Call for Proposals: Mandy Lowe Artist-in-Residence Program, University Health Network

Overview

The Mandy Lowe Artist-in-Residence Program is an inaugural one-year residency at University Health Network (UHN) that honours Mandy Lowe's contributions to clinical learner education. The selected emerging artist will develop and share creative work within a hospital environment, enriching the health sciences libraries by integrating thoughtful, evocative, and beautiful art into the built environment.

Program Details

• Duration: 1 year (anticipated start: Late Fall 2026)
• Honorarium: $4,000
• Installation, travel, workshop supply, or other direct project costs will be supported separately and discussed before finalization
• Artist retains ownership and copyright unless otherwise agreed in writing
• UHN retains permission to photograph or reproduce images for non-commercial program promotion, internal communications, reporting, and archival purposes

Themes

• Health and wellness in healthcare education
• Community, collaboration, and shared learning in healthcare
• Art as moving health education forward

Display Space

A display wall in the Health Sciences Library at Toronto General Hospital, approximately 14 feet wide, will be available for the completed work. The artwork currently mounted is approximately 4 feet 2 inches by 3 feet 4 inches. Projects may include painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, or other wall-mounted media that can be safely displayed. Artwork must adhere to hospital infection prevention and control best practices (ideally easy to clean, non-porous materials, framed or encased; consideration may be given to material more difficult to clean or damp dusted only) and require minimal maintenance. This space is accessible to hospital staff and students 24/7 for viewing, and to patients and the public during weekdays.

Residency Deliverables

• Create and present one original, wall-mounted artwork or small series for display in the Health Sciences Library
• Design and deliver one engagement session for students and staff of the hospital community
• Provide a short artist statement or reflection of approximately 100–150 words to accompany the displayed artwork
• Attend and participate in one informal reception related to the completed work, subject to scheduling

Eligibility

• Self-identify as 'emerging' and be in early stages of artistic career or be a current student
• Reside in the Greater Toronto Area

Application Requirements

• Name and contact information (email, phone number)
• Brief project proposal describing the proposed work, one engagement session, alignment with program themes, and any anticipated direct project costs (500 words maximum)
• Resume or CV
• Portfolio: selection of 5 images of your work either embedded into a PDF to demonstrate artistic practice and its connection to the proposed project

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: September 30, 2026
• Anticipated Start: Late Fall 2026

Submission

Submit applications to: [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee. Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate a strong connection to the program's themes, show potential for meaningful community engagement, and are based locally (GTA). Only the selected applicant will be contacted.