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Submit an expression of interest for a permanent Indigenous art installation in the Toronto Zoo's new Community Conservation Centre Academic Building, with a $150,000 CAD budget.
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Get matched →The Toronto Zoo seeks an Indigenous artist to create a permanent art installation in The Hive, a gathering space within the Academic Building of the Zoo's new Community Conservation Centre, scheduled to officially open in early 2027. The installation will acknowledge Indigenous People on the land, honour Indigenous ways of knowing, and reflect the interconnectivity of all life with a focus on Canadian Species at Risk.
The Community Conservation Centre consists of two Net Zero buildings. The Guest Services Building features a river otter habitat, Blanding's turtle Headstarting program, retail space, rooftop atrium, and a welcome garden. The Academic Building contains four classrooms, four laboratories, offices, and meeting space. The Hive gathering space will be a place for conversation, community building, and quiet reflection, and will feature an interpretive panel created in partnership with an Anishnaabe knowledge keeper.
The artwork must create a lasting acknowledgment of Indigenous People on the land historically and contemporaneously; embody the Zoo's 'Guardians of Wild' brand and mission; reflect interconnectivity of all life—animals, land, water, and people—with focus on Canadian Species at Risk; be visually appealing during daytime and evenings; use durable and low-maintenance materials; ensure public accessibility and safety including tactile and visual considerations; and integrate natural lighting, shadow, and nighttime visibility.
The total project budget is $150,000 CAD (all-inclusive), covering all costs associated with the project including artist fees, materials and supplies, fabrication, delivery, installation, travel, and taxes.
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Expressions of Interest must include: artist résumé or curriculum vitae; a written reflection on conceptual direction and how Indigenous values, teachings, or protocols shape the work; sketches, drawings, precedent images, or models illustrating approach and experience; notes on fabrication and installation needs (materials, collaborators, site integration requirements); and two professional references. Submissions must not exceed 25 pages in total.
Expressions of Interest will be reviewed by a selection committee including Zoo staff, select partners, and representatives from the Zoo's Indigenous Advisory Circle. Selection will be based on artistic excellence, demonstrated experience with similar projects, and previous work reflective of Indigenous knowledge systems aligned with the project vision.
Submit proposals digitally to Jennifer Franks, Director of Indigenous Relations, at [email protected]