Vivid ArtFest
Project Location: Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Project Installation: Between September 8-20, 2025 (artists should plan to be present in Sault Ste. Marie September 19 - 21, 2025)
Artist(s) Fees: $6,000 (includes HST) + travel costs, accommodations, and daily per diem
Proposal Deadline: April 14, 2025 at 4:30pm
Project Description
This call for mural artists is to assist in the creation of permanent public art as part of a city-wide arts and culture festival that showcases and celebrates artists and the diverse community within Sault Ste. Marie. Specifically, this public art project will assist in the forging and facilitation of relationships, placemaking, and reflections of identity that will speak to the unique character, culture, or heritage of the city.
Artist(s) Duties
Participation in community consultation activities, attending scheduled meetings, creation of mural designs, revisions, delivery of final digital files, media interviews, and photo or promotional opportunities during festival dates in Sault Ste. Marie, ON.
Artist Eligibility Requirements
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Please note that while artist applications will be considered, artists from or currently residing within the region will be prioritized
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Open to established artist(s) or artist teams
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Individuals from diverse equity-deserving groups, including but not limited to visible minority groups, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ are welcomed and encouraged to apply
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Individuals who apply must be 18 years of age or older to be considered
Project Process:
Stage 1 - Submission process
Complete and submit the application form provided here. Please link or include the required supporting documents listed below.
The application email should include the following attachments or information:
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An artist's CV or resume;
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Three (3) samples (pdf, jpg, png files accepted) of work demonstrating previous experience working on large-scale murals
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Three (3) references and their contact information from previous artistic projects
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Completed application form
Applications can be emailed with the subject line: Call for Artists – VIVID ArtFest 2025 to Aliesha Moore at a.moore@cityssm.on.ca by April 14, 2025 at 4:30pm.
Stage 2 - Selection Process
The VIVID ArtFest Working Group, consisting of partner representatives from the City of Sault Ste. Marie, The Sault Ste. Marie Downtown Association, Local Immigration Partnership, and members of the arts community review all eligible and complete applications to compile a short list of top applicants. Respective property stakeholders will review the short-listed applications and supporting materials to finalize the top ranking applicants.
Stage 3 - Production & Deliverables
Upon selection, a representative from the VIVID ArtFest Working Group will liaise between Artists and property stakeholders to connect and assist in the discussion and development of mural concepts and artwork.
Artists will be required to complete and submit a final design after consulting with property stakeholders. Artists may be required to revise and deliver requested changes by the property stakeholders.
The production and installation of the artwork will be the responsibility of the artist. VIVID Working Group members will assist in the acquisition and coordination of materials and resources associated with the mural installation.
Artists will not be responsible for the costs or purchase of materials (paint, bottles, buckets, brushes, etc.), rentals and property location preparation, unless otherwise determined by the artist and Working Group. Accommodations, travel expenses and daily per diem will be provided in addition to the artists fee.
Anticipated Schedule/ Project Timeline:
|
Activity |
Date |
|
Call for Expression of Interest Opens |
March 12, 2025 |
|
Call for Expression of Interest Closes |
April 14, 2025 at 4:30pm |
|
VIVID Working Group review of artist applications/shortlisting process |
Mid-April - Early May |
|
VIVID Working Group review of locations |
Mid-April – Early May |
|
Artists contacted for interview (virtual or in person) |
Mid-May |
|
Final Artist selection with property stakeholders |
Mid-May |
|
Successful Artists notified |
Late May |
|
Selected artists introduced to property partner |
Late May - Early June |
|
Concepts developed |
June-July 2025 |
|
Concepts revised and confirmed |
August 2025 |
|
Materials for mural installation confirmed |
Mid-August |
|
Creation of Mural |
September 8 - 20, 2025 |
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Festival dates |
September 19 - 21, 2025 |
Additional Information:
We thank all applicants, however only those selected for a secondary short-listed interview will be contacted.
If assistance is required while submitting an application, please email a.moore@cityssm.on.ca or call 705-989-8240.