fall. This opportunity is open to Ontario-based artists.
The list of the murals being restored during the first round in 2024 is still being developed, however the sizes of the murals vary, as well as the level of restoration. Some murals may require only a clean, touch-up and seal and others may require minor wall repair as well as repainting and sealing.
The application deadline is Monday, May 6, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. Questions regarding this call may be directed via email by Wednesday, April 24, 2024 and responses will be sent directly to the artist as well as posted on the Town of Midland's website.
The Town of Midland may also be looking to have some existing murals recreated onto alupanel and this can be completed during the 2024-2025 winter months in an artist's studio for installation in 2025.
Submissions will be evaluated based on criteria outlined in the Town of Midland’s Public Art Policy.
Mural Restoration Questions and Answers:
Q - How do I submit questions regarding this call? |
A - Questions regarding this call may be directed by email before Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Responses will be sent directly to the artist as well as posted on the Town of Midland's website. |
Q - I'm an Ontario artist, am I eligible to apply? |
A - Yes, this opportunity is open to Ontario-based artists. |
Community Mural
The Town of Midland will be hosting its inaugural Midland Mural Festival on Saturday, September 28. As part of the festivities, the Town wishes to invite the public to help paint a mural that will eventually be installed in the downtown core. An artist will be selected to design this mural, transfer the design onto alupanel and then engage with the public on the festival day to paint the mural. After the event, the artist will bring the mural back to their studio to finalize and seal the mural. The final size of the mural will depend on the installation location, but will not exceed 8'x 24'.
This opportunity is limited to artists who live in Simcoe County, and the cities of Barrie and Orillia.
The application deadline is Monday, May 6, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. Questions regarding this call may be directed via email by Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Questions received by this date will receive a response and replies will also be posted on the Town of Midland website.
The theme for this mural must fall into one of the following categories:
- Ontario's Best Butter Tart Festival and/or butter tarts
- Community diversity which might include 2SLGBTQAI+, respect, acceptance, celebration
- Outdoor recreation in Midland or Midland's sports history
Submissions will be evaluated based on criteria outlined in the Town of Midland’s Public Art Policy.
Community Mural Questions and Answers:
Q - How do I submit questions regarding this call? |
A - Questions regarding this call may be directed by email before Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Responses will be sent directly to the artist as well as posted on the Town of Midland's website. |
Q - I'm an Ontario artist, am I eligible to apply? |
A - This opportunity is limited to artists who live in Simcoe County, and the cities of Barrie and Orillia. |