What does it mean to live in the vibrant West End of Toronto while having nature right at your doorstep? Plazacorp and STEPS have partnered to showcase community artwork on the construction hoarding for the new Bijou on Bloor development in the Bloor West Village!
We are asking the Bloor West Village community of professional artists to share expressions of interest and examples of previous artwork (digital illustrations). The selected artist will create commissioned digital illustrations for a PATCH (Public Art Through Construction Hoarding) Exhibit that respond to the theme of “Nature in the City” and capture the vibrant Bloor West Village.
The new Bijou on Bloor development by Plazacorp will be a jewel in the stunning Bloor West Village. This thriving neighbourhood of local businesses, boutiques, artisanal coffee shops, and restaurants has the convenience of city living while being minutes away from tranquil green spaces that provide an oasis from the hustle and bustle of Toronto. Acting as a getaway in the city, this community features natural beauty, from High Park’s cherry blossoms and kayaking on the Humber River to biking down the Martin Goodman Trail.
About the Project
Plazacorp is thrilled to bring the new Bijou on Bloor development to the lively and lush community of Bloor West Village. Plazacorp invests in developing low-rise and high-rise mixed use developments. They strive to have impactful developments that lead towards smarter cities and more livable communities.
With this mandate, Plazacorp is looking to select a professional illustrator that lives within the Bloor West Village community and understands the uniqueness of this neighbourhood. The local artist should have an in-depth understanding of the uniqueness of the community and showcase its unique features through their art.
The selected artist will be commissioned to create illustrative artwork reflecting the chosen theme to be featured on construction hoarding surrounding the Bijou development. Please note the location and size of artwork is subject to change.
About the Opportunity
Location of the PATCH Hoarding Exhibit: The Bijou on Bloor Development
Timeline of the Exhibit: Artwork will be installed from Spring 2023 until the construction hoarding is no longer required on site
Number of Artists Selected: One (1)
Canvas Size: 156 ft (W) by 8 ft (H) or approx. 1251 sq ft (exact dimensions are to be confirmed)
Selected Artist Fee: $5,000-$8,000 (the final artist fee will be based on the final scope of work)
Deadline for Application: November 16, 2022 at 11:59 PM EST
Timeline:
- October 16, 2022: Call for Artists Announced
- November 16, 2022: Applications Due
- November – December 2022: Artist Selection
- January 2023: Artwork Creation
- Spring 2023: Installation of Hoarding Exhibit
The Role of the Artist and the Artist Fee
The selected artist will create a digital commissioned piece for this PATCH Hoarding Exhibit that reflects the essence of the vibrant Bloor West Village, and will highlight the theme of “Nature in the City”. The artist will receive an artist fee of approximately $5,000-$8,000 (+HST if applicable). The artist fee will be based on the final scope of work.
The artist fee will include the following:
- Participating in a kick-off meeting with the client (Plazacorp) and STEPS
- Creating a unique commissioned digital illustration for 156 ft (W) by 8 ft (H) or approx. 1251 square feet
- Responding to two (2) rounds of revisions with feedback from the client
- Creating the high-resolution artwork
- The client will be granted a limited license to display and reproduce the artwork at the site. The client will also be granted permission to include images of the installed exhibit on their websites, social media and in print material, provided that credit is given to both the artist and STEPS.
- The artist will NOT be responsible for print and installation costs. This will be managed by the client.
Not sure what would make a strong submission?
- The example artworks should showcase the artist’s ability to create an illustration that fits the theme of “Nature in the City”
- The artist should be skilled in digital illustration
- The artist’s style should be illustrative
- It is helpful if the artist has previous experience working with clients, but we do encourage emerging artists to also apply
- The artist should share an artist bio describing their practice
- The artist should share how their artistic abilities and style aligns with the selected theme “Nature in the City”
- The artist should share their connection and understanding of the Bloor West Village as part of the submission
- The artist should have a direct connection to the Bloor West Village or surrounding neighbourhoods of Swansea, Lambton, The Kingsway, Baby Point, Runnymede, High Park or The Junction
Example of Illustrative Artwork
Artist Credit: Wandy Cheng
Image Credit: Selina McCallum
About the Boundary
This Call for Artists is specific to artists who self-identify as local to the Bloor West Village neighbourhood. The identified boundary in the map below is a general guideline, and each application will be reviewed in detail by STEPS during the technical review process. STEPS will consider applicants who live outside of the boundary if they have a connection to the identified area (e.g., live in close proximity to the boundary).
The professional artist should have a direct connection to Toronto’s Bloor West Village or surrounding neighbourhoods of Swansea, Lambton, The Kingsway, Baby Point, Runnymede, High Park or The Junction.
Application
The Bloor West Village community of professional artists is invited to respond to this Call for Artists by sharing three (3) examples of past artwork through the submission form.
This PDF document must be labelled with the name of the artist and project (Last Name, First Name_Bijou on Bloor HA) and include:
- Artist Bio: This should describe your artwork practice and how it aligns with the selected theme of “Nature in the City”
- Artist Statement: This should outline your connection and understanding of the Bloor West Village
- Minimum three (3) examples of past artwork that is illustrative including their title (Note: Please do not share high-resolution files)
Applications must not exceed 20 MB in size.
Key Dates
Applications must be received by Wednesday, November 16th at 11:59 PM EST. Please note that late applications will not be accepted.
How to Apply
To apply, please fill out the application form by Wednesday, November 16th at 11:59 PM EST.
Applicants who are d/Deaf, have a disability, or who need support applying for this opportunity are encouraged to contact Liza Mishko, Agency Associate at liza@stepspublicart.org or call 1-888-783-7780 extension 1 at least one week before the application deadline to allow STEPS and Plazacorp to accommodate your needs appropriately and to discuss alternate formats for sharing your application.
Image Credit: Plazacorp
Project Partner
