Town of CANMORE Request for Proposals Call for Submissions: Main Street Public Art
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Feb 12, 2027
The Town of Canmore is seeking artists to create public art based on Stories of this Place: Welcoming, Gathering, Inclusion This request for proposals is a one stage process. Artists are invited to explore ideas related to stories of this place: stories of welcoming, gathering and inclusion. Artists are invited to submit detailed proposals that celebrate these themes while showcasing the region's diversity, local history, natural beauty, and cultural vibrancy. Project Budgets: Temporary Sculpture (can be functional) 7Ave + 8 Street Budget $8,000.00 Two opportunities for Functional Seating - sites TBC Budget: $3,000.00 each Proposals should demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship and use of durable materials and protective coatings. The budget covers artist fees, materials, travel, insurance, installation, equipment, GST and collaborative meetings with the Arts and Culture Team. Individual artists or artist teams may submit proposals for one or both opportunities listed. Request for Proposals: The Town of Canmore invites all professional artist(s)/artist teams that are based in Treaty 7 territory or have strong ties to the Bow Valley, to submit a request for qualifications for the Temporary Sculptural and/or Functional Seating. This call is open to artists who have contemporary or historical connection to the Bow Valley, Indigenous artists, people of color, women, gender-nonconforming individuals, LGBTQIA+ community members, and people with differing physical abilities. The Town of Canmore supports accessibility accommodations and encourages any interested artists or artist teams to contact artsandculture@canmore.ca or call 403.678.8946 to discuss application assistance. Incomplete or late submissions will not be accepted. Schedule - (subject to change) Information Session: Wednesday, November 25, 2026, from 5:00-7:00pm at the Civic Centre Session: Classroom, recording will be available. Contact artsculture@canmore.ca to RSVP. Deadline to Apply Friday, February 12, 2027, at 11:59pm (MST). Contact via email to arrange a tour of the installation site prior to the application deadline. Incomplete or late submissions will not be accepted. How to Apply: Please submit the following information combined as a single PDF to artsandculture@canmore.ca. Visual documentation may be submitted as JPEGs but must be sent in the same email as your PDF. Applications must include CV, expression of interest, ten images. See page 6 for detailed submission requirements. Electronic submissions are a preference; applicants who are unable to provide email submissions can mail or drop off hard copy applications Monday to Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., excluding statutory holidays at the Canmore Civic Centre, 902 - 7 Ave. Artist selection notification: Friday February 26, 2027. Contract Period: March 26 to mid-October 2027. Background: The Canmore area, known as Chuwapchipchiyân Kudi Bi (translated from Îyârhe Nakoda as "shooting at the willows"), is located within the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta, the traditional territory of the Îyârhe Nakoda (Stoney Nakoda), comprised of the Bearpaw, Chiniki, and Goodstoney First Nations; the Tsuut'ina First Nation; and the Blackfoot Confederacy, comprised of the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai. The area is also part of the Rocky View Métis District #4 within Battle River Territory. Public art is an important part of public spaces in Canmore, enriching experiences, and creating a sense of place and belonging for residents and visitors. Canmore's Main Street Pedestrian Zone is a vibrant, lively space that invites visitors and residents to enjoy Canmore's community, culture, and civic pride. The downtown Main Street has outdoor patio spaces, retail set-ups, parklets, shops, professional services, and galleries. Sculpture on Main Street is a growing site-specific art destination in Canmore that continues to captivate residents and visitors alike. From mid-May to mid-October, two blocks of Canmore's Main Street are transformed into a vibrant, vehicle-free gathering place. This commission invites artists to bring themes of welcoming, community, connection, and a sense of place to life. The artwork will require expert craftsmanship and must be built with durable materials suitable for the local climate and community interaction and ensure ease of maintenance. Goals: The goal of these pieces of art is to provide an artistic lens that deepens Canmore's sense of place and belonging and enhances Canmore's reputation as a connected community of arts, culture, and sustainability. Art Opportunities: Select the opportunity you are applying for below. Sculpture and/or Functional Seating Project — Cement pad dimensions 8 x 13 feet - Temporary Sculpture 7Ave + 8 Street (can be functional) Budget $8,000.00 Such as standalone sculptures or functional artworks that will be situated in the centre of the intersection located at 7th Avenue and 8th Street on a cement pad. Artwork can be newly constructed or installation ready. The Town will provide a concrete pad for each artwork. - Temporary Functional Seating Project - sites TBC Budget: $3,000.00 each Such as benches that are installed along Main Street. Artwork can be newly constructed or installation ready. Projects should consider: • Responding to the physical, built, and social site context, considering artwork visibility from multiple site lines and signalling the transition into a pedestrian-friendly and commercial core. • Incorporating local Indigenous and/or historical mountain-themed narratives into the artworks; the budget should include consultation fees where required. • That artworks will serve as a meeting point for residents of all ages, in addition to being a place that visitors seek out. Design Parameters: • The artist(s) must guarantee that the artwork is original and does not violate the copyright of any other person. • Utilize durable elements such as (but not limited to) wood, metal, found materials, fibreglass, integrated solar or LED lighting for nighttime visibility. No live fire i.e. propane fuelled or eternal flames, no battery powered units. • The project can either be new (not produced yet or never presented) or existing, provided the artwork has never been presented in Canmore. • Be installed within 2-3 consecutive days (after May 14, 2027). NOTE: Artists selected must be available to remove, and re-install artwork located in the centre of Main Street to accommodate the Canada Day parade. • Should be maintenance-free and durable (to last at least six months in an exterior environment including adverse weather conditions and public interaction). • Show mindfulness towards environmental impact by considering sustainable materials, energy-efficient practices, and minimal waste in your proposed artwork. • Observe Town of Canmore Health and Safety guidelines, meet National Building and Fire Codes - Alberta Edition with respect to flammability and, where appropriate, follow recommendations for materials (i.e., types of paint, sealants, etc.). • To ensure a safe and inclusive experience for all visitors, this installation is designed without sharp points, corners, or narrow openings that could pose a risk of entrapment or injury. • Should be family friendly and not include profanity or nudity. • Be removed within 2-3 consecutive days (mid-October 2027). • Will be placed on an oval, concrete pad measuring 2.5m x 4.0m and should be secured with three-eighths-to-1/2-inch anchor bolts, or other means to be able to sit safely. The concrete pad can be rotated in any direction. • Should not project from the perimeter of the concrete pad base. Selection Process: All applicants will receive an email regarding the Committee's decision on their application. The Selection Committee will include representatives from Tourism Canmore Kananaskis, the Downtown Canmore Business Improvement Area (BIA), the Town of Canmore and members of the Public Art Committee. The Selection Committee is under no obligation to choose a final artwork. All decisions of the Selection Committee are final. The Selection Committee will evaluate applications based on: Artistic Merit — Expression of interest / art statement for the work that includes reference to the theme "Stories of this Place- Welcoming, Gathering, Inclusion" and the artists connection to this place; Craftsmanship quality of previous works. Impact — The potential of the project to contribute to the artist or artist group's artistic development and to local community and the vitality of the main street public art program. Feasibility — The artist / artist team's ability to undertake the project; Reasonable budget, realistic workplan and alignment with the project objectives. Experience — Understanding of the project and its context; Experience in the visual arts, public art and project management; Strong communication skills. Request for Proposals Submission Requirements: 1. Artist CV or Resume (3 pages max) 2. Expression of Interest (2 pages max) to describe: key artist(s) leading project and contact information; your inspiration for the project; timeline; artmaking and public art experiences, education, any relevant information that describes your suitability for the project. 3. Images — Up to 10 Images of past work or work in progress (*.JPEG images max). Image files must be clearly labeled to include: Artist name, Artwork title, Artwork dimensions, Medium used, Year created. 4. Budget — Include all expenses and revenues; Materials being considered, their durability in a mountain environment and costs to maintain artwork. Please contact Artsevents@canmore.ca for a budget template if needed. Confidentiality of Information: Any personal information provided is collected under the authority of section 4(c) of the Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of this public art request for qualifications call for artists, Main Street project. If you have any questions about the collection and use of your information, or need to update your personal information, please contact the Town of Canmore Arts and Culture department at 403.678.8946 or artsandculture@canmore.ca The Town of Canmore reserves the right to reject any or all submissions, or any part thereof, or to terminate or re-advertise this project.
