Request for Qualifications: Sculptural Public Art, Municipality of North Perth

Overview

STEPS Public Art and the Municipality of North Perth invite Canadian professional artists and artist teams to submit qualifications for a two-stage competition for two sculptural public artworks to be installed in Monkton and Gowanstown. These works will celebrate the individuality of North Perth's communities while creating a unified public art experience. Durable sculptural artworks that invite interaction and engagement are preferred. Canadian artists with Ontario or North Perth connections are strongly encouraged to apply.

Award & Project Details

One commissioned artist or artist team will create two public artworks with a total budget of $50,000 CAD ($25,000 per site, not including HST). The budget covers design, fabrication, shipping, installation, engineering, professional services, insurance, permits, travel, and incidental expenses. The Municipality will provide a 12-foot x 5-foot concrete foundation for each artwork. Installation must occur no later than Fall 2027.

Two-Stage Process

Stage 1 (RFQ): Submissions are reviewed by a Selection Panel. Up to three shortlisted artists receive $1,000 CAD honorarium (inclusive of HST) to develop design concepts. Stage 2: One artist/team is selected to create the final two public artworks.

Application Deadline

• Submissions due: August 3, 2026, at 11:59pm ET
• Questions/clarifications due: July 20, 2026, at 11:59pm ET
• Accommodations requests: at least 10 business days before deadline

Required Submission Materials

• Contact information (full name, business name if applicable, mailing address, telephone, email; team lead identified with contact for each member)
• Letter of Intent (1 page max): artistic experience, ability, approach, interest in project, any Ontario/North Perth connections, approach to rural community engagement
• Curriculum Vitae (3 pages max): professional experience, past public art experience; CV for each team member
• Artistic Support Material: maximum 10 images of work with title and image number
• Support Material List: written list with Title, date, location, commissioning agent (if applicable), budget, dimensions, medium/materials, brief description (max 50 words)
• References: names and contact information for three references (preferably from recent public art projects); identify their role/affiliation

Eligibility

Canadian professional artists and artist teams are eligible. Ontario or North Perth connection is strongly encouraged but not required.

About the Sites

Site A is located in Monkton. Site B is located in Gowanstown. The Municipality of North Perth is located on the traditional land of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Neutral Peoples. North Perth is in southwestern Ontario, 30 km north of Highway 401, comprised of Elma and Wallace Townships (including the village of Monkton) and the towns of Listowel, Atwood and Gowanstown. The community has 15,538 residents and blends rural and small-town living with proximity to city amenities, Lake Huron, and Ontario's cottage country.

Contact

For questions and accommodation requests, contact Sam Mitjavile at [email protected].