Call for Interactive Artworks - Creativity & Innovation Summit

Submission deadline: July 27, 2026

Artist fees: $2,500 (+HST if applicable)

The Summit

The 2026 (Un)Common Threads Creativity & Innovation Summit will take place at the Sheraton Hotel on November 5, and will welcome 200–250 participants from across the private, public, and creative sectors. The annual Summit features speakers, networking opportunities, and experiences designed to explore creativity and spark new connections among people with a wide variety of work backgrounds and interests. Artists and their worldview and expertise are placed at the heart of this conversation. We’re seeking artists/artist teams to create and present hands-on, participant-driven experiences that take place throughout the day and encourage conversation and connection between attendees. 

Project Brief

The event is focused on the value of creativity to individuals, workplaces, and society. These activities, interspersed between more traditional opportunities to network, alongside inspiring speakers from various creative backgrounds, are an important driver of engagement and conversation at this event. One of the themes of this year’s Summit is games and play - we’re encouraging submissions that respond directly to this theme. 

We’re seeking activities that:

• Engender “creative confidence” (confidence in one’s own creativity)

• Start conversations

• Are unintimidating - an easy “nudge for participation”

• Spark participants curiosity or creativity 

• Are story catalysts, creating an experience that participants will talk about after they leave. 

Proposed activities may accomplish any of the following:

• A surprising way to share information or introduce yourself

• Play with data - for instance a form of data portrait, or present a creative and innovative way for Business & Arts to gather participant data or feedback 

• Result in a final piece/output that participants contribute to/co-create

• Provide something participants can individualize/make their own in dialogue with others

• Result in something participants can keep

Past activities that have debuted at the Summit have been purchased by other businesses and organizations for their own events. With this secondary goal of helping artists develop a market-ready product/experience in mind, Business & Arts NL will offer feedback and an opportunity to test the project with a focus group in advance of the Summit. 

Logistics

These projects could last mere seconds, or span several minutes. For instance, attendees at the 2024 Summit checked in by selecting a pin or pins that represented their creative strength/s, and another favourite project saw participants take a small clay fish and some paint back to their seat to paint while speakers were speaking, and later add it to a collective artwork facilitated by Daniel Rumbolt and Amber-Lynn Thorne. Elijah Martel created an illustrated journal of the day.  In 2025, participants played with Benjy Kean’s Motion Canvas, and added to a collective weaving project led by Rebecca Feaver. The length of time for instructions to be given should be minimal, so that participants can choose how much time they wish to spend engaging with the activity and networking. 

We aren’t able to mount works directly on the wall at the Sheraton, and so activities need to be free standing, displayed on a table, on easels etc, and activity materials must be easily transported and able to be set up early on the morning of the event.

Budget

$2,500* + HST (if applicable)

*Artist fee includes design of the activity, delivery/facilitation and participation in the Summit, and providing materials (bio, photos, artist statement) to support event marketing. The cost of materials will be reimbursed up to a maximum of $1,000.

Eligibility

• Newfoundland and Labrador-based artists of any/all disciplines, which may include visual artists and craftspeople, designers, interdisciplinary artists, multimedia artists, installation artists, and artists whose practices focus on community participation or engagement. 

• Emerging, mid-career, and established artists are encouraged to apply

• Business & Arts NL is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. We encourage applications from artists of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. 

Selection 

The selected activity will be chosen by a small focus group of Summit stakeholders, based on the project’s anticipated impact, and how it fits within the overall program. 

Submission Requirements

Please submit the following, combined into a single pdf:

1. A short proposal outlining your interactive idea (max 500 words) including the cost of materials for 250 participants

2. A brief bio or CV

3. Up to 5 images of your previous work

4. A short note about why this opportunity interests you

Project Timeline

Proposals due: July 27, 2026

Selected artist will be notified by: August 11, 2026

Mid-point test run/feedback (see FAQ for details): Sept 25, 2026

Summit: Nov 5, 2026

Send your proposals to: Lynn Panting - lynn@businessandartsnl.com

Have questions or want to talk through your idea? Reach out to Lynn. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

• I don’t live in St. John’s - will travel expenses be provided if I’m selected?

  Yes, we will offer a travel stipend to cover kilometrage, accommodations and per diem for selected artists living outside of the Avalon Peninsula.

• Tell me more about the “Mid-point test run/feedback” in the project timeline?

  In order to ensure that your project fits well within the flow, messaging, and vibe of the Summit, we’ll get together on Sept 25 to talk through the setup, space/technical requirements, language, materials etc. We’ll provide any feedback we have and work together to ensure the project is set up for success and maximum impact with Summit attendees. There may be an opportunity to test the project with a small focus group as well. 

Call for Pop-up Performers - Creativity & Innovation Summit

Submission deadline: July 27, 2026

The Summit

The 2026 (Un)Common Threads Creativity & Innovation Summit will take place at the Sheraton Hotel on November 5, and will welcome 200–250 participants from across the private, public, and creative sectors. The annual Summit features speakers, networking opportunities, and experiences designed to explore creativity and spark new connections across sectors. Artists and their worldview and expertise are placed at the heart of this conversation. We’re seeking short performances to add a spark of surprise, moment of contemplation, or burst of energy to the day. 

Project Brief

We’re seeking performances from any discipline, including music, dance, theatre, standup comedy, and multidisciplinary arts. Performances should:

• Be short (2-8 minutes), taking place as the event starts, during breaks, or as a surprise mid-morning. 

• Be refreshing, offering attendees the opportunity to be surprised and inspired by something they wouldn't otherwise encounter at a work event.

And may:

• Offer an element of participation or interactivity for Summit attendees

• Respond to the theme of play and games

• Respond to the Summit theme of (un)common threads

Logistics

This event is taking place in the Garden Atrium and Main Ballroom at the Sheraton Hotel, with set up taking place exclusively the morning of the event, which starts at 8:30am. Equipment setup must therefore be fairly minimal and will be the responsibility of the performer(s). 

Budget

Our total budget for performances is $3000. Please provide a requested performance fee in your submission. 

Eligibility

• Newfoundland and Labrador-based artists of any/all performing disciplines.

• Emerging, mid-career, and established artists are encouraged to apply

• Business & Arts NL is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. We encourage applications from artists of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. 

Selection 

The selected activity will be chosen by a small focus group of Summit stakeholders, based on the project’s anticipated impact, and how it fits within the overall program. 

Submission Requirements

Please submit the following, combined into a single pdf:

1. A short proposal outlining your interactive idea (max 500 words) 

2. A brief bio or CV

3. Up to 5 images/clips of your previous work

4. A short note about why this opportunity interests you

5. Your requested performance fee

Project Timeline

Proposals due: July 27, 2026

Selected artist(s) will be notified by: August 11, 2026

Summit: Nov 5, 2026

Send your proposals to: Lynn Panting - lynn@businessandartsnl.com

Have questions or want to talk through your idea? Reach out to Lynn.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• I don’t live in St. John’s - will travel expenses be provided if I’m selected?

  Yes, we will offer a travel stipend to cover kilometrage, accommodations and per diem for selected artists living outside of the Avalon Peninsula.

Call for Participants - Roundtable Network Activation - Corporate Connections Canadian Leadership Summit

Corporate Connections – a group of business leaders and business owners – is holding their annual conference in St John’s this October.

On the afternoon of October 20, they are inviting a small number of members of the Business & Arts NL community to join them for an interactive workshop on how to build and activate your professional network in support of you and your business.

Come meet real business leaders from across Canada and around the world in an intimate setting where you will have the opportunity to connect and learn from each other in the spirit of creating meaningful experiences and build long-lasting relationships for business or personal growth.

For more information on the Corporate Connections community and the Canadian Leadership Summit, check out www.leadershipsummit.ca.

To participate in these roundtable discussions for network activation, contact info@business andartsnl.com. For more information on the group and the session, connect with conference Co-Chair Craig Swistun at craig.swistun@raymondjames.ca.

Please email to indicate your interest in participating no later than Tuesday, Oct 14th.

Sandra Dobbin Memorial Garden: Two-Stage Call for Public Artworks

Stage 1 Submission Deadline: Tuesday, Oct 14, 2025

Budget: $65,000 plus HST if applicable

Information Session: Monday, Sept 29 at 11 am - (questions asked at this info session have been included in the FAQ section at the bottom of this page)

Please note: in order to streamline communication and ensure fair access to equal information about this opportunity, the Frequently Asked Questions section at the bottom of this document will be updated weekly with additional information as questions from the community come in throughout the process.

Public Art Opportunity Overview: 

The Project Team is inviting applications from professional artists, artist-led multidisciplinary teams, and creative makers working in diverse artistic mediums to create two permanent sculptural works for the Sandra Dobbin Memorial Garden: an Entrance Gate and a Portal. The garden opening is planned for summer 2026. 

About Sandra Dobbin

Sandra Dobbin (1965–2024) was a beloved mother, partner, and friend. Sandra was a proud Colombian and a proud Canadian, known throughout the community for her magnetic presence and her warm and generous nature. Sandra was most at home hiking trails in Newfoundland and around the world, or in her beautiful garden. Her family is creating the Sandra Dobbin Memorial Garden to celebrate Sandra's life and to create a sanctuary in nature where all visitors can find solace—a space for contemplation, meditation, and connecting with loved ones, both present and departed.

About the Garden

The Sandra Dobbin Memorial Garden will be a heavily shaded sunken garden tucked among the trees, with lush ground cover and gravel walkways. This healing and resonant space will evoke feelings of connection and spirituality, serving as a contemplative sanctuary where visitors can meditate and reflect. The garden will feature a variety of structural elements, including floating circular wooden meditation platforms, an elevated boardwalk, retaining benches, and a covered pergola structure that stylistically reflects the Dobbin house in Beachy Cove, offering visitors a sheltered place to sit depending on the weather. The garden is designed as a secluded refuge immersed in nature, offering respite and fostering community connection through cultural programming, grief work, and quiet contemplation.

A rendering of the planned garden, by Mills & Wright Landscape Architecture.

New image (inserted Sept 29)

This whimsical, rustic environment embraces a mystical quality—a mysterious space of comfort and wonder that emerges organically from the landscape, where plants will grow over and around the artworks, integrating them fully into the natural setting.

The Artworks 

The two site-specific artworks will become integral parts of the Garden’s landscape. They will be durably constructed to accommodate the growth of surrounding plant life and to evolve harmoniously with the landscape over time as living elements within this dynamic ecosystem. The Sandra Dobbin Memorial Garden will be a multi-sensory space, and the commissioned artworks should consider the physical setting and the visitor’s experience in their concept to create works that provoke a range of emotional and contemplative responses. 

This is a two-stage selection process. In the first stage, applicants will indicate their interest in submitting a proposal for either one or both artworks. The two commissioned artworks could be in dialogue with one another—either visually, materially, or conceptually—contributing to the garden's role as both a memorial space and a vital community resource for renewal and remembrance. Applications are invited from artists working across all mediums who can respond thoughtfully to the natural setting, the memorial's purpose, and the vision of creating a space that honours Sandra's memory while serving the broader St. John's community.

The Project Team is seeking artists and/or teams interested in creating one or both of the following:

The Garden Gate will serve as the primary entrance, setting the tone for the garden experience. Installed within a craggy stone archway that blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape architecture, this piece will establish the threshold between the outside world and the sanctuary within. We’re seeking an artist to create a door for the gateway made of durable materials that incorporates a starfish motif, as a nod to the starfish pendant that was a favourite talisman of Sandra’s. The archway itself will be designed by Mills and Wright, responding to the artist’s gate design. 

The Portal will be the centrepiece of the garden—a portal or passageway that visitors can walk through together. Over time, this work will be enveloped by the surrounding flora, becoming part of the natural landscape. This element is inspired by traditional Chinese Moongates, which signify the cyclical nature of life, connection to nature, and renewal. The archway will provide a focal point within the garden, creating another transition and threshold that frames the visitor's experience of the space. 

Budget

The maximum budget for artist fees, materials, and installation for both artworks is $65,000, ($15,000 for the Garden Gate and $50,000 for the Portal) plus HST if applicable. 

*For further information about building budgets for public art projects, please refer to CARFAC’s Public Art Fees recommendations. 

Eligibility and Criteria

This opportunity is open to professional artists, artist-led multidisciplinary teams, and creative makers working in diverse artistic mediums at all career stages.

Indigenous artists, artists from racialized communities, and artists from other equity-seeking groups are welcome and encouraged to apply. If you wish to self-identify, please do so in your expression of interest. 

Other Considerations:

• Works must be suitable for extended outdoor exposure.

• Artists may submit for either or both sites.

• Collaborative submissions are welcome.

Selection Process

This is a two-stage selection process.

The artworks for this project will be selected through a competitive two-stage open call process, guided by Business & Arts NL. A selection committee including artists/art professionals, community members and project representatives will review all eligible Stage 1 applications based on the following criteria:

• Creativity and strength of support images

• Relevance of experience

• Expression of interest and connection between their practice and the project 

The selection committee will recommend between 3-5 artists to be shortlisted for Stage 2. 

Shortlisted artists will receive a $500 fee to develop a comprehensive artwork proposal for one or both artworks, which will be assessed on their ability to demonstrate innovative conceptual thinking, technical feasibility for creating durable work, and alignment with the overall environment and project goals.

Estimated Timeline:

Stage 1 EOI Launched Sept 16

Online Information session Sept 29*

*questions asked at this info session have been included in the FAQ section at the bottom of this page

Stage 1: Expressions of Interest due: Oct 14

Shortlist selection: Oct 27

Stage 2: Final Proposals due: Dec 5

Final selection: Dec 15

Installation: Late spring/early summer 2026

Submission Requirements 

Stage 1 Expression of Interest – Submission Requirements 

All applications must be submitted through this online form. The following application materials must be combined into a single PDF and uploaded to the online application form. PDFs must not exceed 10MB in total size. 

1. Project and Applicant Information form: Please complete the online application form found here. 

2. Expression of Interest (1 page or 500–750 words max), a statement outlining your interest in this project, your experience in and approach to creating murals and artwork for the public realm. Please do not include proposals at this stage.

3. Portfolio/Images of recent relevant work (max 10 images) that include artwork title, date, media and dimensions. If you wish to include a video, please provide links to Vimeo or YouTube, along with a timestamp.

4. CV – Artist resume (three pages maximum). For teams, submit a CV for each artist team member (maximum of 3 pages per member), or a combined CV if the team has an extensive history of working together.

5. Professional References (optional) You may wish to provide a letter of reference from a professional acquaintance who can speak to your artistic practice and suitability for this project.

6. Anonymous Survey Information (required) This form is to be completed by the Artist/Artist Team as part of your submission. Once completed, please screenshot the confirmation page and upload it to your submission form. The personal information collected on this form is anonymous and confidential. Your survey answers are not linked to your application in any way.

This is a two-stage competition. At this time, we are not requesting artwork proposals. Applicants will be reviewed based on the merit of their past work, professional qualifications, and experience. 

Submissions are due by Oct 14, 2025, at 11:59 pm NST, and shortlisted artists will be notified by the week of Oct 27.

Stage 2 Project Proposal – Submission Requirements 

The shortlisted artists/artist teams will be invited to develop an artwork proposal that includes a design concept, a detailed budget, and a basic work plan/timeline based on a project brief that will be provided to help shortlisted artists prepare their submissions. Each shortlisted artist/team will receive a $500 honorarium for this stage once their proposal has been submitted. The selection committee will review the proposals and recommend an artist/artist team to be awarded the project. 

Questions? Please Contact:

info@businessandartsnl.com

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Where will the garden be located?

  In the Memorial University Botanical Gardens, nestled between the woods and the shore of Oxen Pond.

• What is the approximate size of both the gate and the portal?

  In order to meet accessibility guidelines, the gate should be at least 2 m wide, and portal should be at least 2.5 m wide and 8-10 ft tall - big enough for two people to walk through arm-in-arm. A scaled drawing will be included with the Stage Two materials for shortlisted artists.

• Will the gate swing open and lock?

  This is flexible - we’re open to submissions of both swinging gates and fixed gates. Swinging gates need to meet accessibility criteria.

• Does the Portal have to be circular?

  No, the concept of the portal is inspired by the idea of a traditional Chinese Moongate, but the project team is open to designs of other shapes, provided that the final work serves as a portal you can look through from a the top of the garden and see the water, as well as a passageway you can walk through.

  An updated plan view will be provided to help clarify the position of the portal.

• Who will be responsible for fabrication of the gate/portal?

  The selected artist will be responsible for fabrication and delivery of artworks, and will work together with the project team on installation.

• Does the gate have to be the shape shown in the drawing?

  No. Artists selected to share a stage two submission should feel free to envision a wall/passageway of their choosing and propose the gate that would best fit. The team at Mills & Wright are looking forward to working collaboratively with the selected artist to build a safe and strong wall that showcases the gate and is aesthetically coordinated.

• Is wood considered a durable material for the purposes of this project?

  All other “wooden” elements depicted in the garden plan will be made of an extruded composite with an extremely long lifetime.

  The project team is hoping to create a garden with minimal upkeep required for 15 - 20 years, and so only extremely durable hardwoods might be considered reasonable materials for this project.

• Should the moongate include a step?

  No. For accessibility purposes, the Portal should be designed with a two-metre path running through it.

• Would glass and grout construction be considered durable enough for this project?

  If you have made artworks of the materials in question, and include images of these materials and their durability after many years, you are welcome to do so in your stage one submission.

• If selected, can I pitch both a concept that includes the two pieces, as well as single ideas for each site?

  Yes.

• What sort of plants will be growing around/over the artworks?

  The team at the Botanical Gardens will not be adding species to the area surrounding the artworks. In order to ensure that the garden maintains its natural/sunken aesthetic, the goal is to install the garden features without disturbing the natural plant life in the forest any more than necessary. The surrounding plants will be mosses, ferns, and other native species.

• Will other images of the garden be provided?

  Yes, please see above, in the “The Garden” section of this document for an additional image of the garden plan from above.

Call for Artworks - Mysa Smart Thermostats

Mysa Smart Thermostats is looking to collaborate with a local Newfoundland and Labrador artist whose work embodies our province’s flora, fauna, and iconic landmarks.

Your artwork - whether drawings, paintings, or collages etc. - will be added to 3D renderings of realistic home interiors that we’ll use to promote energy saving programs with. See the example below:

Our goal is to add a touch of realism, charm, and coziness to our campaigns, and since Mysa is proudly based in St. John’s, we’re looking for artwork that feels unmistakably Newfoundland - Cod fish? Delicious. Lighthouses? Brilliant. Row houses? ‘knows! 

Three pieces of your art will be featured in a 2-month long campaign across digital and print channels targeting a Newfoundland and Labrador audience. 

Supporting local talent is important to us, so in addition to the product launch campaign, we’d like to feature you and your work on our social channels, sharing why creating NL art is important to you. 

Artist Eligibility:

• Open to any and all artists living in Newfoundland and Labrador

• You must have or be able to produce high quality digital reproductions of your artwork (three pieces)

• All artwork should be family friendly and be focused around NL imagery

Selection Process:

Submit a brief bio about yourself (150 words max) and include:

• Your portfolio or selected artwork

• Indication if you already have or are able to produce digital reproductions of your artwork

• Your website (optional)

• Your socials (optional)

Submissions can be sent to nlartcall@getmysa.com by September 12th, 2025

After review of all portfolios / submitted works, we’ll select a single artist to collaborate with who has existing digital reproductions of their work or is able to create these reproductions within the timeframe specified.

Estimated Timeline:  

• Submission Deadline: September 12th

• Artist Selection: September 16th

• Digital File Delivery: September 23th

• Public Campaign Use: October 1st - November 30th

Call for Submissions – 2025 Local Holiday Gift Guide

Are you an artist or a creative entrepreneur with gifts for sale? Help us spread the joy of gifting local this holiday season.

Our Local Holiday Gift Guide is one of our most popular offerings. But it wouldn't be anything without your talent, skill and creativity. That's why we're inviting you to help us make the 2025 edition the biggest and best yet! 

The Guide is hosted on our website and links customers directly to your shop, website, or social media - giving you another way to showcase your work and connect with new audiences and potential customers. For more details, see our FAQs below.

Check out last year's guide to get an idea of content, interactivity and layout: https://businessandartsnl.com/local-holiday-gift-guide

Did You Know?

Our Holiday Gift Guide is used year-round (like by members of the business community, seeking products from local artists for gift ideas, swag bag items, etc.). If you sell items that are of a lower price point, that can be reproduced in larger quantities, it’s a great idea to mention those too!

Deadline: Friday, October 10, 2025

---

Submission Guidelines

Please submit one featured item you’d like to have featured in the guide. There will also be room to share information about your shop, and additional items available.

Please provide the following for each item using our online form:

Name of Business/Shop

Link to shop - This helps customers navigate directly to you to complete a purchase

Meet the Maker - Describe who you are and your artistic practice, organizational mission etc. (120 words max)

About the Gift - Describe the product in the image provided -  (120 words max)

Price

Product Image - please upload a single high-quality image of your featured product or offering, formatted into a square

Explore More Gifts - if you would like to describe the range of other products available or provide up to two links to additional items (50 words max)

Below is a sample page from this year’s guide format to give you an idea of how your work will appear.

Artist Information

We’ll also collect some information that won’t be posted with the Guide, to help communicate with you and tag you on relevant posts on social media.

1. Your name and email address

2. Social media handles (we use Instagram, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter)

If you’d like to take part, please complete and submit our online application form by Friday, October 10, 2025.

---

FAQS:

• Deadline

  The deadline to submit is Friday, October 10, 2025.

• Eligibility

  Whether you normally sell your products at craft fairs/farmers’ markets, local shops or via your website, or you’re an emerging artist who doesn’t yet have an online shop – there’s room for everyone! Each artist will receive 1 digital “card” in the guide.

• I don’t have an online store – can I still submit?

  Yes! Artists who don’t have an online store or website will need to provide information on where to buy their work. This could be an email address for placing orders, a link to a Facebook or Instagram page, a link to an Etsy store page, or a link to another local retailer who carries your work.

• Is there a limit on the number of pieces I can submit?

  Yes, this year’s Guide will feature one gift image per artists - you may include information about other products in your “Explore More Gifts” section of your submission form.

• What format should I be submitting in?

  Square images. Max. file size: 4 MB. Accepted file types: jpg, jpeg, png, gif. If your image file is too big it will not upload.

  Images submitted with different proportions will be cropped to this square format.

• What type of artwork or products can I submit?

  Submissions could include but are not limited to:

  Lower priced items for staff gifts or swag bags

  New album releases

  Christmas albums or holiday music

  Digital prints of original artwork or illustrations

  Holiday cards and gifts

  Ceramics and pottery

  Clothing

  Textile and fibre arts

  Arts organizations – gift certificates and membership sales

  Tickets to performances

  Candles and crafts

  Local books, publications and subscriptions

  Check out last year’s guide for some great examples

• What do you mean by "Local"

  The "Local" Holiday Gift Guide is open to all artists and crafts persons who either reside in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and or have a strong connection to the province but do not currently reside here.

• Does it cost anything to participate in the gift guide?

  The Local Holiday Gift Guide is free! There is no submission fee and all transactions are strictly between you and the customer.

Questions?

Please contact info@businessandartsnl.com. We will get back to you within 2 business days.

All Together Now: Two-Stage Call for Mural Artists

Submission deadline: Sept 11, 2025

Artist fees: $25,000 (+HST if applicable)

Please note:

In order to streamline communication and ensure fair access to equal information about this opportunity, the Frequently Asked Questions section at the bottom of this document will be updated weekly with additional information as questions from the community come in throughout the process.

Public Art Opportunity Overview: 

St. John’s Sports and Entertainment Ltd (SJSEL) invites applications from professional artists or artist teams to create All Together Now, a large-scale painted mural for the Mary Brown’s Centre. This dynamic public art installation will be painted across the interior stadium wall, spanning seating sections 112 –117, and covering approximately 1007 square feet of highly visible space where thousands of visitors gather for live experiences, from concerts to sporting events, throughout the year. 

The mural area is highlighted in red.

The All Together Now mural project reflects SJSEL’s commitment to enhancing the Mary Brown’s Centre experience for all visitors. The mural will celebrate our venue as a vibrant gathering place where communities unite through the power of live events and shared experiences, while showcasing local artistic talent and contributing to Newfoundland and Labrador’s cultural landscape and economic vitality.    

This opportunity is part of an initiative to reimagine the arena environment as a culturally engaging space that ignites meaningful connections between diverse audiences, transforming how visitors experience and interact with the province’s premier entertainment destination.

A key component of this project is public engagement throughout the artistic process. The evolution of the mural will be documented and shared, allowing attendees and the broader community to witness the transformation of this community space and connect with both the artist and the creative journey. The painting of the mural will happen in stages between live events. Access and scheduling logistics will be coordinated with the selected artist. This process-oriented approach ensures the artwork becomes a shared community experience from creation to completion. 

About the Mary Brown’s Centre

Reimagining events. Igniting connection. Moving people.

St. John’s Sports & Entertainment Ltd. (SJSEL) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the City of St. John’s, with a mandate to operate exceptional facilities that provide value to citizens, business, and visitors by attracting events and activities that generate economic benefit and enhance community vibrancy through its world-class facilities – Mary Brown’s Centre and St. John’s Convention Centre.

Mary Brown’s Centre stands as Newfoundland and Labrador’s premier entertainment destination. With capacity for over 6,200 fans at sporting events and 5,600 at concerts, it’s the stage where excitement takes center court, ice, and stage. The venue proudly houses two anchor teams: the Newfoundland Regiment of the QMJHL and the Newfoundland Rogues of the BSL. Beyond sports, Mary Brown’s Centre welcomes some of the biggest names and events to the province. Recent highlights include the Grand Slam of Curling (2024), Montana’s BBQ Brier (2026), and electrifying performances by Billy Idol (2024), Vance Joy (2025), Lynyrd Skynyrd (2025), NLE Choppa (2024), and the East Coast Music Awards Gala (2025).

Behind every event is a dedicated team working together to host an exciting year-round schedule of events. With passion, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, SJSEL delivers experiences that captivate audiences and put St. John’s on the global stage.

Artwork Location

The mural will extend across the entire back interior wall of the stadium, behind seating sections 112 through 117. The artwork surface consists of a 253-foot-long stretch of cinderblock wall that extends 4 feet down from the ceiling, providing approximately 1007 square feet of paintable surface area. 

This wall is architecturally divided by structural cinderblock pillars that vary in width from 2 to 3 feet and project out approximately 18-24” from the wall's surface. These pillars create a series of wall segments of varying widths across the 253-foot span, requiring the artist to consider how the mural composition will flow across these natural divisions. 

The entire surface—both the main wall segments and the projecting pillars—is constructed of cinderblock and will be included in the mural design, creating opportunities for the artwork to incorporate the wall's dimensional qualities into the overall composition.

Example of cinder block support pillars.

View from the right-hand side of the mural space. 

Perspective from the top of the stands. 

Perspective from across the stands. 

Budget

The total budget for artist fees, materials, and installation is $25,000*, plus HST if applicable.

For further information about building budgets for public art projects, please refer to CARFAC’s Public Art Fees recommendations. 

*A small travel stipend may be available for a selected artist coming from more than 200km away within the province. 

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to artists of all career stages. Artists without previous experience painting murals of this size should include a letter of reference to help demonstrate their ability to scale their work up and take on this new challenge. 

SJSEL believes that diversity strengthens and enriches us, and we are committed to helping to make our province a more diverse and equitable place. Indigenous artists, artists from racialized communities, and artists from other equity-seeking groups are welcome and encouraged to apply. If you wish to self-identify, please do so in your expression of interest. 

Selection Process

This is a two-stage selection process.

The artwork for this project will be selected through a competitive two-stage open call process, guided by Business & Arts NL. A selection committee including artists/art professionals, community members and project representatives will review all eligible Stage 1 applications based on the following criteria:

• Creativity and strength of support images

• Relevance of experience

• Expression of interest and connection between their practice and the project 

The selection committee will recommend up to three artists to be shortlisted for Stage 2. Shortlisted artists will be invited to develop an artwork proposal and will have demonstrated the ability to create and execute an innovative, engaging mural that is complementary to the overall environment and project goals.

Estimated Timeline:

Stage 1: Expressions of Interest due: Sept 11

Shortlist selection: Sept 19

Stage 2: Final Proposals due: Oct 17

Final selection: Oct 24

Installation starting: Dec 12

Stage 1 Expression of Interest – Submission Requirements 

All applications must be submitted through this online form. The following application materials must be combined into a single PDF and uploaded to the online application form. PDFs must not exceed 10MB in total size. 

1. Project and Applicant Information form: Please complete the online application form found here.

2. Expression of Interest (1 page or 500–750 words max), a statement outlining your interest in this project, your experience in and approach to creating murals and artwork for the public realm. Do not include proposals at this stage.

3. Portfolio/Images of recent relevant work (max 10 images) that include artwork title, date, media and dimensions. If you wish to include a video, please provide links to Vimeo or YouTube, along with a timestamp.

4. CV – Artist resume (three pages maximum). For teams, submit a CV for each artist team member (maximum of 3 pages per member), or a combined CV if the team has an extensive history of working together.

5. Professional References (optional) You may wish to provide a letter of reference from a professional acquaintance who can speak to your artistic practice and suitability for this project.

6. Anonymous Survey Information (required) This form is to be completed by the Artist/Artist Team as part of your submission. Once completed, please screenshot the confirmation page and upload it to your submission form. The personal information collected on this form is anonymous and confidential. Your survey answers are not linked to your application in any way.

This is a two-stage competition. At this time, we are not requesting artwork proposals. Applicants will be reviewed based on the merit of their past work, professional qualifications, and experience. 

Submissions are due by September 11, 2025, at 11:59 pm NST and shortlisted artists will be notified by September 19, 2025.

Stage 2 Project Proposal – Submission Requirements 

The shortlisted artists/artist teams will be invited to develop an artwork proposal that includes a design concept, a detailed budget, and a basic work plan/timeline based on a project brief that will be provided to help shortlisted artists prepare their submissions. Each shortlisted artist will receive a $500 honorarium for this stage once their proposal has been submitted. The selection committee will review the proposals and recommend an artist/artist team to be awarded the project. 

Questions? Please Contact:

info@businessandartsnl.com

Frequently Asked Questions

• I don’t live in St. John’s - will travel expenses be provided if I’m selected?

  Yes a small travel stipend will be available if a selected artist is coming from over 200km from St. John’s. SJSEL can also provide a letter confirming the opportunity which could be submitted as support material for a travel grant application.

Call for Collaborators: Interactive Art Experiences - Creativity & Innovation Summit 2025

Submission deadline: July 30, 2025

Artist fees: $2,500 (+HST if applicable)

Business & Arts NL is seeking an artist to develop and facilitate an interactive art activity for the 2025 Creativity & Innovation Summit. Taking place at the Sheraton Hotel on November 4, the event will welcome 200–250 participants from across the private, public, and creative sectors. The Summit features speakers, networking opportunities, and experiences designed to spark new connections and inspiration. This is an opportunity for an artist/artist team to create and present a hands-on, participant-driven experience that unfolds throughout the day and encourages conversation between attendees. 

Ideally, the selected interactive art activity will have its debut at the Summit, and become a standalone offering that other businesses or organizations are interested in engaging for their events. With this secondary goal in mind, Business & Arts NL will offer feedback and an opportunity to test the project with a focus group in advance of the Summit. 

Project Brief

This event is focused on the value of creativity to individuals, workplaces, and society. Artists and their worldview and expertise are placed at the heart of this conversation. These activities, interspersed between more traditional opportunities to network and inspiring speakers from various creative backgrounds, are an important driver of engagement and conversation at this event. 

We’re seeking activities that:

• Spark participants curiosity or creativity 

• Engender “creative confidence” (confidence in one’s own creativity)

• Start conversations

• Are unintimidating - an easy “nudge for participation”

• Are story catalysts, creating an experience that participants will talk about after they leave. 

Proposed activities may accomplish any of the following:

• Play with data - for instance a form of data portrait, or a creative and innovative way to gather data for impact measurement 

• Result in a final piece/output that participants contribute to/co-create

• Provide something participants can individualize/make their own in dialogue with others

• Result in something participants can keep

Logistics

These projects could last mere seconds, or span several minutes. For instance, attendees at last year’s summit checked in by selecting a pin or pins that represented their creative strength/s, and another favourite project saw participants take a small clay fish and some paint back to their seat to paint while speakers were speaking, and later add it to a collective artwork facilitated by Daniel Rumbolt and Amber-Lynn Thorne. The length of time for instructions to be given should be minimal, so that participants can choose how much time they wish to spend engaging with the activity and networking. 

We aren’t able to mount works directly on the wall at the Sheraton, and so activities need to be free standing, displayed on a table, on easels etc, and activity materials must be easily transported and able to be set up early on the morning of the event.

Budget

Artist Fee = $2,500* + HST (if applicable)

*Artist fee includes design of the activity, delivery/facilitation and participation in the Summit, and providing materials (bio, photos, artist statement) to support event marketing. Additionally, he cost of materials will be reimbursed up to a maximum of $1,000.

Eligibility

• Newfoundland and Labrador-based artists of any/all disciplines, which may include visual artists and craftspeople, designers, interdisciplinary artists, multimedia artists, installation artists, and artists whose practices focus on community participation or engagement. 

• Emerging, mid-career, and established artists are encouraged to apply

• Business & Arts NL is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. We encourage applications from artists of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. 

Selection 

The selected activity will be chosen by a small focus group of Summit stakeholders, based on the project’s anticipated impact, and how it fits within the overall program. 

Submission Requirements

Please submit the following, combined into a single pdf:

1. A short proposal outlining your interactive idea (max 500 words) including the cost of materials for 250 participants

2. A brief bio or CV

3. Up to 5 images of your previous work

4. A short note about why this opportunity interests you

Project Timeline

• Proposals due: July 30, 2025

• Selected artist will be notified by: August 11, 2025

• Mid-point test run/feedback (see FAQ for details): Sept 30, 2025

• Summit: Nov 4, 2025

Send your proposals to: Lynn Panting - lynn@businessandartsnl.com

Have questions or want to talk through your idea? Reach out to Lynn lynn@businessandartsnl.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Tell me more about the “Mid-point test run/feedback” in the project timeline?

  In order to ensure that your project fits well within the flow, messaging, and vibe of the Summit, we’ll get together on Sept 30 to talk through the setup, space/technical requirements, language, materials etc. We’ll provide any feedback we have and work together to ensure the project is set up for success and maximum impact with Summit attendees. There may be an opportunity to test the project with a small focus group as well. 

• I don’t live in St. John’s - will travel expenses be provided if I’m selected?

  Yes, we will offer a travel stipend to cover kilometrage, accommodations and per diem for selected artists living outside of the Avalon Peninsula. 

Art Car 3.0 – Call for Digital Artwork

Submission deadline: Thursday, March 20 at 11:59 pm

How would you like to see your art on the move? Business & Arts NL has teamed up with Genesis St. John’s to offer an exciting opportunity to transform a 2025 GV70 into a moving piece of public art.

We’re looking for you to produce digital artwork that will be professionally printed on vinyl and wrapped around a white 2025 GV70. Your art will be seen by thousands throughout the City of St. John’s and beyond!

About the Project:

This is the third Art Car collaboration. Check out Vanessa Iddon's 2021 Genesis GV 80 Art Car and Marcus Gosse's 2023 MINI Countryman Art Car. 

The selected artist will design an Art Car to help promote our Explore Art NL public art app. The back window will feature partner logos and messaging about the app provided by Business & Arts NL. We want to transform the Genesis 2025 GV70 into a bold mobile canvas that celebrates creativity and public art!

Who Should Apply:

• NL based illustrators, graphic designers, and visual artists with expertise in creating digital art

• Artists comfortable providing final artwork in high-resolution digital formats suitable for large-scale printing

Requirements

• We are looking for a design that is exciting and bold. 

• IMPORTANT: This call is exclusively for digital artwork that can be reproduced as a vehicle wrap. Submissions in other mediums will not be considered.

• Artists may create work specifically for this call or may reformat existing work. 

• This call is open to artists of any experience level (emerging, mid-career and established).

• Proposals will be assessed based on artistic merit and the adaptability of proposed artwork to the vehicle structure

• The selected artist will be provided with the printer’s specs and is responsible for providing production-ready files that are high-resolution and suitable for large-format printing

• This call is open to NL-based creatives only

What’s In It For You:

• An artist fee of $2,000* +HST (if applicable)

• An artist credit printed on the vehicle itself

• You and your work will also be featured on our website, on social media and through our marketing initiatives. 

* Artist fee includes: contract execution, artwork development, file preparation, design review and revisions (up to two rounds), supplying artist statement, bio, and headshot, and participation in project meetings (if required)

Interested? Please submit: 

• 3 images of your work, combined into a single PDF

• A 250-word description of your proposed vision for the car – we welcome submissions of new or previously created work 

• A 150-word bio 

• A link to your website or portfolio

• Anonymous Survey Information (required) This form is to be completed by the Artist as part of your submission. Once completed, please screenshot the confirmation page and upload it to your submission form. The personal information collected on this form is anonymous and confidential. Your survey answers are not linked to your application in any way.

All application components must be submitted through the online application form. Click the button below to apply.

Timeline:

Submission deadline: Thursday, March 20 at 11:59 pm

The successful candidate will be contacted by March 27. 

Artist files for the final design will be completed by May 9 

The car will be wrapped and hitting the streets by late May! 

Additional reference images of the GV70 can be found here.

This project is made possible with the generous support of Genesis St. John’s.

FAQS:

• Is there a specific theme or guidelines to follow when submitting?

  Our submission is wide open! We encourage artists to consider how their style would look wrapped around the different panels and surfaces of a vehicle. The end result will need to be an artwork that works effectively as a seamless and continuous wrap that follows the contours of the car including the roof, sides, hood and trunk. Reference the images here. All windows will remain clear except the back, which will include credits and sponsor logos.

  We recommend avoiding text, as it may be difficult to read when wrapped around the car.

  Still not sure what we’re after? Take a look at the BMW Art Car Collection, which helped inspire this project.

• Eligibility

  This call is open to NL-based creatives only. The selected artist will be provided with the printer’s specs and is responsible for setting up the files so they are production-ready. 

• Is there a limit on the number of pieces I can submit?

  Yes, 3 samples of work that demonstrate your ability to produce digital work and creative style. We also encourage you to provide a link to your website or Instagram page to give jurors the opportunity to view a broader range of your work as well. 

• What format should I be submitting in?

  Please submit your application using our online application form found here.

  Don’t forget to complete the Anonymous Self Identification survey and take a screenshot of the confirmation page to complete your application.

• Do you accept photography or painting submissions?

  Due to the large size and nature of the vehicle wrap process, we are only accepting artists or designers who are proficient in working with vector-based software to produce scalable work that they can adapt to the individual panels. The selected artist will be provided with the printer’s specs and is responsible for setting up the files so they are production-ready.  

Questions?

Please contact the program coordinator at hazel@businessandartsnl.com. We will get back to you within 2 business days.

Sense of Arrival: Call for 3 Public Art Opportunities

Sense of Arrival: Parking Lot Revitalization
Call for Proposals for 3 Public Art Opportunities
St. John’s International Airport

Submission Deadline: January 17, 2025

Please note: in order to streamline communication and ensure fair access to equal information about this opportunity, the Frequently Asked Questions section at the bottom of this document will be updated weekly with additional information as questions from the community come in throughout the process.

Public Art Opportunity Overview: 

The St. John’s International Airport invites applications from professional artists or artist teams to create public artwork(s) for the proposed redevelopment of the airport’s parking lot expansion. There are 3 sites for outdoor public artworks, which will contribute to the Airport’s ongoing Sense of Arrival initiative. 

Completion and installation of the artworks are expected to coincide with the opening of the new parking lot in July 2025.

About St. John’s International Airport

St. John’s International Airport Authority (SJIAA) connects Newfoundland and Labrador with the world. We are a private, not-for-profit, non-share capital corporation that provides safe and efficient air transportation services at the most easterly airport and city in North America. We are Newfoundland and Labrador’s premier transportation gateway, and we serve as an important catalyst for business and economic growth throughout the province.

Along with our partners in aviation, we are committed to offering an exceptional airport experience for our passengers and enhancing the economic, environmental, social, and cultural wellbeing of our community. We enable tourism and business growth, provide an essential transportation hub for the delivery of critical products and services, and offer a welcoming environment where families and friends both reunite and say goodbye.

We are committed to developing programming and artwork that offer passengers a singular and memorable experience that will shape their first and last impressions of this place. Time spent at the Airport should be comfortable, engaging, and resonant: what passengers see, hear, and experience at the Airport will spark their imaginations and connect them to the unique spirit of Newfoundland and Labrador. 

For arriving passengers, this experience will evoke anticipation, or the familiar pride of returning home. Departing passengers will leave with a sense of excitement, already building their "must-see" list for their next visit.

The Sense of Arrival initiative positions the Airport as a central part of the Newfoundland and Labrador experience while contributing to the province’s economic growth and development. Sense of Arrival: Parking Lot Revitalization is the second project in this multi-year initiative focusing on enhancing the space where journeys begin and end. As the parking lot infrastructure evolves over time, some of these artworks may eventually be relocated to maintain their prominence and visibility. 

Potential Themes or Artwork Considerations:

We invite proposals that respond to at least one of the following themes. 

Theme 1: Gateways and Transitions
The airport is not just a physical location but a threshold—a point of arrival and departure, representing transitions in both personal journeys and broader cultural exchanges. We invite artists to explore how the airport serves as a gateway to Newfoundland and Labrador, and the communities and places in the province beyond St. John’s. The theme of "Gateways and Transitions" can encompass various aspects of transition and change, including:

• Transitions in Life: Reflecting moments of arrival, departure, reunion, or change.

• Local to Global Movement: The flow of people from around the world to this unique part of the continent and back.

• Sense of Belonging and Receptivity: Welcoming newcomers, immigrants, and returning locals alike, embracing cultural diversity and shared experiences.

• Cycles of Change: From daily rhythms to seasonal shifts, transitions are often marked by natural and human-made cycles.

Keywords and concepts to consider: Arrival, Departure, Welcome, Homecoming, New Beginnings, Transformation, Boundaries, Connections, Receptivity, Cycles, Flow, Movement, Gateways.

---

Theme 2: Nature and Built Environments
Newfoundland and Labrador's landscape is defined by a striking contrast between its natural beauty and modern built environments. The province's culture and identity sit at the intersection of these two worlds—where rugged, untamed nature meets urban innovation and development. We encourage artists to explore the relationship between the natural world and the spaces shaped by human activity, examining how these environments coexist and shape life in Newfoundland and Labrador. Artworks can consider:

• Weather and Climate: Responding to or interacting with Newfoundland and Labrador's dynamic and unpredictable weather– fog, wind, and seasonal shifts that impact and shape both the natural environment and our experience of public spaces.

• Urban and Rural: Examining the balance between modern progress and the desire to connect with nature, and how this interplay is reflected in the province's diverse places and ecosystems.

• Seasons and Rhythms: Reflecting on how the cycles of nature influence life in the province, from long winters to short yet vibrant summers, and how these shifts shape the built environment, human experience and cultural practices across the province.

Keywords and concepts to consider: Coast, Terrain, Nature, Urban, Built Environment, Weather, Climate, Seasons, Rhythms, Patterns, Atmosphere, Elements, Ecosystems, Cycles, Identity, Connection to Place, Nature as a refuge, Progress, Wilderness.

---

Theme 3: Movement and Adventure
As a global gateway and a hub for travellers, St. John’s International Airport is a place where stories of adventure, exploration, and movement come together. Whether it’s the excitement of a journey beginning or the relief of returning home, the airport represents a point of connection that bridges people, places, and cultures. This theme invites artists to respond to the excitement of exploration, and the sense of connection and discovery that comes with movement. It can also speak to the idea of boundaries—both physical and conceptual—and the fluidity of these boundaries in our modern world.

• Exploration and Travel: The thrill of new destinations, unknown paths, and the discovery of new sights, places and communities.

• Connection through Movement: The links between St. John’s and communities across the province and the globe, and how travel fosters connection and understanding.

• Maps and Navigation: The physical and metaphorical systems of navigation that guide travellers, whether through the landscape or in their life journeys. How can maps be used as tools for dialogue or to chart experiences, public opinions, emotions and memories?

Keywords and concepts to consider: Adventure, Journey, Travel, Global, Local, Navigation, Borders, Connection, Maps, Exploration, Paths, Movement, Discovery, Boundaries, Horizons, Direction, Perspective.

Site Locations:

We’re seeking artwork for three locations. Artists/artist teams are welcome to submit proposals for one, two or all three sites. Submissions of concepts that coordinate artworks between multiple sites are also welcome. 

Click the button below to download a PDF of the site plans and renderings for the St. John’s International Airport Public Art Proposed Locations.

Site plans by Mills & Wright

Site 1: Exit Plaza
This artwork sits at the gateway to the airport. All vehicles exiting the airport will pass by this work on their way to the Exit Plaza and if they are queued, they will have time to admire the artwork from their vehicle. which will be visible from 360 degrees and is located near a crosswalk allowing pedestrians to view the artwork as well. The artwork will sit on a landscaped median that is approximately 45 square meters, with a diameter of 7 meters and the surrounding landscaping includes medium and large boulders, wave berm and wildflower mix. There are no specific height requirements for this site. 

Fees: The budget for this artwork, including all artist fees, materials, and travel costs,  and the creation of a maintenance plan is $40,000. The artist fees should make up 45% - 65% of the budget.*

Site plans by Mills & Wright

---

Site 2: Arrivals/Short-Term Parking
This artwork sits directly outside the main Arrivals doors of the airport, adjacent to the sidewalk that forms the border between short-term parking and the drop-off/pick-up lanes. This work will be visible from 360 degrees, including from inside the airport, World Parkway, short-term parking and Airport Terminal Building (ATB). It may also be accessible by people moving to and from the airport, waiting for rides, airport employees on a break, etc. The artwork will sit on a concrete or flagstone surface that is approximately 5 square meters with a 2.5 meter diameter and will include benches, trees and picnic tables. There is no minimum height requirement, but artworks taller than five feet will have greater visibility from a distance. Works proposed for this site must be shorter than the adjacent covered walkway, which is approximately 6 meters high. 

Fees: The budget for this artwork, including all artist fees, materials, and travel costs, and the creation of a maintenance plan, is $20,000. The artist fees should make up 50% - 70% of the budget.* 

Site plans by Mills & Wright

---

Site 3: Short Term Exit
This artwork sits between the short-term and rental parking lots, adjacent to the sidewalk that forms the border between short-term and rental lots, and set against a covered concourse. This work will be visible from 360 degrees, including from the short-term exit lanes, and the short-term, Gold Pass, and rental parking lots. The artwork will sit on a landscaped median that is approximately 13 square meters with a 4 meter diameter and the surrounding landscaping will include a large boulder and new coniferous trees. There is no minimum height requirement, but artworks taller than five feet will have greater visibility from a distance.

Fees: The budget for this artwork, including all artist fees, materials, and travel costs, and the creation of a maintenance plan, is $20,000. The artist fees should make up 50% - 70% of the budget.* 

Site plans by Mills & Wright

Budget

The total budget for the three components of this project is $80,000 CAD, excl. HST. This has been broken down to reflect the scale of opportunity at each site:

• Site 1: Exit Plaza: $40,000

• Site 2: ATB/Short-Term Parking: $20,000

• Site 3: Short-Term Exit: $20,000
  
  

Click the button to download the fillable PDF budget template. The Budget Template was updated on December 20, 2024.

These budgets are intended to cover all fees and production costs associated with the creation and manufacture of each artwork, including artists' fees for individuals or teams of artists. However, the budget for the preparation of the site infrastructure will not be borne by the Artist. 

Budgets are in Canadian dollars and exclude HST.

For further information about building budgets for public art projects, please refer to CARFAC’s Public Art Fees recommendations. 

Eligibility 

The opportunity is open to artists of all career stages. Artists without previous experience with large-scale public artworks should include a letter of reference to help demonstrate their ability to take on this new challenge. Projects by contemporary artists, collaborations between artists and researchers or collaborators (i.e. engineers, architects, etc) working in other disciplines relevant to the theme, are welcome and encouraged. Preference may be given to artists residing in or with connections to the province. 

The Airport believes that diversity strengthens and enriches us, and we are committed to helping to make our province a more diverse and equitable place. Indigenous artists, artists from racialized communities, and artists from other equity-seeking groups are welcome and encouraged to apply. If you wish to self-identify, please do so in your proposal. 

Selection Process

The artwork(s) for this project will be selected through a competitive open call process, guided by Business & Arts NL. Selection committee members will include artists/art professionals, community members and project representatives. Artists/Artist teams are invited to develop a proposal based on the provided project brief. Please read all components, site diagrams and the FAQ section of the call for proposals carefully before submitting.

Artists/artist teams are welcome to submit proposals for one, two or all three sites. Submissions of concepts that coordinate artworks between multiple sites are also welcome, however, each site requires its own application.

Submission Deadline: January 17, 2025

Potential supplementary Proposal Materials requested (TBD): February 4, 2025

Potential supplementary Proposal Materials due (TBD): February 14, 2025

Notification of Results: late February 2025

Assessment Criteria: 

Proposals will be assessed based on the proposed project’s relevance, feasibility, and connection to the stated theme and the following criteria:

• Artistic merit of project proposal, past work, professional qualifications, and experience

• Demonstrates understanding of the opportunity to create a contemporary piece of public artwork that responds to one of the proposed themes

• Examples of past work demonstrate artistic excellence, are relevant to the project objectives and demonstrate an ability and readiness to scale work into a public commission

• A realistic budget and feasible workplan to execute a project of this scope and an ability to work collaboratively with the existing project team including project partners; manufacturing, technical, and installation contractors engaged to help realize a finished public artwork. Not all applicants will have had this previous work experience, so please highlight any comparable experiences.

• Selected artworks will be durable, long-lasting, safe and low-maintenance

• The proposed artworks should work in harmony with the site, surroundings, and landscaping

• SJIAA is working to become a leader in environmental stewardship and welcomes submissions of artworks that embrace sustainability and inspire dialogue about a greener future.

The Selection Committee will score submissions in three broad categories:

Artistic Value (40%)

How does the project respond to the brief? Does it demonstrate an understanding of the opportunity to create a contemporary piece of public artwork that responds to one of the proposed themes? Do examples of past work demonstrate artistic excellence? 

Impact (30%)

How will visitors, travellers, residents and staff experience the work? How will the submitted artwork work in harmony with the site, surroundings, and landscaping? How will this opportunity impact the artist’s career? What is the anticipated durability and longevity of the work? 

Feasibility (30%) 

Is the budget reasonable? Is the timeline feasible given the scope of the project, and the necessity to work collaboratively with the existing project team including project partners; manufacturing, technical, and installation contractors? Do the artist’s CV and other materials submitted demonstrate an ability and readiness to realize this project?

Submission Requirements 

Request for Proposals 
All applications must be submitted through this online form. The following application materials must be combined into a single PDF and uploaded to the online application form. PDFs must not exceed 10MB in total size. Please review our  "How to Apply" section below for additional prompts/guidelines when preparing your submission. 

1. Project and Applicant Information form, please complete the online application form found here.

2. Project Proposal (1 page or 500-750 words max), a detailed description of your project, please see the “How to Apply” section below for more information and prompts. 

3. Concept & Design Mockup or Render (1-3 views) with technical specifications detailed

4. Annotated Portfolio/Images of previous work (max 10 images, add guidelines for video) that includes artwork title, date, media and dimensions.

5. Budget, please use this template and include it in your PDF package. Submissions in different formats will not be accepted.

6. CV – Artist resume (three pages maximum) For teams, submit a CV for each artist team member (3 pages maximum per member), or a combined CV if the team has an extensive history working together.

7. Brief Artist Bio (100 words max) For teams, submit a brief bio for each artist team member (100 words max per team member)

8. Basic Workplan, please refer to the timeline below for additional information when developing your workplan.

9. Professional References (optional) You may wish to provide a letter of reference from a professional acquaintance who can speak to your artistic practice and suitability for this project*.

10. Anonymous Survey Information (required) This form is to be completed by the Artist/Artist Team as part of your submission. Once completed, please screenshot the confirmation page and upload it to your submission form. The personal information collected on this form is anonymous and confidential. Your survey answers are not linked to your application in any way.

    *Experience with permanent public projects is an asset, but not a requirement.

If necessary, an honorarium of $500 will be provided to artists/artist teams who are requested by the selection committee to develop additional materials about their proposed project. Supplementary materials will only be requested if the committee is strongly considering two applications for the same site and requires more details to make an informed decision. 

Submissions are due by January 17, 2025 at 11:59 pm NST. All artists will be notified of the results in late February 2025. An online information session for the project will take place on December 17, 2024 at 10 am. Please register online here.

Questions? Please Contact: info@businessandartsnl.com

How to Apply

The following is additional information about the different components of your application:

Project Proposal (500-750 words max), please provide a detailed description of your project, and be sure to address the following elements:

• Concept - This is the “what” and “why” of your proposal. For example:

• What ideas or curiosities are motivating this project?

• What are the aesthetic and/or conceptual details of the proposal?

• How does the project relate to the brief?

• Explain how visitors, travellers, residents and staff will experience the work

• Logistical/Technical - This is the “how” of your proposal. For example:

• Are there elements that require fabrication or building on-site?

• Will there be video, audio or lighting equipment exposed to the elements?

• Describe the durability and longevity of the proposed work

• Qualifications and Experience 

• Describe your interest and why your art practice, relevant experience and ability make you well-suited for this project

• If you are new to public artwork commissions please describe why you’re ready to take on this challenge and how your artistic process would inform your approach to this opportunity

• Describe the nature of any planned collaborations

Brief Artists’ Biography – up to 100 words. For teams, submit a single document with a brief bio for each artist team member (100 words per team member).

Artist Resume/C.V. – (one per artist for teams, maximum 3 pages per C.V.)

• A CV is a chronological overview of your artistic professional history and major achievements.

• Things to include: contact information, education, exhibition history, grants and awards, and relevant professional experience.

• Hamilton Arts Council has an excellent guide and links to additional resources about how to prepare a CV here on their website.

Annotated Portfolio/Images of previous work – Submit up to ten (10) images or links to video documentation of your artwork.

• include the artwork title, date, media and dimensions

• if including past examples of public artworks including the commissioner and location of the work

• for video documentation please provide links to Vimeo, YouTube or your site and if necessary indicate the timestamp to start and stop viewing. Assessors will view up to a maximum of 2 minutes of footage.

Estimated project timeline (2024-2025)

The timeline is provided as a guideline and is subject to change.

November – December 2024 

Public call opens: on December 2, 2024

Online information session about the project: December 17, 2024

January – March 2025

Deadline for applications: January 17, 2025

The selection committee meets to review applications: February 3, 2025

Supplementary Proposal Materials (if applicable): February 4-14, 2025

Notification of Results: late February 2025

March 2025 - May 2025 

Design, creation, and fabrication of artwork: Ongoing

Artist/Client Consultation/progress report meeting 1: March, 2025

Artist Site visits: March, 2025

Site visit 2 (if applicable): May, 2025

Artist/Client Consultation/progress report meeting 2: May, 2025

Progress documentation by artists: Ongoing

June 2025 - July 2025

Installation of artwork on site: July 14-25, 2025 (pending construction schedule)

Public unveiling/opening event: July 31, 2025 

---

FAQs

• Would be possible to access the 3D Site Plan files?

  3D files aren’t available at this time, but the .dwg file (see bottom of this page to download) has contours and proposed elevations in 2-D.

  Please note, any artists interested in using this file will need CAD or another software to be able to view this.

• Will artists be required to provide a certificate of general liability insurance in order to install their artworks?

  SJIAA have general wrap-liability and insurance specifically for the parking lot renovation. Therefore, no insurance requirements for artists.

• Can you explain the annotated portfolio a bit more? Should it be a PDF with all images and information in one document?

  The annotated portfolio is a concise document that showcases examples of your work to help illustrate your past projects and what your proposed project might eventually look like. We recommend having one image with the accompanying descriptive information (year made, medium, etc.) per page. All application materials (proposal, CV, portfolio, etc…) will be submitted as a single PDF file.

• How does the overall budget reflect the current market’s prices of materials?

  This budget likely isn’t large enough for some materials traditionally used in large, sculptural public art projects. We encourage you to consider alternative concepts and materials that allow for projects that meet the brief and also provide sufficient artist fees.

• Can private sponsors who provide an extra amount be allowed if the proposed concept exits the airport budget?

  Unfortunately, no, this would make it hard to fairly evaluate competing submissions. 

• What is the expected lifetime of these works?

  The Airport would like to see works that can survive at least 5-10 years before needing to be refurbished or replaced.

• What is the security for each site?

  The airport has security personnel onsite 24/7 and thorough coverage of the entire property using video surveillance.

• Can you please explain more about the technical specifications you’d like to see included? Do you want to see engineered drawings or a diagram that shows materials, size, etc?

  You can provide a refined sketch, using whatever medium you like; artists are not expected to buy/learn a new technological tool in order to submit.

  This part of the proposal is a proof of concept - demonstrating how the work relates to the site information provided. At a bare minimum, you should have the dimensions of your proposed scale. Do your best to give as much detail as possible, which demonstrates that you’ve thought through the logistics, the scale, how this work is going to relate to the environment, how you hope and expect people to be interacting with this work spatially. 

  This doesn’t have to be the absolute final drawing of your concept - if you’re awarded the contract, this is when further refinement of your concept and the full work of preparing the project begins

• Who will install the artworks and what costs will be borne by the artist related to installation?

  The artist is responsible for all costs associated with the artworks until they arrive on site.  Artists will be expected to be onsite to lead and coordinate artwork installation. Re installation, the site team can supply equipment and trades labour under the direction of the artist and at no cost to the artist, if requested. The artist will not be expected to pay for foundational infrastructure (i.e. concrete base) or lighting to illuminate the work at night. The selected artists will work with the construction team to finalize the design specifics of the base and fasteners. Any costs other than installation on site will be borne by the artist.

• Does the work have to have a concrete base?

  No. A concrete base is not a requirement. Works should be designed to avoid theft and withstand a variety of weather conditions, but are not required to be erected on a concrete pad.

• If there is a proposal for a site (specifically site 1) that is over-budget, is there an opportunity to reallocate some of the budget away from other sites?

  Given the budget constraints and the fact that all submissions are welcome to use the full value of the budget in each proposal, the only circumstance under which this would be possible is if an artist or artist group submitted a proposal encompassing all three artworks, and was selected to create all three.

• Can we include a Canada Council Travel grant in our budget (if we are not local)?

  The budget for this project is formatted such that travel expenses are considered part of the artists’ fees. Selected artists from outside the Avalon Peninusla are encouraged to apply for travel funding to offset these expenses and we will provide a letter of support for this. 

• How many references would you like?

  References are not a mandatory requirement, but the option is there for artists who don’t have a public art portfolio but feel ready to take on a new challenge and can use references to help demonstrate their readiness to do so. If choosing to do so, please include no more than two. 

• Do you expect to have shortlisted submissions and a second round of applications?

  In order to maximize production timelines for artists, our first choice is to select successful projects in a single selection process. However, we have allotted a small budget ($500 per project) and a brief timeline (~2 weeks) should it be necessary to ask some artists for clarification, additional information, further discussion etc. 

• Do all team members need to be professional visual artists?

  No. Artists of all disciplines are welcome to apply, and multidisciplinary teams (for example, collaborating with designers, architects, engineers etc.) are more than welcome. 

• If selected, I can’t meet the tight turnaround time for this project. Can I still submit a proposal, but propose a delivery timeframe in 2026?

  No, sorry, projects must be deliverable by July 2025.

• What would be the payment schedule based on percentages over the duration of the project?

  The artist fee will be paid 50% upon signing a contract, 25% mid-production, and 25% upon delivery.

• I’ve never created a public artwork before - can I still submit?

  Absolutely.

• Can submit a video rather than a written proposal?

  Applicants are welcome to provide the Project Proposal portion of your application by video rather than written form. This would replace the 500-750 word description (i.e. please do not submit both a written and video response for the same portion of the application). A video of up to five minutes is fine - please note, the selection committee won't watch past the 5 minute mark in order to try to keep video and written submissions of a similar length and not create an unfair advantage. Please also note that your video submission shouldn't be a presentation format, with images or videos included, but rather an interview-style statement from you. Again, this is meant to make it possible to equally assess video and written submissions. 

  Video submissions should be filed as part of your single pdf application, using a link to a vimeo or youtube video and clearly labelled "Project Proposal". 

Call for Selection Committee Members – Public Art 2025

Deadline to submit: December 20, 2024

Are you a visual artist, curator, art writer, critic, historian, or academic interested in public art? 

Business & Arts NL works with clients in the private and public sectors to commission indoor and outdoor public art of a wide variety, including murals, sculpture, artist residencies, interactive art installations, and more. Part of the success of these projects lies in careful consideration and discussion of submissions, including the voices of members of the public, project partners, and professional artists. 

We are seeking visual artists, curators, art writers, and academics interested in participating in a selection committee for one of our projects in 2025. You will work alongside project partners and Business & Arts staff to:

• Review the submissions

• Discuss which works are eligible according to the given criteria and the site specifics

• Share your thoughts about how we can drive engagement with public art, foster learning and respect for diverse artistic practices, and recommend artist proposals for the proposed site

Business & Arts NL is committed to paying artist fees in accordance with CARFAC’s guidelines. Committee members will be paid $376 for a half-day consultation, including reviewing the applications in advance, or $664 for a full day’s work. In rare circumstances, the total amount of work can stretch to two days’ worth, for projects with lots of applications. 

Interested in joining us? Please submit a CV and a statement of interest (written or video) as follows:

Written and video submissions should address some of the following:

• Why are you interested in supporting public art initiatives?

• Any specific qualifications in public art?

• Prior experience with juries or assessment committees?

• Any specialized skills or expertise that you believe would be valuable for this work? (e.g. Indigenous engagement, working with specific equity-deserving communities, technical production skills, etc.) 

• What makes for a great piece of public art? 

Video submissions should last no longer than 5 minutes. Assessors will not listen past the 5-minute mark. 

Please submit your applications to: info@businessandartsnl.com no later than December 20, 2024.

We’ll confirm receipt of your submission, but will only reach out if/when an opportunity arises in 2025 for which we think you’re a good match. We anticipate facilitating at least 4 opportunities in 2025, for which we’ll require up to 8 selection committee members. 

Questions? Contact Amy at ahenderson@businessandartsnl.com 

Call for Graphic Designers – Poster Design

Old Earth Arborists is seeking a graphic designer or illustrator to design a poster to help them advertise their annual tree chipping fundraiser, for which the proceeds will go to the Jacob Puddister Foundation.

They’re looking for a graphic designer or illustrator to design a single asset that can be used as a printed poster and as a digital poster to be shared via email, and posted on the Jacob Puddister Foundation’s Facebook page. They’re looking for something with a unique, local flair that reflects the eco-friendly nature of their brand. This is the third time they will have partnered with a local artist on this initiative. You can see past posters here and here. 

The poster will be used for this year’s event only and will be circulated from December 13 to January 11, inclusive. 

The artist fee offered is $300.

Interested? Please email info@oldearth.ca with a one-paragraph statement of interest, and three images of previous work. Please title your email: submission – your name – graphic design.

Any questions about the call can also be directed to info@oldearth.ca.

Timeline:

• Submission deadline: Thursday, November 14, 2024

• Artist selected: no later than November 19, 2024

• Final image to be delivered by: December 9, 2024

• Event: January 11, 2025

About Old Earth Tree Care:

Old Earth aims to reach a balance with the tree manager, tree health and environment when prescribing treatment and maintenance solutions. As a priority, practical retention and mitigation options are explored, evaluated, and implemented. Then, where risk from structural, proximal, and decay exist, further assessment and pruning or removal are performed in order to keep people and property out of harm’s way.

Trees are sensitive organisms and experience stress from many biological and physical factors including heavy or improper pruning, topping, and stem or branch injury. These factors can cause unnatural growth response, weak limb attachment, structural defects, diminished esthetics and value. Often a tree will require a schedule of maintenance to achieve and maintain vigor, splendor and an attractive structure while considering the healing capabilities of the tree.

Old Earth specializes in corrective pruning, tree retention, risk mitigation; young tree development, maintenance and management solutions for home, business or estate. Old Earth and its staff are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or in an accredited apprenticeship program. We are an equal opportunity employer paying living wages, providing comprehensive benefits, ongoing industry training and carry injury and liability insurance.

About the Jacob Puddister Memorial Foundation:

The Jacob Puddister Memorial Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to providing mental health resources to youth in Newfoundland and Labrador while contributing to the effort to eliminate the stigma associated with mental health challenges. They honour that mission by providing free counselling and peer-support to youth ages 12-35, creating groups to address the specific needs of folks in our community, and through various community partnerships that are aligned with their goals and values. You can read more about JPMF on their website www.jpmemorialfoundation.com.

Old Earth has formed a partnership with The Jacob Puddister Memorial Foundation, who provide critical therapeutic and mental health support for youth. All firewood, mulch and fundraising revenues are donated in support.

Call for Testimonials – Year of the Arts Impact Measurement

Do You Have a Year of the Arts Success Story to Share?

Year of the Arts contributed $15 million dollars to the arts sector in Newfoundland and Labrador. We'd love your help in sharing the incredible impact this initiative has had on artists, organizations, communities, and the economy.

As the Year of the Arts wraps up, Business & Arts NL is excited to spotlight the transformative effects of this funding boost in an upcoming Spotlight on Partnerships newsletter. We want to highlight the real stories behind the numbers – how this support has empowered creativity and growth in Newfoundland and Labrador’s arts sector. Join us in celebrating these successes by sharing your experience.

How to help

We are looking for 150-350 word testimonials about how this funding made a positive impact this year, accompanied by a photograph. Please email info@businessandartsnl.com by November 22. 2024.

Not sure where to begin? Here are some ideas to guide your response:

Share one great outcome from your project. Whether it’s a powerful story, impressive statistics, or personal reflections, share a standout achievement that came from your Year of the Arts funding.

Areas to consider when telling your story:

Impact on Artists:

• Which artists were impacted? (Consider their demographics, career stages, or location.)

• How were they impacted? (Think about financial gains, increased audience exposure, new collaborations, and artistic development.)

Impact on Audiences:

• Who participated or engaged with your work? (Share audience numbers, demographic information, and audience feedback.)

• What did they participate in? (Events, workshops, exhibitions?)

Impact on Your Organization:

• How did this impact audience engagement? (Include social media interactions, website traffic, and networking opportunities.)

• How was your staff affected? (Number of staff hired, length and quality of contracts, professional development opportunities.)

• Did this enhance your organization’s connections with the community? (New relationships, partnerships, collaborations.)

• How did this align with your organization's goals? (For example, advancing Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and/or Truth and Reconciliation initiatives.)

Impact on the Community:

• How did the project foster volunteerism? (Who volunteered? Why did they participate? How much time did they give?)

• Did the project increase belonging, inclusion, or social cohesion? (Share testimonials or examples of diverse stakeholder involvement.)

• What teaching or learning opportunities emerged?

Impact on the Economy:

• How did your project boost tourism or contribute to the local economy? (Revenue generated through a multiplier effect.)

• What employment opportunities were created? (Number of staff hired, length and quality of contracts, where these opportunities happened)

• What additional funding or revenue streams did your project bring in? (Ticket sales, product sales, or new relationships with donors/sponsors.)

Share your stories by Nov 22 to be included in the Spotlight!

Call for Submissions – Mural Artists Town of Hopedale

Deadline to Submit: November 15, 2024

Project Description: 

This project is for any local artist(s) interested in painting a mural for our town using the theme Them Days, or something along those lines. The Community Centre is used by all groups and ages, for community feasts etc., and we want to create a mural that will express our culture in diverse ways. The mural will be created inside the Nanuk Community Centre on a fibre resin wall. Artists may paint directly on the wall or propose a digital design that can be printed on vinyl. The total size of the available wall is 70 feet 6 inches. The artist will not be expected to use the whole wall – please share what area of the wall you will use in your submission. Upon completion, the artist will be invited to participate in an unveiling, where they can talk about their vision for the mural and what it depicts.

Who Can Apply

• Artists of all levels of experience (emerging through established) are welcome to apply.

• We welcome submissions in a variety of media (i.e. concepts to be painted by hand, photo/digital artworks).

• Applicants must reside in Hopedale

• Experience in or an openness to community-engaged visual arts practice is preferred
  

Compensation:  

The selected artist will be paid artist fees of up to $10,000 including HST (if applicable) for all design and creation, materials, safety equipment, assistant artists, safety training, taxes and insurance, which need to be outlined in the budget template provided below.

The Paint Shop will also provide up to $300 worth of paints for this project.

Submission Requirements: Please submit the following by email in a single PDF to: hopedaletownmanager@nf.aibn.com

1. A description (max 500 words) and concept sketch of your proposed mural for this space.

2. A 200-word bio

3. A link to your website or portfolio

4. A project budget in the template provided (including artist fees, materials, insurance, assistant artist fees, and any other costs the artist may incur related to this project.

5. A basic workplan - including what days and hours you would be able to work

6. Up to five images of previous works that can help illustrate the style you have in mind for this project (please indicate the title, date, medium, and dimensions of each work).

Selection Process:

The Hopedale Inuit Community Government staff and councillors will decide on who will be selected.

Evaluation:

Eligible submissions will be evaluated based on the:

• Relevance of the proposed project to the program theme and clarity of ideas

• Feasibility and scope of the project plan that demonstrates your capacity to undertake the proposed project

• Impact, the potential of the project to contribute to and advance your artistic practice and/or professional development

• Budget a reasonable budget that fairly compensates the artist and collaborators and that aligns with the proposed project (please use the template provided)

Timeline:

• Submission deadline: November 15, 2024.

• The successful candidate will be contacted by December 1, 2024.

• Mural painting to take place between January 2 and February 28, 2025.

Questions?

Please contact
Christine Foltz-Vincent
Hopedale Town Manager
hopedaletownmanager@nf.aibn.com
709-933-3386

FAQs

Do you accept submissions for painted and digital artworks? 

Designs may be considered for a digitally printed work on vinyl or similar substrate or painting by the artist. 

Is this opportunity only for Hopedale residents? 

Yes 

This initiative is part of the Our Creative Home project, delivered by Municipalities NL and Business & Arts NL, and supported by the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, in celebration of the Year of the Arts. 

Call for Submissions – Mural Artists “Recreation for All”

Deadline to Submit: October 18, 2024

Project Description: 

The Town of Pasadena is inviting submissions from artists interested in painting a mural in the main entrance of Pasadena Place, our community centre. The aim of this mural is to visually communicate that the recreation center is a welcoming space for everyone, embracing diversity in age, ability, background, and interests. By showcasing a variety of activities and representations, the mural will foster a sense of belonging and encourage community engagement.

The wall space for the mural (see image below) is 10 feet tall and 20 feet wide, and is painted drywall which will need to be primed by the artist. The selected artist could choose to fill the entire space but is not required to; please make clear the format/size you would plan to use in your submission.

Photo of where the murals will be installed. The size of the wall is 10’ (high) x 20’ (wide)

We are seeking proposals from artists interested in creating a mural that reflects the following elements:

Diverse Activities Depicted

• Sports: Show a variety of sports such as basketball, soccer, pickleball, tennis, volleyball, and baseball.

• Arts and Crafts: Include painting, quilting, knitting, and other creative activities.

• Fitness and Wellness: Depict activities like yoga, aerobics, line dancing, and intergenerational events.

• Community Events: Illustrate events such as dance classes, cultural festivals, heritage workshops and community meetings.

• Outdoor Activities: Show hiking, biking, picnicking, bus tours, and gardening to emphasize connection with nature.

Representation of Different Age Groups

• Children: Playing on a playground, learning to swim, or participating in a craft class.

• Teens: Engaged in team sports, skateboarding, or attending Friday Night Youth.

• Adults: Working out in the gym, taking a yoga class, or playing pickleball.

• Seniors: Participating in gentle exercise classes, gardening, or line dancing.

Inclusivity in Abilities

• Include individuals with disabilities participating in various activities, such as a person in a wheelchair playing basketball, someone with a guide dog jogging, and youth participants with their worker.

Cultural Diversity

• Depict people from different cultural backgrounds enjoying recreational activities together to reflect the diversity of the community.

Community Background

In 2016 we opened Pasadena Place, a state-of-the-art community centre. Pasadena Place is a multi-sport and fitness complex designed for residents of Pasadena and surrounding areas to assist in providing a healthy lifestyle. Pasadena Place is surrounded by numerous outdoor recreation facilities including a soccer field, tennis/pickleball courts, basketball courts, softball/baseball fields, a playground, walking trails, splash pad and an age-friendly mud kitchen and sensory garden. A paved walkway around our building and the connecting paths to all these facilities make it the most-used facility in the community. The addition of a mural depicting all the activities centered around our facility will surely make our place, Pasadena Place, the envy of many other communities within the province.

Compensation:  

The selected artist will be paid artist fees of up to $10,000 including HST (if applicable) for all design and creation. Materials, safety equipment, assistant artists, safety training, taxes and insurance, etc. need to be included in the artist fees outlined in the budget. 

Additional fees for travel expenses for an artist not living within the community will be provided. 

The Paint Shop will also provide up to $300 worth of paints for this project.

Submission Requirements: Please submit the following by email in a single PDF to: wwight@pasadena.ca

• A description (max 500 words) and concept sketch of your proposed mural for this space. 

• A 200-word bio 

• A link to your website or portfolio 

• A project budget in the template provided including artist fees, materials, insurance, assistant artist fees, and any other costs the artist may incur related to this project. 

• A basic workplan – Please indicate if you would need to travel from outside the community, and how long you would anticipate being in residence to paint/install. 

• Up to five images of previous works that can help illustrate the style you have in mind for this project (please indicate the title, date, medium, and dimensions of each work).

Selection Process:

The Selection Committee will include three individuals including representatives from Pasadena Place, the Town of Pasadena, and the community at large.

Evaluation:

Eligible submissions will be evaluated based on the:

• Relevance of the proposed project to the program theme and clarity of ideas

• Feasibility and scope of the project plan that demonstrates your capacity to undertake the proposed project

• Impact – the potential of the project to contribute to and advance your artistic practice and/or professional development

• Budget a reasonable budget that fairly compensates the artist and collaborators and that aligns with the proposed project (please use the template provided)

Who Can Apply

• Preference may be given to artists residing in Newfoundland and Labrador, and travel expenses will only be provided to artists living within the province, but outside of the community. (See budget template for more information about travel expenses). 

• Artists of all levels of experience, from emerging to established, are welcome to apply. 

• As this mural will be painted while the facility is in use by the community, please submit a plan that includes only non-aerosolized and low-VOC products.  

Timeline:

• Submission deadline: October 18, 2024.

• The successful candidate will be contacted by November 1, 2024.

• Mural painting to take place between Janruary 8 - 31.

Questions?

Please contact Wanda Wight, Director of Recreation & Community Services
wwight@pasadena.ca
(709)686-2075 ext. 302

This initiative is part of the Our Creative Home project, delivered by Municipalities NL and Business & Arts NL, and supported by the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, in celebration of the Year of the Arts. 

Call for Mural Artists – Trinity Bay North

Deadline Extended: October 31, 2024

Project Description: 

With support through Year of the Arts and the “Our Creative Home” initiative, the municipality of Trinity Bay North (TBN) will be inviting up to four artists to create four 4’ x 6.5’ murals (one for each community) to be installed in the Frank Power Chalet in Port Union. Coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the municipality, the theme of the mural will relate to “Unity Through Uniqueness” to celebrate the four communities of Melrose, Port Union, Catalina, and Little Catalina, coming together to form what is now the municipality of Trinity Bay North. The murals will engage and focus on the rich history, heritage and community present in each of the communities to celebrate the diverse arts and culture that has been cultivated over the last twenty years of formation. 

As part of the process, Trinity Bay North will be hosting an open Town Hall with the selected artist(s) to discuss their plan and any concerns residents may have about how their community is being represented. The format and structure of this Town Hall will be developed in consultation with the artist(s).

Location: 

Photo of where the murals will be installed in the Frank Power Chalet in Port Union. 

Note: The cork board on the wall will be removed to not obstruct the mural. 

The size of the wall is 9’ (floor to ceiling) x 18’ (door to wall). 4’ x 6’ Panels must be done in portrait to fit the space. If you have alternative measurements for the panels please include this in your proposal. Note that the height of the panels combined should not exceed 7’ to accommodate the heater and the air pump.

Community Background

Applicants are welcome to use the following resources from the Trinity Bay North Historical Society when creating their vision for the proposed mural. 

• Catalina

• Port Union

• Melrose

• Little Catalina

Applicants are also welcome to reach out to Union House Arts at unionhousearts@gmail.com for help with applications if needed.

Compensation:  

The total budget for artist fees for this project is $10,000 (including HST) for all design and creation. Additional fees for artists not living in the community (travel, accommodations, and a per diem for up to one week) will be provided if necessary. Please see the budget template for more details. The Paint Shop will provide up to $300 worth of paints for this project and the Municipality of Trinity Bay North will provide an additional $500 for mural supplies such as panels, boards, framing materials, etc.

For artists who apply as a group or a collective please include how the fee will be split among you in your draft budget.

Submission Requirements: Please submit the following by email in a single PDF to townmanager@personainternet.com

• A description (max 500 words) and concept sketch of your proposed mural for the space; in your description please include;

• Your connection to Trinity Bay North and/or why you are interested in the opportunity

• How you plan to represent both the history and contemporary culture of Trinity Bay North

• How this opportunity will propel your career and/or impact the community of Trinity Bay North

• A basic work plan which also indicates if you need to travel from outside the community, and how long you anticipate (if applicable) being in residence to paint/install

• A project budget that outlines artist fees, materials, safety equipment, assistant artists’ fees, safety training, taxes, and insurance (please see the provided budget template for more information, applicants are welcome to create their own budget template if needed).

• Examples of previous works that can help illustrate the style you have in mind for this project

• A 200-word biography

Who Can Apply

Artists from across the province of Newfoundland and Labrador are welcome to apply, however, artists who currently reside in Trinity Bay North or the surrounding areas on the Bonavista Peninsula will be prioritized. Artists can work in any medium (painters, photographers, printmakers, textile artists, etc) so long as the work can be mounted onto the 4’ x 6’ panels.

Experience in and/or openness to community-engaged visual arts practice is preferred but not necessary.

Timeline:

• The deadline for submissions is October 31, 2024. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. 

• The selected artist(s) must start the mural no later than December 1st, 2024, and have it completed before March 31, 2025.

Questions?

Applicants are also welcome to reach out to Union House Arts at unionhousearts@gmail.com for help with applications if needed.

This initiative is part of the Our Creative Home project, delivered by Municipalities NL and Business & Arts NL, and supported by the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, in celebration of the Year of the Arts. 

Call for Mural Artists – For The Town of Englee

Deadline to apply: Wednesday, September 20, 2024

Project Description: 

The Town of Englee is commissioning a mural project to be installed at our community Playground in the heart of our town. The mural will be created offsite on five 4-ft Dibond sheets that will be installed together to form one large artwork. It will be affixed and bordering the playground.

We want to engage an artist who will create imagery that demonstrates and celebrates the natural beauty and historic stories of our rural fishing community. The Mural could feature a story of our history, our once famous salt fish plant and salmon operation (salmon that was Served to the Queen herself), our many old historic buildings, some that were floated here in relocation times from various surrounding communities and/or our rich fishing heritage, beautiful walking trails, and gorgeous scenery. We are known as one of the closest points to the 1914 sealing disaster. We want to radiate that warm feeling of home that people get when they spend any amount of time here. We want to capture the magic that is rural Newfoundland and show people that there is no place like home!

Location: 

The mural will be mounted on the North facing section of our playground fence that is located at the centre of our beautiful town adjacent to a crossroads where all visitors entering town will be passing by. Surrounding our playground are three of our five churches, our Post Office, our boat launch and both of our local stores so basically it is one of the busiest places in our community.

Community Background

Englee is a town on the east side of the Great Northern Peninsula in a sheltered harbour on the northern headland of Canada Bay. In the early 1800s, four families inhabited the area, however, most settlers came between 1870 and 1900. The French were active in fishing operations in the 1860s and 1870s. The first settlers were fishermen, builders and trappers. Like many other outports of the time, each family grew its own vegetables and raised its own sheep and cattle.

In the late 1880s, the first fishing establishment was built and operated by Baxter Crocker, and it was still operating in 1980 as John Reeves Limited. In 1940 Canada Bay Cold Storage Company Limited began a fresh-frozen codfish and fresh salmon operation. The first school was built in 1900 and had an enrolment of 25. In 1978-79 the school had an enrolment of 305.

We still to this day remain a fishing community. We have many fishers that take in the inshore fishery. We are a community that takes pride in our heritage. We have five walking trails, each with unique views.

Learn more about us at: www.facebook.com/TownofEnglee

Compensation:  

The selected artist will be paid artist fees of up to $10,000 (including HST if applicable) for all design, creation, and material costs, excluding the Dibond panels. Materials, priming and preparation, and final clear-coating of the Dibond surfaces, (aside from a contribution of $300 worth of paints from the Paint Shop for painted murals), safety equipment, assistant artists, safety training, taxes and insurance, will be included in the artist fees, and need to be outlined in the budget. Additional fees for travel expenses for an artist not living within the community will be provided.

Submission Requirements: Please submit the following by email in a single PDF to: engleeoffice@bellaliant.com

• A project description/proposal (max 500 words) and concept sketch of your proposed mural for this space.

• A project budget using the template provided that includes artist fees, materials, insurance, assistant artist fees, and any other costs the artist may incur related to this project.

• A basic workplan (max 500 words). Please also indicate if you would need to travel from outside the community, and how long you would anticipate being in residence to paint/install.

• Up to five images of previous works that can help illustrate the style you have in mind for this project (please indicate the title, date, medium, and dimensions of each work) and a link to your website or social media channel.

• CV (artist resume)

Selection Process:

Our Council will be involved in the selection process which will consist of six individuals, including individuals responsible for community programming, infrastructure, and marketing.

Who Can Apply

• Preference may be given to artists residing in or connected to NL, and travel expenses will only be provided to artists living in NL but outside of the community

• Experienced Artists with 2-3 previous works would be an asset but not required.

• Emerging and experienced artists and photo/digital artists are welcome to apply

• Experience in and/or an openness to community-engaged visual arts practice is preferred

• The artist will be required to work with paints and or printed materials that are weatherproof and will stand up to our seasonal Newfoundland weather

Eligible submissions will be evaluated based on the:

• Relevance of the proposed project to the program theme and clarity of ideas

• Feasibility and scope of the project plan that demonstrates your capacity to undertake the proposed project

• Impact – the potential of the project to contribute to and advance your artistic practice and/or professional development

• Budget a reasonable budget that fairly compensates the artist and collaborators and that aligns with the proposed project

Timeline:

Submission deadline: September 20th, 2024

The successful candidate will be contacted by September 27, 2024

Project start date tentatively October 15th, 2024

Mural Completed and shipped to the Town by March 31, 2025

Mural Installation and Public Unveiling June/July 2025

The mural will be completed in the fall/winter months and stored until its installation which will take place between June and July 2025.

FAQS: 

Do you accept submissions for painted and digital artworks?

Designs may be considered for a digitally printed work on vinyl or similar substrate or painting by the artist.

Is this opportunity open to artists from outside of the province?

Travel funding is only available for artists travelling from within the province. 

Questions?

Please contact:
Samantha Brenton
709-866-2711
engleeoffice@bellaliant.com 

This initiative is part of the Our Creative Home project, delivered by Municipalities NL and Business & Arts NL, and supported by the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, in celebration of the Year of the Arts. 

Call for Mural Artists – For The Town of Burnt Islands

Deadline to apply: Wednesday, September 13th, 2024

Project Description: 

The Town of Burnt Islands is seeking to commission an artist(s) to paint a mural on the Hook and Line Interpretation Center.

Location: 

The Hook and Line Interpretation Center holds a café, an area to display local art, and a museum displaying artifacts.  Downstairs from the center is a local bait depot. The size of the mural will be ten feet long and eight feet tall on a primed gyprock wall.

Theme  

• The Mural is to represent our Community's Fishing Culture. The artwork will tell the story of the art of fishing and the multiple cultural techniques passed on to those who continue the art of fishing.

• In 2022 storm Fiona devastated parts of our coast, and the aftermath left our community battered and bruised. The building that included our Cultural Museum, the Hook and Line Interpretation Center, was damaged and required extensive repairs. The local Economic Development Board is in the process of managing the rebuild. This project is an opportunity to remind our community of its history of fortitude when facing any storm by featuring art that tells the story of the strength and fortitude of those who fish.

Artist Fees:  

• $10,000 for all design and creation, including taxes if applicable.  

• Materials to be supplied by Artists.

• The Paint Shop will provide up to $300 worth of paints for this project. 

• Additional funding is available for travel for Artists living more than 50 km away from the project site.

• A budget template is provided (see below).

Submission Requirements:

Please submit the following by email in a single PDF to townofburntisland@bellaliant.com

• A description (max 500 words) and concept sketch of your proposed mural for this space. 

• A 200-word bio

• Submit 3-4 images of previous works that can help illustrate the style you have in mind for this project (please indicate each work's title, date, medium, and dimensions). 

• A budget including artist fees including tax if applicable, materials, assistant artists, safety equipment, etc. 

Selection Process:

The Artist(s) will be chosen from a panel consisting of the Town Clerk Manager, the Director of Burnt Island Economic Board, and 3 Councilors from the Town of Burnt Islands.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must reside on the South West Coast of NL (South Branch to Rose Blanche)

• Individual artists or teams of artists are welcome to apply. Teams should indicate how the $10,000 fee will be split among teammates in the budget. 

Eligible submissions will be evaluated based on the:

• Relevance of the proposed project to the program theme and clarity of ideas

• Feasibility and scope of the project plan that demonstrates your capacity to undertake the proposed project

• Impact – the potential of the project to contribute to and advance your artistic practice and/or professional development

• Budget a reasonable budget that fairly compensates the artist and collaborators and that aligns with the proposed project

Timeline:

Submission deadline: September 13th, 2024

The successful candidate will be contacted by September 17th, 2024

Mural installation to be agreed on with the Artist(s) (between October 1, 2024 – March 31st, 2025)

Questions?

Please contact Roxanne Francis, Town Clerk Manager at 709-698-3512 or townofburntisland@bellaliant.com

This initiative is part of the Our Creative Home project, delivered by Municipalities NL and Business & Arts NL, and supported by the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, in celebration of the Year of the Arts. 

Call for Illustrators – 2024 Local Holiday Gift Guide Cover Graphics

Are you an illustrator, graphic designer and/or a visual artist with a strong graphic aesthetic? We’re looking for someone to produce vector-based art for our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide. You will work closely with our in-house graphic designer to create spot graphics that will be used for the cover of this year’s Holiday Gift Guide and in social media graphics to help promote it.

Please refer to last year’s guide to get an idea of content, interactivity and layout: https://businessandartsnl.com/local-holiday-gift-guide

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Interested?

Please compile the following into a single PDF and email to hazel@businessandartsnl.com

• 3 images of your work

• A brief description of your vision for the art you would like to create, and a brief description of your prior experience with vector-based/digital artwork

• A 200-word biography

• A link to your website or portfolio

The successful applicant will receive an artist fee of $300.

Timeline:

• Submission deadline: Tuesday, October 8, 2024.

• Notification of results will be sent by October 10, 2024.

• Final files will be due by November 1, 2024.

---

Previous Year’s Covers

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

---

⁠⁠FAQS:

• Is there a specific theme or guidelines to follow when submitting?

  We are looking for holiday-themed graphics and/or custom type that are colourful and bold. These spot graphics will be used to frame text, e.g., the titles on the front cover of the guide, or to frame information on social media posts.

  We are excited to see examples of type-driven designs that showcase custom type and/or hand lettering as the title is the focus of the cover.

  We encourage applicants to review our previous guides and our Instagram feed to better understand the style and application of the type of graphics we're looking for. So far we have had:

  • 2020 was a snowy landscape

  • 2021 was seasonal florals

  • 2022 was custom type and gifts that referenced hand-painted signs

  • 2023 was a winter wonderland skate scene

• Is there a limit on the number of pieces I can submit?

  Yes, 3 samples of work that demonstrate your creative style and ability to produce vector-based work. We also encourage you to provide a link to your website or Instagram page to give us the opportunity to view a broader range of your work.

• What format should I be submitting in?

  JPGs under 5MB.

Questions?

Please contact hazel@businessandartsnl.com.

Call for Submissions – 2024 Local Holiday Gift Guide

Artists and creative entrepreneurs…we're looking for you!

Our Local Holiday Gift Guide is one of our most popular offerings. But it wouldn't be anything without your talent, skill and creativity. That's why we're inviting you to help us make the 2024 edition the biggest and best yet! 

This interactive PDF lets shoppers click on a product image, taking them directly to your product page or website - giving you another way to showcase your work and connect with new audiences and potential customers! For more details, see our FAQs below.

Check out last year's guide to get an idea of content, interactivity and layout: https://businessandartsnl.com/local-holiday-gift-guide

Did You Know?

Our Holiday Gift Guide is used year-round (like by members of the business community, seeking products from local artists for gift ideas, swag bag items, etc.). If you sell items that are of a lower price point, that can be reproduced in larger quantities, it’s a great idea to submit those too!

Deadline: Friday, October 11, 2024

---

Submission Guidelines

Artists may submit three different items they’d like to have featured in the guide (we recommend choosing ones that are most likely to draw people to your online store or website).

Please provide the following for each item using our online form:

1. Product title/name

2. An image of the product/service

   • Required dimensions: 6” (w) by 6.5” (h) at minimum 72ppi or 517px (w) by 560px (h)

   • Images submitted with different proportions will be cropped to this format, which is roughly square.

   • One item per image.

   • We’ve provided templates sized to the correct dimensions below to help ensure your product images will fit.

   • Max image size is 4MB. Accepted formats include JPG, JPEG, PNG, GIF.

3. Price (or price range) for each product

4. A link to the specific product page on your site

Templates to help you resize you image files.

Below is a sample page from the 2023 gift guide to give you an idea of how your work will appear. Use the templates linked above to ensure each of your items fits proportionally within the image frames. Please refer to last year’s guide to get an idea of content, interactivity and layout: https://businessandartsnl.com/local-holiday-gift-guide/

Artist Information

1. Your name or business name

2. A short description of your business or the product/service you’d like featured (140 words max)

3. Information/website on where to purchase your products/artwork (choose 1)

   • Website of the online store

   • Etsy page or

   • Website of a retailer that carries your products

4. Social media handles (we use Instagram, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter)

If you’d like to take part, please complete and submit our online application form by Friday, October 11, 2024.

---

FAQS:

• Deadline

  The deadline to submit is Friday, October 11, 2024.

• Eligibility

  Whether you normally sell your products at craft fairs/farmers’ markets, local shops or via your website, or you’re an emerging artist who doesn’t yet have an online shop – there’s room for everyone! Each artist will receive 1 page in the guide. Please refer to last year’s guide to get an idea of content, interactivity and layout: https://businessandartsnl.com/holiday-gift-guide/

• I don’t have an online store – can I still submit?

  Yes! Artists who don’t have an online store or website will need to provide information on where to buy their work. This could be an email address for placing orders, a link to a Facebook or Instagram page, a link to an Etsy store page, or a link to another local retailer who carries your work.

• Is there a limit on the number of pieces I can submit?

  Yes, 3 samples of work that showcase the type of products or work you sell.

• What format should I be submitting in?

  Max. file size: 4 MB. Required dimensions 6” (w) by 6.5” (h) at minimum 72ppi or 517px (w) by 560px (h)

  Accepted file types: jpg, jpeg, png, gif. If your image file is too big it will not upload.

  Please label each file with the following format 01_BusinessName

  Images submitted with different proportions will be cropped to this format, which is roughly square. Please use the templates provided if you are unsure.

• What type of artwork or products can I submit?

  Submissions could include but are not limited to:

  Lower priced items for staff gifts or swag bags

  New album releases

  Christmas albums or holiday music

  Digital prints of original artwork or illustrations

  Holiday cards and gifts

  Ceramics and pottery

  Textile and fibre arts

  Arts organizations – gift certificates and membership sales

  Tickets to performances

  Candles and crafts

  Local books, publications and subscriptions

  Check out last year’s guide for some great examples

• What do you mean by "Local"

  The "Local" Holiday Gift Guide is open to all artists and crafts persons who either reside in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and or have a strong connection to the province but do not currently reside here.

• Does it cost anything to participate in the gift guide?

  The Local Holiday Gift Guide is free! There is no submission fee.

Questions?

Please contact info@businessandartsnl.com. We will get back to you within 2 business days.