Call for Submissions: George Street Construction Hoarding Public Art, Toronto

Overview

The City of Toronto invites practicing artists working in two-dimensional media to apply for a two-stage competition to have their work reproduced and installed as custom art hoarding along the 309-345 George Street construction site. One artist will be selected to have their design printed on aluminum composite material (ACM). Priority will be given to artists with lived experience or a connection to the Moss Park and Garden District Heritage Conservation District neighbourhood.

About the Project

The George Street Revitalization (GSR) project will replace the existing Seaton House men's shelter with a modern facility integrating essential services, a long-term care home, shelter services, supportive homes, and a community service hub. The redevelopment will strengthen the site's historic role in providing refuge and care. The project honours the area's longstanding Indigenous presence and will reflect this history through Indigenous-led placemaking and public art.

Key Dates

• September 9, 2026 at 12pm (noon) – Submission deadline
• September 25, 2026 – All artists notified of results
• September 30, 2026 – Shortlisted artists receive Terms of Reference document
• October 28, 2026 – Shortlisted designs due
• November 2026 – Selected artist contracts issued, approvals attained, hoarding installed

Competition Process

An external selection panel will determine four shortlisted artists based on artistic excellence and demonstrated ability to develop an engaging, site-specific public artwork. Each shortlisted artist will receive $1,000 to design a custom concept. One artist will be commissioned and awarded $8,000 (+HST) for design and consultation services, including contract administration, project management, travel and incidental expenses. The selected design must be approved by City staff, the project team, and the local Councillor. The commissioned artist must submit designs in a format that can be reproduced and printed on ACM; artists will not be permitted to paint or directly alter the hoarding surfaces once installed.

Eligibility

Priority will be given to artists that have lived experience or a connection to the Moss Park and Garden District Heritage Conservation District neighbourhood.

Submission Requirements

Applicants must provide a one-paragraph artist biography and images of five recent projects. They will also be asked to note if they have lived experience or a connection to the Moss Park neighbourhood and if they utilized AI in developing their application. Submission is via online application form, which automatically closes at 12pm (noon) on September 9, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Awards

• Four shortlisted artists: $1,000 each to design a custom concept
• Selected artist: $8,000 (+HST) for design and consultation services