Main and Main Ottawa Mural - Call for Artist

Overview

STEPS Public Art and Main + Main invite professional Canadian artists and artist teams with connections to Ottawa to submit qualifications for a two-stage public art competition for the creation of a new mural at 300 Montgomery Street, Ottawa, ON. The work should incorporate the character, history, environment, and culture of the neighbourhood. Artists must be from or living in Ottawa, or hold strong connections to the City and should include in their application a written description of their connections to Ottawa.

Key Dates

• Submission deadline: August 23, 2026, by 11:59 PM ET

The Project

The mural will be a major public-facing artwork integrated onto Maison Riverain, a new development with three towers ranging from 22 to 32 storeys providing over 1,000 rental housing units. The mural will front onto a new public park at the nexus of Selkirk and Montgomery Streets in the heart of the residential area. The anticipated mural dimensions are 20'H x 60'W; shortlisted artists are welcome to propose alternative sizing based on their concept, budget, and vision. The artwork may extend beyond the rectangular area to create a more organic shape.

Theme

Under the theme 'Where We Are Going,' artists are invited to explore ideas of transition, growth, movement, renewal, and collective futures. Artists may reflect on Vanier's historic, social, and economic changes; how residents experience the neighbourhood today; and how the community imagines its future. The mural should reflect Vanier as a place with a rich history, a strong sense of community, and an evolving narrative shaped by the people who live, work, gather, and build relationships there.

Community Context

Vanier is a diverse and vibrant neighbourhood located in Ottawa's east end. Originally established as the independent city of Eastview and later renamed Vanier, the community was amalgamated into Ottawa in 2001. Vanier was historically a francophone and working class community. The neighbourhood is now home to a mix of residential areas, local businesses, cultural organizations, parks, and social services. Ongoing revitalization initiatives continue to strengthen Vanier as an inclusive, welcoming, and dynamic urban community.

Two-Stage Competition Process

• Stage One (Request for Qualifications): The client will review all submissions and identify a shortlist of up to three (3) artists based on artistic excellence, relevant experience, and demonstrated or perceived ability to create and execute an innovative, engaging public artwork.
• Stage Two (Shortlisted Artist Proposal Development): Up to three (3) shortlisted artists will be awarded $750 CAD (HST inclusive) each to develop detailed design proposals. One artist or artist team will be selected for the final commission.

Award & Budget

• Final commission award: $30,000 CAD (HST inclusive)
• Shortlist artist honorarium: $750 CAD (HST inclusive) each (up to 3 artists)
• The total budget of $30,000 CAD must cover all costs including artist fees, materials, equipment rentals, installation, site preparation, professional services, insurance, permits, travel, and all other associated expenses.

Eligibility

• Canadian artists or artist teams
• Must have connections to Ottawa (from, living in, or strong ties to the city)
• Must meet Canada Council's definition of professional artist: specialized artistic training; recognized as professional by peers; history of public exhibitions; and/or independent body of work