More than murals (but we do those, too)
We bring art to unexpected corners with artists and partners who are as deeply passionate about arts and culture as we are.
As a Canadian charity and social enterprise dedicated to equity and inclusion, we see a world where artists and communities co-create meaningful and welcoming public spaces. If that resonates with you, you’re in the right place.
Public Art
From murals to sculptures (and everything in between), professional public art management is where to start. We provide everything you need to take the project from concept to reality.
Cultural Planning
Foster vibrant communities through meaningful strategies and creative placemaking. We can help you develop strategic cultural plans and revitalize neighbourhoods through art and culture.
Hoarding Exhibits
Meet public art requirements for construction sites through PATCH (Public Art Through Construction Hoarding), an industry gold standard for city building through art with developers, builders, and marketing firms.
Artist Capacity Building
From residencies to mentorship opportunities, we create customized solutions to build your local artist network, facilitate programming that leverages your resources, and bring unique public art to your community.
Past Clients and Collaborators
Public art can reshape neighbourhoods and connect you to your home.
But public art also goes beyond the visual–it deeply has social, cultural, and economic impacts and contributes to Canada’s arts and cultural sector. It introduces you to new places and cultures, strengthens your sense of community, and turns cities into meaningful destinations.
That’s why investing in public art and placemaking means investing in healthy and inclusive communities.
99+
PATCH Hoarding Exhibits
900+
Public Art Installations
1,550+
Paid Artists and Designers
3,445+
Youth Leadership Opportunities
46K+
Community Members Engaged
What people are saying
“We wanted to deliver two high-impact placemaking and public art projects with a tight turnaround. This is the first time we installed public art in the community and residents have embraced the art. We can’t wait for what’s coming next!”
“[We were looking for] community engagement during construction of a large capital project. There was a lot I did not know going into the project and STEPS was great at ensuring a smooth and professional process.”
Spaces you may be familiar with
Explore signature public art and cultural projects with artists and partners from across the country that transform public spaces into vibrant places.
Welcoming Public Art to Stouffville
Whitchurch-Stouffville, Ontario
Youth-engaged Construction Hoarding
Toronto, Ontario
A Master Plan for the Krasl Art Center
Benton Harbour, Michigan
Creating Playful Public Art with 9 Local Artists
Toronto, Ontario
Sky-high Art for a Multi-Use Facility & Library
Airdrie, Alberta
60+ Murals for the BMO Mural Series
Canada (Nationwide)
Ready to bring art to your space?
Our expertise and customized approach will turn your ideas into a reality.
Are you an artist?
We’re committed to amplifying the voices of equity-deserving artists, providing equitable and paid opportunities, and helping you navigate the intricate world of public art.
Introduce Yourself
Join our national artist directory for potential public art commissions by completing an artist form to share your artistic practice and sample work.
Calls for Artists
From artist residencies and mentorships to public art competitions, these are STEPS-led and external artist opportunities on our radar.
Artist Email List
We have an artist-only email list for you to receive artist calls, deadline reminders, and artist resources straight in your inbox.
What artists are saying
“I was looking for more opportunities to create public art. By far out of many organizations I’ve worked with, STEPS has been the most exceptional. The quality of communication is great and the fair artist fees express that artists’ work is valued and respected.”
“I wanted to expand my creative services and reach new and bigger clients. STEPS was there to support me and that was very refreshing. We managed to put together this project quickly [and] the community seems very happy about the new burst of colour in their downtown area.”
Did you know we’re a national charitable organization?
We’re grateful to our funders for supporting our mission
Want to join our mission to support artists and bring more art to your communities?
Thanks to your generous contributions, we can build stronger communities through meaningful public art and cultural experiences.