The Temporary Public Art Program offers artists of diverse backgrounds and skill sets the opportunity to create artwork for public spaces in Nanaimo. Artists can propose artworks that vary in scale, scope, and medium, including temporary sculptural installations, social practice and community-engaged artist projects and artwork that is integrated into landscape, architecture or civic infrastructure. The Temporary Public Art Program supports artists in the creation of new works, by providing necessary resources and staff support through the course of project development and realization. The City of Nanaimo is seeking proposals for Temporary Public Art to be initiated in 2023, and realized in 2024.
Please note that the call for 2024 Temporary Public Art differs from previous years. The 2024 call is site-specific and includes Project Outlines. Proposals are expected to be submitted in response to the selected Project Outline. Please review details closely. This application process will be completed in two stages. Initial applications will be reviewed and candidates selected following a panel review and interview process. The second stage will involve establishing a public engagement strategy, communication with Project Coordinators, and final proposal approval. Proposed projects will be realized in 2024 and must be able to endure for a period of 5 years. Locations are specified in project outlines. Selected artists will receive a fee of $7,500 for the design and implementation of a project, and may propose expenses toward the production or realization of their project up to $5,000.
Eligibility Who can apply? The Temporary Public Art Program is open to all artists, working individually or in collaboration, and especially encourages applications from those who experience barriers of access due to gender identity/ expression, racial identity or perception of disability. For the purposes of this call, the definition of an artist is a professional who: has completed basic training in art or an apprenticeship with an accomplished practitioner in the field, or maintains an artistic practice and has publicly shared an independent body of their work for at least two years, or is recognized as an artist by peers within their community You do not have to be a resident of Nanaimo, but you must have significant experience with, and relationship to this place. Partnerships are also encouraged and welcomed between artists and nonprofit arts groups, businesses, community service groups, community associations, multicultural societies, and historic societies. However, please note that preference will be given to individuals artists. Who cannot apply? For-profit entities (such as small business, corporations, developers) undertaking public art projects are not eligible. Artists who are registered as a business or in partnership with a business may apply, as long as they retain creative control over the proposed project.
What types of projects are eligible? Artists can propose artworks that vary in scale, scope, and medium, including performative and temporary artworks. Public art projects need to be freely accessible to the public, be it a temporary event or a sculptural installation. Artists who would like to propose functional art such as benches or bike racks, streetscape improvements to infrastructure such as sidewalks or plaza surfaces, or adornments to public utilities may apply to the Urban Design Roster. Artists may participate in both programs. Applications to the Urban Design Roster and the Temporary Art Program can be submitted together but must include all necessary materials for BOTH calls.
Artwork Locations Nanaimo is located on the traditional and ancestral territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. We acknowledge the role that culture and public art plays in contributing to a wider awareness and understanding of cultural life on the traditional lands of the Snuneymuxw. The City of Nanaimo is committed to supporting artworks that increase the visibility and acknowledge the ongoing relationship of the Snuneymuxw First Nation to the land. Artworks proposed with Indigenous content must demonstrate approval of content and site location from Snuneymuxw First Nation prior to final selection. Two locations have been identified for 2024 Temporary Art proposals as detailed in Project Outlines. Sites/ locations should be taken into consideration in the development of proposals. How to Apply All proposals will be evaluated by a Selection Panel of City of Nanaimo Staff and members of the Art in Public Spaces Working Group. Artworks involving Indigenous content will require the approval of Snuneymuxw First Nation.
Please note: This is a multi-step process that differs from previous years. STAGE 1 At this stage in the application, artists should offer an idea for a new public artwork. Requirements: A detailed statement about your intended approach to this opportunity, how you see the work situated, and how this idea relates to your practice (1 to 2 pages maximum). Please identify the Project Outline you’ve selected (Project 1 - Colliery Dam; or
Project 2 - Old City Quarter). Up to 15 images, or up to 15 pages of materials in PDF or paper form. You may include up to 2 videos that offer context or are indicative of previous work. Supporting materials must have a corresponding descriptive listing, such as an image list. A resume for all artists/lead collaborators who will be undertaking the project. A very brief summary of your approach to/ thoughts on public engagement (50 word maximum). A letter confirming the approval of Snuneymuxw First Nation, when appropriate. When considering what to include in your proposal, note that the emphasis is on a statement of intention about a project. It is expected that the work has not been made and the concept not fully realized, but will be developed in Stage 2 through a public engagement process, and communication with Project Coordinators. The Selection Panel will review all proposal materials. Please include a preliminary set of drawings or other relevant supporting materials such as examples of previous artwork that demonstrate your artistic ability to undertake the work, and your approach to the selected Project Outline. Should it be deemed necessary, the Selection Panel will contact artists and schedule brief interviews to discuss project proposals in more detail. STAGE 2 Selected artists will be offered feedback from the Selection Panel, and will continue the development of their proposed project by implementing a public engagement strategy, and in communication with Project Coordinators. Artists will seek final project approval from Project Coordinators and the Selection Panel by providing finalized details of proposed projects.
This may include: design drawings, production timelines, research on the durability and availability of proposed materials, evidence of feedback and consultation with public and relevant community groups/ stakeholders, budget development, specific placement of artwork at project site. When approval has been confirmed, fabrication of projects may begin. How to submit application for Stage 1 Submissions must be received no later than midnight, Pacific Time, November 13, 2023. There are two ways to submit: Submit your application and required documents online using the submission form below; Drop off your application and required documents in-person to the Culture & Events Dropbox, located at the Bowen Complex, 500 Bowen Road. The Dropbox is located on the lower level of the building near the tennis courts (Pine Street Entrance). A complete hard copy package must include both one (1) original hard copy and one (1) electronic in PDF format submitted on a flash drive. Hand delivered submissions must be in a sealed envelope/package clearly marked: Your Name Temporary Public Art Program City of Nanaimo Culture and Events