Cabbagetown BIA Public Art: National Call to Canadian Artists with Connections to Toronto
Request for Qualifications
Deadline: May 24, 2026, by 11:59 PM EDT
Award: $200,000 CAD (plus HST)
Opportunity Overview
STEPS Public Art, the Cabbagetown Business Improvement Area (BIA) and the City of Toronto’s BIA Office invite professional Canadian artists and artist teams with connections to Toronto 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 (or series of artworks) to be installed in Toronto’s Cabbagetown BIA on the public right of way adjacent to the sidewalk at Amelia Street and Parliament Street. The work(s) of art should incorporate the character, history, environment, and culture of the neighbourhood.
The selection process will follow an open, two-stage format. Up to five (5) 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 $200,000 CAD (plus HST), which must cover all costs related to the project, including (but not limited to) artist fees, materials, fabrication, foundations, a solar lighting system, equipment rentals, installation, site preparation, engineering and professional services, insurance, WSIB coverage, permits, travel, and other associated expenses.
Please note that this project has a short turnaround time, and selected artists should be prepared to meet the below timeline.
Community Background
Nestled between Wellesley St and Shuter St, and bound by Sherbourne St on the West and the Don River on the East, Cabbagetown embodies a unique blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy. Renowned for its picturesque streets adorned with the largest area of preserved Victorian homes in North America, this community exudes an inviting ambiance that beckons exploration.
Beyond its architectural wonders, Cabbagetown thrives with an eclectic mix of businesses that add to its allure. Local shops, cozy cafes, and delectable eateries line the streets, offering a rich tapestry of experiences to residents and visitors alike. The neighbourhood’s dynamic atmosphere seamlessly intertwines with its historical roots, creating a distinct character that captivates anyone who wanders its streets.
Until the 1840s, this area was mostly farmland. When thousands of Irish immigrants arrived in Toronto during Ireland’s potato famine, they settled here, planting cabbages in their front gardens to feed their families – giving Cabbagetown its iconic name. By the late 1800s, the neighbourhood grew into a thriving community. However, during the Depression, Cabbagetown faced deep poverty, and later, many older homes were demolished to make room for developments like Regent Park. In the 1970s, a wave of restoration began – largely led by the queer community – sparking a revival. Today, these streets hold stories of struggle, renewal, and resilience.
Site Information
The site is located adjacent to the local Esso gas station. Key constraints for the installation include existing trees, which require adherence to tree protection zones, as well as the presence of manholes and a fire hydrant. The intent of this project is to draw people in from Parliament Street, activate the space, and bring vibrancy to what is currently an underutilized area, while not impeding the accessibility of the sidewalk next to the site.
Project Objectives
The installation will center around the idea of connecting the neighbourhood to its roots. Cabbagetown is a community with deep historical layers. It has a unique history with strong working-class families, newcomers, queer groups, and feminist activists. These unique stories, those of resilience and success, have shaped the neighbourhood. Currently, the community is a highly mixed-income neighbourhood. The goal for this art installation is to embody these histories through interactive, connective, and movement-based elements that encourage visitors to journey through time while reflecting on the neighbourhood’s ongoing identity.
- The project should celebrate Cabbagetown’s heritage by honouring its working-class history and the communities that have shaped its identity.
- It should also support wayfinding and placemaking by guiding people from Parliament Street into the Amelia Street parkette, helping to connect visitors to the neighbourhood’s physical and cultural context.
- In addition, the installation should encourage interactive engagement by incorporating elements that invite participation (such as but not limited to following a sequence, responding to natural features, or creating opportunities to pause, learn, and reflect) ultimately transforming an underutilized space into a place for connection and experience.
- Applying artists are encouraged to do their own research about the area.
Design Considerations
The art installation may take the form of a single large-scale piece or a series of works distributed throughout the site, with careful consideration given to the public right-of-way and any above- or below-ground obstructions. The final work must demonstrate durability in both design and construction. Artists or artist teams should select materials capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions, vandalism, and potential theft, and integrate these considerations into the overall concept.
Two-Stage Competition
This is a two-stage, open competition for Canadian artists/artist teams. Per the Canada Council’s guidelines, a professional artist is defined as someone who meets one or all of the following criteria:
- has specialized artistic training (not necessarily in academic institutions);
- is recognized as a professional by their peers (artists working in the same artistic tradition);
- has a history of public exhibitions; and/or
- has produced an independent body of work.
A specially convened Selection Panel, composed of practicing arts professionals and community members, will be established for this two-stage competition. Shortlisted artists, as well as the final selected artist, will be determined through a combination of scoring criteria and deliberation by the Selection Panel.
Preference will be given to applicants with a strong background in sculptural public art. Applications proposing or resulting in mural works alone are not eligible for this call.
Stage One: Expression of Interest
The Selection Panel will review all submissions and identify a shortlist of up to five (5) artists, based on artistic excellence, relevant experience and demonstrated or perceived ability to create and execute an innovative, engaging public artwork that is complementary to the overall design scheme and community context. Design proposals will not be accepted during this Stage One selection process.
Stage Two: Shortlisted Artist Proposal Development
The shortlisted artists will be notified shortly after the Selection Panel’s first meeting and invited to participate in a proposal development period, which will result in a detailed final design proposal, including fabrication quotes, any professional fees, and a detailed budget. A Terms of Reference document will be provided to shortlisted artists, containing all the information required to prepare and submit their full proposals. Shortlisted artists will be paid a fee of $1,000 (HST inclusive) for this stage.
Elements of each artist’s proposal will be shared online with the Cabbagetown community for feedback. Shortlisted artists will be required to prepare a brief 2–3 minute video outlining their proposal. STEPS Public Art will host the videos and facilitate a virtual community engagement process through their website, with feedback collected via Google Forms. This input will then be shared with the Selection Panel.
Proposals will be reviewed by a technical team composed of City of Toronto staff from relevant departments who will comment on the technical feasibility, safety, and maintenance requirements of each proposal. Artists will not be present at this review. Shortlisted artists will receive their technical comments and will address any changes into their final proposals as necessary.
Shortlisted artists will submit final proposals for Selection Panel review. The panel will choose one (1) artist/artist team whose vision best suits the overall scope and intent of the project, and has the ability or perceived ability to conceive and realize a public artwork on the site. The public artwork will be fabricated and installed by June 25, 2027.
Project Timeline
Please note that this project has a short turnaround time, and selected artists should be prepared to meet the below timeline.
- April 10, 2026: RFQ is issued
- May 24, 2026: Stage One Applications due
- June 2026: Shortlisted Artists identified
- June – August 2026:
Shortlisted Artists develop detailed proposals
Technical Review and feedback provided
Shortlisted Artists submit final proposals - September 2026:
Shortlisted Artist deliberations
Selected Artist chosen
Artist contract with client developed
Selected Artist begins artwork fabrication - September 2026 – June 2027: Artworks fabricated
- June 25, 2027: Artworks open to the public
Submissions
Professional artists and artistic teams are invited to respond to this RFQ by submitting a single PDF document via Google Forms. This single PDF document must include
- 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. Proposals will NOT be accepted at this stage of the competition.
- 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.
- Artistic Support Material – Maximum of ten (10) images of work.
- 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).
- 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 will not be accepted.
Additional artist/artist team information will also be required when filling out the Google Form.
Application Delivery and Deadline
Submissions must be received by May 24, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST. Incomplete and/or late applications will not be accepted. Applications must be submitted via Google Forms. Emailed, faxed or mailed applications will not be accepted. It is your responsibility to ensure the application package is complete and submitted by the posted deadline. Final submissions must not exceed 20 MB in total size.
Questions and requests for clarification will be received by email until April 30, 2026 at 9 AM EDT. Applicants who need 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.
The Cabbagetown BIA and the City of Toronto 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.
Contact
Collin Zipp
Public Art Manager
1-888-783-7780 (extension 704)
collin@stepspublicart.org
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