We believe in the power of artists and public art in creating more welcoming and accessible cultural spaces
As part of our commitment to amplifying diverse voices through arts and culture, we host national public art residencies and fellowship programs to provide artists with the opportunities to bring their work to communities and public spaces.
These residencies are designed to equip artists with the resources, skill-building tools, and meaningful networks to create community-engaged public artwork and/or research that increases representation in Canadian public art, enriches communities with new cultural experiences, and inspires future generations of artists and storytellers.
Types of Public Art Residencies
We offer different types of public art residencies that support early to mid-career artists and cater toward specific interests on how the participant would like to develop their practice. Artists can indicate the type of public art residency they’re interested in during the application process.
STEPS Public Art Residencies
Our Public Art Residencies cater to artists who are interested in participating in a virtual program and have a public art concept in mind for their local community. This is a self-directed public art residency where early to mid-career artists will learn what it takes to bring a public art project to life.
With the support of STEPS staff, mentors, and partners, artists-in-residence will navigate budgeting, project management, permits, relationship development, community engagement, production/installation, and everything in between!
Whether it’s your first time working in public art or you’re using this as an opportunity to scale up your practice, a STEPS Public Art Residency is well suited for artists who are excited to experiment, learn, and execute a public art project from start to finish.
From 2021 to 2024, this program was known as the CreateSpace Public Art Residency that supported 37 equity-deserving artists from across the country. The success and impact of this program have allowed us to expand residency offerings to continue providing meaningful opportunities to Canadian artists.
“This experience provided us with a deeper understanding of public art and made us more confident to pursue public art.”
“I’m encountering a new territory in my art career and it was wonderful to be supported by STEPS.”
RECLAIM (Sustainable Public Art Residency)
The RECLAIM Public Art Residency is for artists interested in sustainable art practices. During these residencies, participants will be mentored by a climate coach, STEPS staff, and partners to create and exhibit upcycled public art in their local communities. It’s expected that a majority of the materials used are recycled materials (and that the artwork can be adopted by the exhibiting location, donated, or dismantled/de-installed in a sustainable manner).
If you’re interested in developing hands-on skills that positively impact the environment, encourage important social conversations, and inspire sustainable art practices for future generations, the RECLAIM Public Art Residency will empower you to see your public art practice through a new lens.
“It was valuable to get a paid opportunity and receive mentorship on sustainability.”
“Sustainability gave my idea direction that improved my work.”
Research Fellowship
The Research Fellowship is a unique opportunity to conduct research in an area of interest and create a body of knowledge that strengthens public art practices and communities across Canada. With the support of STEPS staff, participants will be provided with the tools, resources, and networks to produce a research proposal, engage with communities and relevant stakeholders to gather diverse perspectives, and present findings and outputs for knowledge sharing (e.g. research report, toolkit, presentation, etc.).
If you have a research topic that builds a stronger appreciation for arts and culture, identifies gaps in the arts sector, and/or strengthens public art practices in Canada, consider the Research Fellowship to advance your thought-provoking questions and ideas into tools for learning, dialogue, and change.
Archiving Public Art Through Community Engagement
Learn more about this fellowship project led by artist Ichraq Bouzidi
Call for Artists and Research Fellows
We’re currently not accepting applications for the residencies. For the latest announcements, please subscribe to the artist email list and follow us on social media (@STEPSPublicArt).
Public art should reflect the diverse identities and perspectives of the communities that host it. That’s why we’re particularly interested in receiving applications by artists who identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, 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.
Featured Public Art Residency Projects
Explore some of the exciting projects that took place across the country!
Weaving Belonging
Aaniya Asrani (Vancouver, British Columbia)
Raven Shares the Light
Krystle Silverfox (Dawson City, Yukon)
Flutter
Jose Macasinag (Calgary, Alberta)
Give Her Flowers
Jasmin-Nicole Amoako (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
Asutta Aki
Shelby Gagnon (Thunder Bay, Ontario)
FARSH 2
Roda Medhat (Mississauga, Ontario)
Call for Partners and Sites
Are you interested in hosting an artist-in-residence? Do you have a space that’s the perfect site for community engagement or public art?
We’re looking for national partners to connect you with artists and bring unique public art to your community. Your partnership means providing a meaningful opportunity for an artist to exhibit their work and jump-start an exciting public art career!
Submit this form to get the conversation started. Please be prepared to provide the following information on the form:
- Organization/Company
- City and Province/State
- Available Budget
- Which of the following best describes your needs: Select “Artist Residency or Other Program Development” from the dropdown menu
- Additional information section: Details such as potential artwork location and desired timeline.
Please note: Submissions are reviewed once per quarter.
“STEPS was an invaluable partner in coordinating the residency which supported the work of three local artists. Together, we provided the people of Southern Alberta with a unique artmaking and placemaking experience.”
“STEPS provides invaluable support, from cultivating the Call to Artists, facilitating the selection process, and even walking us through the contract phase. They have the resources, professional and knowledgeable staff, and commitment to ensure success with each project they undertake.”
Artists-in-Residence
2025
- Arianna Richardson (Calgary, Alberta) in partnership with The New Gallery
- Cassie Liviero (Caledonia, Ontario) in partnership with the Haldimand County Library
- David Martinello (Mill Bay, British Columbia) in partnership with the Victoria Arts Council
- Dillon Lewchuck (Victoria, British Columbia) in partnership with the Victoria Arts Council
- Helga Jakobson (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
- Jonato Dalayon (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
The 2025 residency is made possible by support from TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment. We also acknowledge funding support from the Ontario Arts Council and the Government of Ontario.
2024
- Aaron Jones (Toronto, Ontario) in partnership with Critical Mass
- A. Y. Johnson (Brampton, Ontario) in partnership with the City of Brampton
- Jasmine Vanstone (Toronto, Ontario) in partnership with the City of Richmond Hill
- Josh Wāpiskisiw (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) in partnership with the City of Saskatoon and Persephone Theatre
- Julia YH/MonkYi (Toronto, Ontario) in partnership with the Town of Oakville
- Raechel Wastesicoot (Toronto, Ontario) in partnership with Critical Mass
- Sikapinakii Low Horn (Siksika Nation, Alberta) in partnership with the Galt Museum
The 2024 residency was made possible by support from TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment and the Canadian Race Relations Foundation with funding provided by the Government of Canada. We also acknowledge funding support from the Ontario Arts Council and the Government of Ontario.
2023
- Aaniya Asrani (Vancouver, British Columbia)
- Gordon Brent Brochu-Ingram (Salt Spring Island, British Columbia)
- Jose Macasinag (Calgary, Alberta)
- Krystle Silverfox (Whitehorse, Yukon) in partnership with the ODD Gallery
- Nailah Tataa (Halifax, Nova Scotia) in partnership with Nocturne
- Ning Yang (Oakville, Ontario)
- Ovvian Castrillo Hill (Fort St. John, BC) in partnership with the City of Fort St. John
- Pablo Javier Castillo Huerta (Winnipeg, Manitoba) in partnership with Artspace
- Roda Medhat (Markham, Ontario)
- Xiao Han (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) in partnership with the Town of Oakville
The 2023 residency was made possible by support from TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment and Canada Council for the Arts. We also acknowledge the support of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation with funding provided by the Government of Canada. We also acknowledge funding support from the Ontario Arts Council and the Government of Ontario.
2022
- Efemena Ogboru (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
- Jasmin-Nicole Amoako (Toronto, Ontario)
- Jeni Chen (Richmond, British Columbia)
- Kawama Kasutu (Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia)
- Kyla Yin James (Montreal, Quebec)
- Meghan Cheng (Toronto, Ontario)
- Ra’anaa Yaminah (Montreal, Quebec)
- RAZA (Calgary, Alberta)
- Stephanie Babij (Ottawa, Ontario)
- Tina Nguyen (Vancouver, British Columbia)
The 2022 residency 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, 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.
2021
- Amanda Lederle (Toronto, Ontario)
- Anna Jane McIntyre (Montreal, Quebec)
- Arjun Lal (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
- Bruno Canadien (Black Diamond, Alberta)
- Charmaine Lurch (Toronto, Ontario)
- Jieun Kim (Toronto, Ontario)
- Laara Cerman (Coquitlam, British Columbia)
- Nuff (Toronto, Ontario)
- Shelby Gagnon (Thunder Bay, Ontario)
- Yasmeen Nematt Alla (Toronto, Ontario)
The 2021 residency 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.
From 2021 to 2024, artists were part of the CreateSpace Public Art Residency by STEPS Public Art.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who have you worked with in the past?
Past partners include:
- Artspace (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
- City of Brampton (Brampton, Ontario)
- City of Fort St. John (Fort St. John, British Columbia)
- City of Richmond Hill (Richmond Hill, Ontario)
- City of Saskatoon (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan)
- Critical Mass (Port Hope, Ontario)
- Galt Museum (Lethbridge, Alberta)
- Nocturne (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
- ODD Gallery (Dawson City, Yukon)
- Town of Oakville (Oakville, Ontario)
- The New Gallery (Calgary, Alberta)
- Victoria Arts Council (Victoria, British Columbia)
Do you have other artist supports and resources available?
Yes, we do! Visit Artists to learn more about the ways we support and advocate for artists. There’s also a form on the website to be part of our internal artist directory.
You can also subscribe to our artist-only email list to be the first to know about artist calls and helpful resources.
Are the public art residencies paid opportunities
For artists, all of STEPS’ current public art residencies offer financial support. The types of financial support provided vary by residency and current program funders.
For partners, if you are interested in becoming a partner to host an artist-in-residence or fellow, budgeting for financial contributions is an important aspect of planning for a successful partnership.
How are residency applications assessed?
Resident artists and fellows are chosen from a competitive open call process by a selection committee of public practitioners across the country.
Selection committee members are selected on the basis of their familiarity with a broad spectrum of public art practices, specialized expertise, fairmindedness, and cultural/regional representation. The committee will assess applications based on the clarity of learning objectives, alignment of needs and residency/fellowship supports, and merit of the applicant’s practice.
STEPS also works closely with partners to identify and engage with hyper-local artists and fellows where desired.
I'm interested in being a partner to fund an artist-in-residence. How can I get involved?
We’d love to hear from you to talk about your arts and cultural goals and how to bring public art to your community by supporting an artist-in-residence. The first step is to get in touch with us with the following details:
- Organization/company
- City and province/state
- Available budget to cover expenses (e.g. administration, artist fees, etc.) and enhance services
- Details such as potential artwork location and desired timeline
What opportunities and benefits are there for being a partner?
That’s a great question! Partnering with us on a public art residency means:
- Maximizing and deepening the impact of your investment in arts and culture by leveraging STEPS’ existing programs, platforms, and networks
- Learning how to manage complex aspects of public art (such as artist management, fees and budgets, community engagement, etc.)
- Creating capacity-building opportunities that benefit your organization, local artists, and the greater community
- Receiving support in areas where you need it (e.g. communications and marketing, outreach, photo/video documentation, etc.)
- Bringing a high-impact public art project to foster greater appreciation for arts and culture in your community
We’ll work closely with you to identify other potential opportunities and benefits that suit your goals and community needs.
Funders
STEPS Public Art Residencies are supported by TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment.
