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CreateSpace Public Art Residency

CreateSpace Public Art Residency

STEPS believes public art has the ability to challenge the systemic inequities that exist in public space and artists have a critical role to play in shaping cities and communities. The CreateSpace Public Art Residency is a national public art program designed in collaboration with advisors from coast to coast, to provide emerging Black, Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) and racialized artists with the skills, relationships and practical experiences needed to build and advance community-engaged public art practices.

Public art should reflect the diverse identities and perspectives of the communities that host it, and the CreateSpace Public Art Residency is designed for artist capacity building and community collaboration to foster more equitable public spaces.

First launched in 2020 through a national Call for Artists with 100+ applications, the first residency cohort from across the country began their projects in 2021. The residency runs approximately from March until December of each year with free public programming and artist talks for the public.

Designed in collaboration with advisors from coast to coast, up to ten artists-in-residence are selected each year and provided opportunities to build the skills, relationships and practical experiences needed in the field of public art throughout the course of this virtual artist capacity building program. The artists will create unique and inspiring public artwork in their respective communities with the support of multidisciplinary artistic mentors, virtual workshops and peer mentorship.

“The CreateSpace Public Art Residency shaped my career. I was encouraged to do more public art and I learned how to engage with property managers and connect with the community. ”

Xiao Han

2023 artist-in-residence

Call for artists

Are you, or an artist you know, interested in gaining experience, building networks and professional skills needed to launch or expand a community-engaged public art practice? Apply to the CreateSpace Public Art Residency.

Interested in hearing about this opportunity in French? Visit this link to access the details and application in French.

Open Call

The general application is now closed for the 2024 CreateSpace Public Art Residency. The deadline to apply is January 31, 2024 at 11:59 PM PST.

Site-specific Calls

We’re working with municipal partners and organizations across Canada to match an artist-in-residence with a partner for their public art project. If you’re local to the following regions, we want to hear from you.

The site-specific applications are now closed. The deadline to apply to the site-specific applications is February 29, 2024 at 11:59 PM (timezone indicated in the application).

2024 participating artists will gain:

  • Skills: Virtual workshops, artist talks and studio visits for greater understanding of the public art process through the lens of Community, Identity, Accessibility, and Land, including: demystifying public art RFPs, exploring fabrication and approaches to public engagement.
  • Relationships: Opportunities to connect with public art practitioners from across the country, cultivating professional networks in various sectors and industries.
  • Practical Experience: Creating new community engaged public art work with tailored coaching from STEPS staff and artistic advisors, through which experimentation is encouraged.
  • Public Audiences: Through promotional support leveraging STEPS and partner network, as well as supports to document and present past and current public work.
  • Financial Support: Artists will each receive individual support valued at up to $5000 CAD, inclusive of a $1500 participation honourarium as well as production, documentation, engagement and accessibility supports.

 

Eligibility

This residency is open to early to mid-career Canadian-based visual and media artists working in public space, who identify as Black, Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) and/or racialized, interested in participating in a virtual residency from March through December 2024. Up to ten artists will be selected for this opportunity by a selection panel composed of members of the arts community who identify as Black, Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) and/or racialized. Program components will be offered primarily in English, with translation and ASL services available as needed to support participation of a diverse community of artists. 

Applicants must be a Canadian citizen, or Permanent Resident to qualify for this opportunity. Interested applicants must submit their expressions of interest by Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 11:59 PM PST for the general application. For the site-specific applications, the deadline is Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 11:59 PM (timezone indicated in the application).

Those living outside of the Pacific time zone are encouraged to use a timezone converter to ensure your application is received by the deadline.

Expectations

Participating artists (with the support of STEPS staff and program mentors), are expected to:

  • Attend at least 10 of approximately 15 residency sessions held over 10 months which will include: workshops, artist talks, panel discussions, facilitated discussions, studio visits, etc.
  • Identify and execute a community engaged public art project by the end of the residency;
  • While participating artists are NOT expected to have well thought out plans for a public art project at the time of their application, having a project concept and clearly defined learning objectives for advancing your public art practice are important to make the most of the support that STEPS and CreateSpace partners can provide;
  • Participate in ongoing program evaluation that will help shape the CreateSpace Public Art Residency and other artist capacity building programming;
  • Respect the time and knowledge of CreateSpace advisors, mentors, staff and fellow participating artists, by committing to cultivate a safe, inclusive, supportive and respectful space for learning, exploration and growth.

 

How to apply to the general application

The application is closed.

Apply by Wednesday, January 31 at 11:59 PM PST. Information about this call and the application are also available in French and through the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) at the bottom of this page.

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants cannot save the form and return to complete it at a later time. We strongly recommend downloading the following form and saving your answers on a separate document prior to filling out the online form.

We encourage applications from all qualified candidates that represent the full diversity of communities in Canada, including complexities of intersecting identities such as ability, class, gender, race and sexual orientation. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from equity-deserving communities, such as those who identify as two-spirit, trans, Indigiqueer, Afro-Indigenous, as well as individuals living with a disability.

Applicants who are Deaf, have a disability or who need support applying for this opportunity are encouraged to contact Collin Zipp at collin@stepspublicart.org or call 1-888-783-7780 ext. 704 at least two weeks before the application deadline (by January 17, 2024) to allow STEPS to appropriately accommodate your needs and to discuss alternate formats for submitting your application.

How to apply to the site-specific applications

Applications are now closed.

We’re working with municipal partners and organizations across Canada to match an artist-in-residence with a partner for their public art project. If you’re local to the following regions, access the application forms below and apply by Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 11:59 PM (timezone indicated in the application)

If you have questions or need support in applying, please contact Collin Zipp at collin@stepspublicart.org or call 1-888-783-7780 ext. 704.

Key program dates

  • Deadline to request accommodations (for general application process): Tuesday, January 17, 2024
  • General application deadline: Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 11:59 PM PST
  • Site-specific application deadline: Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 11:59 PM (timezone indicated in the application)
  • Selected artists announced: March 2024
  • Residency programming: March – December 2024
  • Facilitated sessions: March – November 2024
  • Public artwork production and installation period: June – October 2024
  • Documentation and audience development: June – November 2024
  • Program reflection and wrap: December 2024

 

CreateSpace public events

As part of CreateSpace, free panel discussions and artist talks are presented throughout the year. Register to upcoming events and check back for recordings that will be made available shortly after the event has ended. 

STEPS is committed to the community’s full participation in events. Please contact us if you have any questions or requests, and we will do our best to accommodate.

Past events

Artists-in-residence

2024 CreateSpace artists-in-residence

Coming soon.

STEPS is thrilled to partner with the City of Brampton, Critical Mass, Galt Museum, and the Town of Oakville for this year’s residency program. Artists-in-residence will be selected to collaborate with our partner organizations and municipalities to create community-engaged public artwork in the respective cities.

The 2024 CreateSpace Public Art Residency is supported by the Canadian Race Relations Foundation with funding provided by the Government of Canada and TD Bank Group through TD Ready Commitment.

2023 CreateSpace artists-in-residence

This year’s artists-in-residence will bring dynamic public art projects to their respective communities across seven provinces and territories, including Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon Territory and Manitoba. 

STEPS is also partnering with municipalities and organizations across the country to further support the artists in their residency journey, including locating potential public art sites, contributing funds, and realizing localized public art projects in their communities. This year’s partners include Artspace, City of Fort St. John, Nocturne, Town of Oakville and ODD Gallery.

The 2023 CreateSpace Public Art Residency is supported by Canada Council for the Arts and TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment. We also acknowledge the support of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation with funding provided by the Government of Canada.

2023 CreateSpace Public Art Residency partner logos (Artspace, City of Fort St. John, Nocturne, Town of Oakville, ODD Gallery)
2023 Mentors
  • Amy Ball (Dawson City, YK)
  • AZMA Digital Inc
  • Eli Hirtle
  • Javid Jah (Toronto, ON)
  • Linda Duvall (Saskatoon, SK)
  • Nico Taylor (Toronto, ON)
  • Noor Bhangu (Winnipeg, MB)
  • Paul Robles (Winnipeg, MB)
  • Peatr Thomas (Winnipeg, MB)
  • Yannie Lo (Toronto, ON)
2023 Advisors
  • Grace Law (Edmonton, AB)
  • Meghan Cheng (Toronto, ON)
  • Niki Little (Winnipeg, MB)
  • Quentin VerCetty (Toronto, ON)
  • Su Ying Strang (Lethbridge, AB)
Xiao Han (she/her)

Xiao Han (she/her)

Saskatoon, SK
The Presence

Nailah Tataa (they/them)

Nailah Tataa (they/them)

Halifax, NS
Hetkugan

Roda Medhat (he/him)

Roda Medhat (he/him)

Markham, ON
FARSH 2

Ovvian Castrillo Hill (she/her)

Ovvian Castrillo Hill (she/her)

Fort St. John, BC

Aaniya Asrani (she/her)

Aaniya Asrani (she/her)

Vancouver, BC

Krystle Silverfox (she/her)

Krystle Silverfox (she/her)

Whitehorse, YK

Gordon Brent Brochu-Ingram (he/him)

Gordon Brent Brochu-Ingram (he/him)

Salt Spring Island, BC

Ning Yang (she/her)

Ning Yang (she/her)

Pablo Javier Castillo Huerta (they/he)

Pablo Javier Castillo Huerta (they/he)

Winnipeg, MB
Pinchazo 1

Jose Macasinag (he/him)

Jose Macasinag (he/him)

Calgary, AB
Flutter

2022 CreateSpace artists-in-residence

This year’s residency spanned across Canadian cities with artists and artist teams from Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Richmond, Winnipeg and Eastern Passage.

The 2022 CreateSpace Public Art Residency is supported by the City of Toronto as part of ArtworxTO: Toronto’s Year of Public Art 2021 – 2022, TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment, Canada Council for the Arts, and Ontario Arts Council. We also acknowledge the support of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation with funding provided by the Government of Canada.

2022 Mentors
2022 Advisory and Selection Panel
  • Charmaine Lurch (she/her), Toronto, ON
  • David Turnbull (he/him), Edmonton, AB
  • Niki Little (she/her), Winnipeg, MB
  • Ufuk Gueray (he/him), Halifax, NS
  • Yvette Cenerini (she/her), Winnipeg, MB

Special thanks to this year’s Selection Panel: Arjun Lal, Dee Barsy, Luther Konadu and Sanaa Humayun.

Kyla Yin James

Kyla Yin James

They/She

Montreal, QC
Year of the Tiger

RAZA

RAZA

Calgary, AB
Guardiana

Stephanie Babij

Stephanie Babij

She/Her

Jasmin-Nicole Amoako

Jasmin-Nicole Amoako

She/Her

Toronto, ON
Coming Soon

Jeni Chen

Jeni Chen

She/Her

Richmond, BC
Tapestry of Hope

Kawama Kasutu

Kawama Kasutu

She/Her

Eastern Passage, NS
Tapilila

Tina Nguyen

Tina Nguyen

She/Her

Ra'anaa Yaminah

Ra'anaa Yaminah

She/Her

Montreal, QC
Elemental

Efemena Ogboru

Efemena Ogboru

She/Her

Winnipeg, MB
Efemena

Meghan Cheng

Meghan Cheng

She/Her

Toronto, ON
You Were Here

2021 CreateSpace artists-in-residence

The CreateSpace Public Art Residency launched in 2021 through a national call for artists. The inaugural year was made possible by support from TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment, the City of Toronto as part of ArtworxTO: Toronto’s Year of Public Art 2021 – 2022, Partners in Art, MAWA, Canada Council for the Arts, and funding provided by the Government of Ontario.

Yasmeen Nematt Alla

Yasmeen Nematt Alla

She/Her

Bruno Canadien

Bruno Canadien

He/Him

Black Diamond, AB
Source of Life

Anna Jane McIntyre

Anna Jane McIntyre

She/Her

Nuff

Nuff

He/Him

Toronto, ON
Time Feel (Coming Soon)

Jieun June Kim

Jieun June Kim

She/Her

Toronto, ON
ShowLoveTO Mural

Arjun Lal

Arjun Lal

He/Him

Amanda Lederle

Amanda Lederle

They/Them

Toronto, ON
Life Badges

Charmaine Lurch

Charmaine Lurch

She/Her

Shelby Gagnon

Shelby Gagnon

She/Her

Thunder Bay, ON
Asutta Aki

Laara Cerman

Laara Cerman

She/Her

Supporters

The 2024 CreateSpace Residency is supported by the Canadian Race Relations Foundation with funding provided by the Government of Canada and TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment.

Logo banner featuring Canadian race relation foundation and Td ready commitment

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Have another question that you don’t see the answer to here? Let us know and we will do our best to answer it. The FAQ section is available in French.

What is CreateSpace?

STEPS is committed to amplifying the voices of Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), Black, newcomer, LGBTQQIP2SAA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, pansexual, two-spirit, asexual, allies, along with additional sexual orientations and gender identities), racialized, disabled and equity-deserving artists. CreateSpace is a suite of programming developed by STEPS in collaboration with our national advisory network aimed at cultivating mentorship, training and paid creation opportunities for equity-deserving artists that simultaneously demonstrates the ability of public artists to reimagine equitably designed cities.

The CreateSpace Public Art Residency aims to connect emerging and mid-career artists across the country who are interested in exploring and activating public space in their communities; fostering connections and cultivating conversations around social equity in city-building and design while also inspiring broader dialogue on equitable representation in public art. This Residency was launched in 2021 as a signature program of our CreateSpace offerings.

Who has been involved in shaping the CreateSpace Public Art Residency?

This program has been designed in collaboration with a national advisory network and programming has been delivered in collaboration with cultural leaders and institutions from coast to coast. Some of our outreach and program delivery partners to date have included: Arts Accessibility Network Manitoba, ArtsBC, ArtsBuild Ontario, Arts Fund Yukon, Black Speculative Arts Movement (BSAM) Canada, Cultural Pluralism in the Arts Ontario, Klondike Institute of Art and Culture, MAWA, MU Montreal, National Indigenous Media Arts Coalition (NIMAC), NIA Centre for the Arts and Neighborhood Arts Network.

Special thanks to the following previous contributors:

  • Advisors: ​​Charles Smith, Charmaine Lurch, David Turnbull, Jamaias DaCosta, Jennifer Smith, Lee Lucke,  Meghan Cheng, Nico Taylor, Niki Little, Sean Lee, Sidi Chen, Queen Kukoyi, Quentin VerCetty, Su Ying Strang, Tash Naveau, Ufuk Gueray, Yvette Cenerini
  • Artistic Mentors: Aliza Zorlutuna, Ammar Mahimwalla, Amy Ball, Andre Kan, AZMA Digital INC, Eli Hirtle, Golboo Amani, Hiba Abdallah, Javid Alibhai, Linda Duvall, Mani Mazinani, Nico Taylor, Noor Bhangu, Paul Robles, Peatr Thomas, Quentin VerCetty, Sanaz Mazinani, Yannie Lo, Yen Linh Thai, Zongwe Binesikwe
  • Programming Collaborators: Adriana Alarcon, Alica Hall, Ammar Mahimwalla, Bo Yeung, Bracken Hanuse-Corlett, Bruce Naokwegijig, Bruce Pitkin, Bruno Canadien, Chantel Parris, Charles-Eric Lavery, Elle de Lyon, Eli Hurtle, Florence Yee, Franchesca Hebert-Spence, Jaime Calayo, Jenel Shaw, Katie Buckley, Kayla Bernard, Lindsey Lickers (Mushkiiki Nibi Kwe), Meagan Byrne, Michel Dumont, Miriam Arbus, Nuff, Philip Ocampo, PUFF Paddy, Queen Kukoyi, Quentin VerCetty, Salima Punjani, Samar Hejazi, Tiffany Shaw, Winnie Truong, Yung Yemi, Ysabelle Vautour, Yvette Cenerini

Finally, the reflections shared by participating artists from the CreateSpace Residency have been invaluable in shaping the program.

How does STEPS define public art?

Public art is art in any media whose form, function and meaning are created for the general public, is publicly accessible and aims to engage and/or reflect the local community, general public or surrounding area.

Is this a paid opportunity?

Participating artists will each receive individual support valued at $5000 CAD, inclusive of a $1500 participation stipend as well as production, documentation, engagement and accessibility support.

How will applications be assessed?

Residency spots will be awarded on a competitive basis by a review committee of Black, Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) and racialized public art practitioners from across Canada. Review committee members have been selected on the basis of their familiarity with a broad spectrum of public art practices, specialized expertise, fair-mindedness, and regional representation. The committee will assess applications based on: clarity of learning objectives and/or public art project concept; alignment with needs and residency supports; and merit of applicant’s arts practice.

How long is the 2024 CreateSpace Public Art Residency term?

The 2024 CreateSpace Residency term is 10 months in total, taking place from March to December 2024.

What types of facilitated sessions does the residency offer?

While these sessions will in part be finalized after 2024 participating artists are selected to ensure that they reflect the needs and interests of the program cohort, we anticipate that they will include a combination of capacity building workshops, artist talks, studio visits, artist-led panel discussions and industry connectivity opportunities that enable artists to connect with public art practitioners and each other on a variety of topics relevant to public art.

What will CreateSpace Public Art Residency participating artists gain?

CreateSpace participating artists will gain:

  • Skills: Virtual workshops, artist talks and studio visits for greater understanding of the public art process through the lens of Community, Identity, Accessibility, and Land, including: demystifying public art RFPs, exploring fabrication and approaches to public engagement.
  • Relationships: Opportunities to connect with public art practitioners from across the country, cultivating professional networks in various sectors and industries.
    Practical Experience: Creating new public art work with tailored coaching from STEPS staff and artistic advisors, through which experimentation is encouraged.
  • Public Audiences: Through promotional support leveraging STEPS and partner network, as well as supports to document and present past and current public work.
  • Financial Support: Artists will each receive individual support valued at $3500, inclusive of a $1500 participation stipend as well as production, documentation, engagement and accessibility supports.
What is the production period mentioned in the Call for Artists?

The timeline for the residency’s production period runs from June to October 2024. During this time, CreateSpace participating artists will work with mentors and STEPS staff to further develop their concepts, installation plans and engagement strategy, while independently fabricating their public artworks. The production period will culminate in the installation of a temporary public artwork within the artists’ community and involve an unveiling (if applicable) and documentation. During the production period, artists will also meet monthly as a cohort to explore themes and issues related to public art and their individual career paths through various programming opportunities.

Will artists be responsible for identifying their public artwork's installation site?

Yes. Participating artists will be asked to identify potential sites for their works to be installed. STEPS staff and mentors will support this process and do their best to help the artist to secure the final installation site for their public artworks.

Does the public artwork created need to be permanent or temporary?

The length of the installation will depend on the installation site and its property owners among other factors, but participating artists will be encouraged to produce temporary public artworks during the 2024 CreateSpace Residency term.

What is expected of me while I'm at the residency?

he CreateSpace Public Art Residency is a project-oriented program, so participating artists will focus their efforts on the production of a public artwork in their community during the program. CreateSpace is also focused on network building and education so artists-in-residents will be required to attend at least 10 virtual residency sessions over the course of ten (10) months, including: workshops, artist talks, facilitated discussions, studio visits, etc.

What if I need to leave the residency early? Can I apply for a shorter/longer residency?

Unfortunately, the 2024 CreateSpace Public Art Residency requires a ten (10) month time commitment (March to December 2024) from participating artists, with no opportunity to delay or extend your participation in the program.

How does the "virtual residency format" work?

Participating artists will be required to attend monthly virtual group cohort gatherings, one-on-one check-ins with the program coordinator, and meet with their mentors to develop their individual public artworks and identify areas of additional support. CreateSpace participating artists will need to have access to a strong internet connection and an internet-connected device (i.e.: computer, tablet, smartphone, etc.) to participate in this residency.

If you are unsure about your ability to participate in this program due to your current tech set up, please contact Belinda Uwase, Artist Programs Coordinator at belinda@stepspublicart.org or call 1-888-783-7780 ext 2.

I have a full time job. Can I still be a resident artist?

Yes. Resident artists often have full or part-time jobs to support their studio practice. Ultimately, you want to make sure your schedule supports you getting the most out of this residency.

If I have already applied to other artist residencies for 2024 or if I plan on travelling over the next 12 months, can I also apply to this program?

Yes. However, if you think your other residencies or travels would keep you away for extended periods of time or affect your active participation in CreateSpace, you might want to reconsider if this program is the best fit for you at this time.

Could you clarify the accessibility timeline for additional accessibility support for this application process?

Applicants who are Deaf, have a disability, or who need support applying for this opportunity are encouraged to contact Belinda Uwase, Artist Programs Coordinator at belinda@stepspublicart.org at least two weeks before the application deadline (January 17, 2024) to allow STEPS to appropriately accommodate your needs and to discuss alternate formats for submitting your application.

What accessibility support will be available to participating artists throughout the program?

STEPS will provide American Sign Language (ASL) Interpretation, closed captioning and language translation with ample notice.

Are there any material restrictions?

The 2024 CreateSpace Public Art Residency will be facilitated virtually so it will be up to individual participating artists to identify what materials can or cannot be used in their workspace. If you are renting a studio space in your area we recommend checking your studio’s health and safety guide for further details.

If you’re unsure about any materials, please contact Belinda Uwase, Artist Programs Coordinator at belinda@stepspublicart.org.

What types of disciplines are appropriate for this residency?

All artistic disciplines are appropriate for this residency, from 2D media like drawing and painting to installation and sculpture to performance and new technologies.

When are applications open?

Applications open in early January 2024.

Are applications open to international artists?

No. Unfortunately the 2024 CreateSpace Public Art Residency is only open to Canadian-based visual and media artists working in public space, who identify as Black, Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) and/or racialized and are legally able to work within Canada.

What do you consider an "emerging public artist" to be?

To us at STEPS Public Art, the question of whether or not one is considered “emerging” is addressed in terms of an artist’s own personal practice, which is unique to each individual. This term does not necessarily reflect one’s age or level of recognition they may have achieved outside of their “public art practice.” We ask applicants to self-identify.

I'm a mid-career or established artist. Should I still apply?

Yes! The 2024 CreateSpace Public Art Residency is open to early to mid-career Canadian-based visual and media artists working in public space. For example, if you already have an established studio practice but have had little to no experience with public art, this opportunity is open to you.

Can I get feedback on my application if my application is unsuccessful?

No. Unfortunately, due to a high volume of applications, we will not be able to provide feedback on unsuccessful applications.

How does the review process work?

Applicants are evaluated by a selection committee composed of practicing public artists and cultural sector leaders. CreateSpace participating artists will be selected based on the quality of their work, commitment to their practice, and the applicant’s expressed interest in being part of a national community of practicing artists who look to explore public space.

Who are the members of the selection committee for this residency?

While the list of selection committee members will not be announced prior to the selection of the 2024 CreateSpace participating artists, this 2024 Selection Committee is made up of a selection of Canada-based individuals, from arts professionals, leaders of equity-deserving arts organizations, organizations serving Black, Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) or communities of colour, as well as practicing artists with extensive experience with residencies or public art.