Municipality of North Perth

Overview

Public Art and the Municipality of North Perth invite Canadian professional artists, including artist teams, to submit their interest and qualifications to the first stage of a competition for two (2) public artworks that will be installed in the communities of Monkton and Gowanstown in public outdoor spaces. These public artworks will celebrate the individuality of North Perth's communities while creating a unified public art experience. The preference is for durable sculptural artworks that invite interaction and engagement.

Eligibility

Canadian professional artists and artist teams may apply. Canadian artists who are from Ontario or have a connection to Ontario and North Perth are strongly encouraged to apply.

Sites

• Site A: 200 Nelson St, Monkton, ON N0K 1P0 – Green space beside community centre, near park entrance, between flagpole and street/parking lights
• Site B: Corner of Line 88 and Road 164, Gowanstown, ON N0G 1Y0 – Wide open grassy area with surrounding trees

Project Details

• Two (2) public artworks for outdoor installation
• Budget: $50,000 CAD total (not including HST) for both works
• Each artwork installed on a 12 foot x 5 foot concrete pad provided by the municipality
• Costs include design, fabrication, shipping, installation, engineering, professional services, insurance, permits, travel, and incidental expenses

Themes

• Community Identity: North Perth's strength, resilience, and balance between rural roots and modernization
• Artistic Expression: Vibrant colours celebrating tradition and innovation
• Agriculture and Rural Life: Farming, rural living, and agricultural heritage
• Cultural Diversity and Inclusivity: Multiculturalism, Indigenous history, Mennonite heritage, and growing diversity

Key Dates & Awards

• Submission deadline: August 31st, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET
• Up to three (3) shortlisted artists receive $1,000 CAD honorarium (inclusive of HST) to develop design concepts
• One (1) artist or artist team selected for final commission: $25,000 CAD per site ($50,000 CAD total)
• Artwork installation no later than Fall 2027

Selection Process

The sculptures will be selected through an open, two-stage competition. Following a competitive Selection Panel process, up to three (3) shortlisted artists will be paid an honorarium to develop a design concept for both sites. At the end of Stage 2, following proposal review, one (1) artist or artist team will be selected to create the two (2) public artworks.

Community Background

The Municipality of North Perth is located on the traditional land of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Neutral Peoples. Located in the northern portion of Perth County in southwestern Ontario, 30 km north of Highway 401, North Perth comprises Elma and Wallace Townships (including Monkton village), and the towns of Listowel, Atwood, and Gowanstown. The municipality is home to 15,538 residents who enjoy a blend of rural and small-town living close to Lake Huron and Ontario's cottage country.