The majority of the City's competitions are administered via open calls to artists. Responses are then juried by a panel comprised of representatives from the Public Art Committee, City administration, artists, art professionals and project stakeholders. Final selection of artists is determined by the jury. The completed works then become part of the City art collection.

Current Calls to Artists

SnowDay on the Waterfront - 2022 Waterfront Snow Sculptures

large snow scupltures of a curler, a bird and santa

The City’s Recreation & Culture Division is hosting its annual SnowDay on the Waterfront at Prince Arthur’s Landing, on Family Day, Monday, February 21, 2022 from 12-5 pm.

 

THEME: This year, there is no suggested theme and applicants are welcome to propose their own concepts. Proposals shall still be in keeping with the spirit of the initiative as a fun, family friendly spectacle. Proposals shall also consider the typical design restrictions required to maintain public safety.

 

To ensure the safety of the artists, staff and the community, SnowDay will adhere to all COVID-19 protocols and safety measures.

 

Artists

This competition is open to professional artists, professional artist-led teams, and organizations across Canada (travel restrictions permitting). Teams local to Thunder Bay are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

Artists Application

*please submit your application to culture@thunderbay.ca*

 

Community Groups

This call is open to interested community members, groups or organizations. These teams are not required to be professional artists or professional artist-led. This call is open only to groups, organizations, community members who live/work/operate/attend school in Northwestern Ontario region.

Community Groups Application

*please submit your application to culture@thunderbay.ca*

DEADLINE - Wednesday January 12, 2022 at 12:00 pm EST

How we Acquire Art

We engage artists and acquire works of art through a variety of established processes, including Calls to Artists, purchase of finished works, and donations by artists. In recent years, we have broadened the collection to include contemporary works by Canadian artists that reflect the growth, change and sense of renewal in our city. The City is proud to support these projects and to offer opportunities to the local art community. 

Artwork purchase

There are occasions when a City Department, Commission or Board under the mandate of City Council desires to purchase a finished work of art from an individual artist, a corporation, an organization or through a commercial gallery. The artwork may be purchased to develop the City's permanent art collection or to beautify a specific civic space. As with commissioned works, all purchases of finished art works are subject to the City's Policy for Art in Public Spaces and collection mandate. Any opportunities for artists to submit portfolios for jury consideration will be listed in the Open Competitions section of this page.

 

A sub-committee of the Public Art Committee is formed to consider each potential purchase. Recommendations may be based on advice from outside individuals or organizations relevant for the art being considered. For example: A curator or director from a local art gallery or heritage organization; a representative of the site for the artwork; a professional in a relevant discipline.

Donating an artwork

If you would like to donate an artwork to the City's Public Art Collection please fill out the Artwork Donation Form and submit it to culture@thunderbay.ca 

Partnerships

The City of Thunder Bay also forms partnerships with local individual artists and organizations to produce and/or purchase public art projects. For more information contact culture@thunderbay.ca 

Artist Guidebook

Public art can significantly change an artist's career. The Artist Guidebook was created as a resource for emerging and experienced public artists, and outlines the City's competition and commissioning process from start to finish. It includes perspectives from local artists and covers a variety of topics such as:

  • How to find competitions
  • How the City acquires public art
  • How to provide a submission
  • The artist contract
  • Insurance, contractor safety, and WSIB
  • Working with subcontractors

If you require a PDF in an accessible format, please email our Municipal Accessibility Specialist.

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