Arts and Culture SSM
Discover the latest news and upcoming events by visiting the Arts and Culture website:
Cultural Vitality Committee
The Cultural Vitality Committee is a committee of City Council that works within the Cultural Policy for the City of Sault Ste. Marie to ensure equal access to all individuals, groups and organizations to enjoy opportunities for the preservation, development and appreciation of cultural expression with the committed support of the City of Sault Ste. Marie.
Cultural financial assistance programs provide supportive funding to groups such as the Arts Council, the Fall Festival, the Sault Symphony and the Algoma Conservatory of Music.
The Recreation and Culture Division also provides an administrative and supportive role to the Sault Ste. Marie Museum, the Arts Council, as well as other community based cultural organizations.
Minutes and agendas for this committee are available on the event calendar or our committee page.
Public Art
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.
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:
- An artist’s CV or resume;
- Three (3) samples (pdf, jpg, png files accepted) of work demonstrating previous experience working on large-scale murals
- Three (3) references and their contact information from previous artistic projects
- 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.
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.
Once Selected:
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:
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Additional Information:
If you have questions about this Request for Expression of Interest, please contact Aliesha Moore by email at a.moore@cityssm.on.ca. Please allow for 1-2 business days for a response.
Murals
Traffic Wraps
Permanent Public Art
Paul Mall Alley
The Paul Mall Alley Display Project seeks to feature six (6) new visual artists in 2025/2026. The display units located in Paul Mall Alley provide an opportunity for local and regional artists to have an ongoing public space to display and promote their artwork. This opportunity also allows artists to participate in the City’s Downtown Arts Tour.
Local and regional artists are invited to submit one (1) current portfolio work to be reproduced that represents their artistic practice, which will be displayed along with their biographies and contact/website/social media details in the display units.
Timelines:
Submission Deadline: 4:30 p.m. Friday, October 18, 2024
Artists will be notified of decisions by: Friday, December 13, 2024
Cultural Financial Assistance
Arts and Cultural Assistance Program (ACAP)
Arts and Cultural Assistance Program (ACAP) requests for financial assistance are considered from not-for-profit organizations, un-incorporated groups or collectives and/or individuals located in, and/or serving residents of Sault Ste. Marie in the arts, culture and heritage field as defined in the SSM Cultural Policy and supporting the priorities of the SSM Community Cultural Plan 2019-2024. These document are available for reference and download below.
ACAP Funding Details and Guidelines
The details and guidelines for submissions as well as an application form can be downloaded below. Submission of an application does not guarantee approval. The program, activity or service must serve clearly identified community needs and priorities.
Please be sure to read the ACAP Program Guidelines prior to filling out your application. Your submission must include a completed application and both a completed Project Plan and Budget template in order for your submission to be considered complete for review. Incomplete applications will not be considered for funding.
It is highly recommended that you contact City staff prior to submitting your application to discuss your project, as the ACAP program is new, and does not follow the format of previous funding programs. If you have any questions relating to your application please contact Aliesha Moore at 705-989-8240 or a.moore@cityssm.on.ca.
All applications may be submitted by email with the subject line: Arts and Culture Assistance Program to Aliesha Moore at: a.moore@cityssm.on.ca
Digital copies of your application are encouraged but hard copies may be submitted by mail or in person to:
Community Development and Enterprise Services
Attention: Arts and Culture Coordinator
99 Foster Drive
Civic Centre
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
P6A 5X6
Arts and Culture Assistance Program Guidelines
Application and Supporting Document Forms
Post Grant Report
ACAP Funding Acknowledgment Package
Provincial/National/International Cultural Competition Financial Assistance
The City of Sault Ste. Marie provides financial assistance for individuals, non-incorporated groups or collectives or not-for-profit cultural groups participating in provincial, national, or international cultural competitions.
Cultural Financial Assistance for Provincial, National, and International Competitions
Community Development Fund
A grant of assistance for any one year is not to be regarded as an ongoing financial commitment. Please review the Financial Assistance Policy for Sustaining and Other Grants to determine eligibility prior to submitting an application.
- The City’s new Community Development Fund enhances the existing funding programs by:
- Clarifying administration and accountabilities for the funding programs;
Providing consistent funding application processes and timing; - Utilizing new criteria that better reflects the Corporate Strategic Plan, FutureSSM Community Development plan and economic & tourism development strategies; and
- Consolidating certain programs with a goal of greater community impact.
Community Development Fund – Overview
The focus and criteria of the Community Development Fund support the four pillars of the FutureSSM community development plan:
- Economic Growth and Diversity
- Cultural Vitality
- Social Equity
- Environmental Sustainability