Artist Call – Jubilee Terrace Park

Opportunity Overview

STEPS Public Art and the City of Brantford invite professional Canadian artists and artist teams to submit qualifications for the first stage of a two-stage public art competition. This opportunity is for the creation of a new public artwork for installation in Jubilee Terrace Park. Located in downtown Brantford, the park sits directly beside the Brant Avenue Armoury and is home to the Boer War Memorial, with the Brant War Memorial located across the street. The commissioned sculpture will honour the courage and sacrifice of those who have served, and continue to serve, Canada during times of war, military conflict, and peace.

This project was initiated due to the relocation of a German Field Howitzer, captured by Brantford military during the First World War. The cannon will be rehomed inside the Canadian Military Heritage Museum to ensure its longevity and lasting connection to the community. The new public art piece will honour this history, while also looking to the future. The selected artist or artist team will be responsible for engaging with key community stakeholders to explore themes related to local military groups and the armoury.

Two-Stage Competition

The selection process will follow an open, two-stage format. Up to three (3) artists or artist teams will be shortlisted and awarded $1,000 CAD (inclusive of HST) each to develop detailed design proposals. One artist or artist team will be selected for the final commission.

The total budget for this project is $100,000 CAD (inclusive of HST). It must cover all costs related to the project, including (but not limited to): artist fees, materials, fabrication, equipment rentals, installation, site preparation, foundation, engineering and professional services, insurance, permits, travel, and other associated expenses.

This project will also include a mentorship component. A local emerging artist will be selected in conjunction with the selected artist or artist team and paid by the City of Brantford to serve as a paid assistant during the fabrication and installation phases of the project.

Project Timeline:

  • Late October 2025: RFQ is issued.

  • January 18, 2026: Stage One Applications due.

  • February 2026: Shortlisted Artists identified.

  • February to April 2026: Shortlisted Artists develop detailed proposals; community feedback surveys.

  • May 2026: Shortlisted Artist deliberations; Selected Artists chosen; Artist contracts developed.

  • June 2026: Selected Artists begin artwork fabrication.

  • July 2027: Artwork(s) installed.

How to apply

Professional artists and artistic teams are invited to respond to this RFQ by submitting a single PDF document via Google Forms. This PDF document must include:

  1. Artistic Statement – 1-page maximum. Outline your artistic experience, ability, approach, and interest in this project, highlighting relevant experience. Please note any connection to or understanding of the neighbourhood in which the artworks would be installed. Do not include proposals at this stage of the competition.
  2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) – 3-page maximum. Detail professional experience as an artist, past public art experience, and other information relevant to this RFQ. If applying as an artist team, please identify all team members and include a CV for each.
  3. Artistic Support Material – A maximum of ten (10) images of work. For each image, provide a title and image number.
  4. Support Material List – A written list that clearly outlines the Artistic Support Material (above) with corresponding titles and numbers. Include the following details in order of: Title, date, location, commissioning agent (if applicable), budget, dimensions, medium/materials, and a brief description of the works (maximum 50 words).
  5. References – Names and contact information (current email and phone number) for two (2) references (preferably from recent public art projects). Please identify their role and affiliation in the project. Reference letters are not required.

Additional artist/artist team information will also be required when filling out the Google Form. Submissions must be received by January 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Incomplete and/or late applications will not be accepted. Applications must be submitted via Google Forms. Final submissions must not exceed 10 MB in total size.

Questions

Questions and requests for clarification can be sent to Collin Zipp at collin@stepspublicart.org until January 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Applicants who require accommodations or support applying for this opportunity are encouraged to contact Collin Zipp at collin@stepspublicart.org at least 15 business days before the application deadline to allow STEPS to appropriately accommodate your needs and to discuss alternate formats for submitting your application.

Reserved Rights and Privileges of the City

The City of Brantford reserves the right to reject any or all submissions, or any part thereof, or to terminate or re-advertise the RFQ. The decision of the Selection Panel is final.

Apply to Artist Call