Oakwood Village Artist Call-Out

Oakwood Village neighbourhood is open for artist proposals to make their mark in Little Jamaica.

The Oakwood Village BIA has been awarded a City of Toronto Street Art grant to repaint the 3 benches located on the Vaughan and Oakwood traffic island and adjacent commercial lot.

They are inviting artists to forward proposals for re-painting the two benches on the Vaughan and Oakwood Traffic Island and the one concrete bench on the adjacent pavement.

Objective

To paint the 3 concrete public benches on the Vaughan and Oakwood traffic island, and the adjacent commercial lot.

They’re inspiration is to improve the ambiance of the island and create a more welcoming space in the neighbourhood. The proposed theme should be modern, eye-catching and bold in design using high contrast colours.

Site specifications and Budget

There are three concrete benches with ageing paint. The benches vary in length from 6’ – 20’ and are approximately 3’ off the ground and 2’ wide. The maximum budget for the project is $5000. Up to $300 will be allocated by the BIA.

Responsibilities

• Deliver the final product on time and within budget
• Participation in the community engagement process, as required
• Include a participatory component for neighbourhood youth (worksite prep, priming etc.)
• Adhere to City of Toronto policies and guidelines
• Provide personal and workplace safety insurance, and adherence to safety standards
• Purchase and supply of all materials and hardware required (as per budget)
• Maintain and clean up project site during and after the work execution
• Regular communication with the BIA representative during the project period
• Participate in public launch event
• Maintain the mural for 5 years

Deliverables

• Submit detailed work plan within 2 weeks of appointment
• Contribute to the community engagement process (identify areas of feedback)
• Provide up to 3 concept drawings / renderings for review
• Completion of final project on all 3 benches
• Provide mural colour codes in the event of future or significant updates required
• Include City of Toronto and BIA logos as per approved location (by City staff)
• Apply final anti graffiti / varathane coating for graffiti management

Proposal requirements

1. Letter of intent: articulate interest and approach to the project, demonstrate understanding of the neighbourhood.
2. Artistic concept: present design concept identifying proposed theme, medium and style. Include graphic representation for all three benches.
3. Include ideas for community engagement keeping COVID in mind
4. Portfolio and resume: be sure to include projects of similar size and scope. If it is a collaborative piece include all artists.
5. Commitment of personal insurance, and any certifications (working at heights not required for this project).
6. Budget: present a detailed breakdown of all costs including art work, supplies and preparation.

Selection process

Previous experience with art projects of similar size and scope 15%
Artistic merit 20%
Proposed concept 25%
Sound budget and proven track record of delivery 20%
Demonstrates understanding of or connection to the neighbourhood 10%
Quality and clarity of proposal presentation 10%
The selection process may include an interview, at the discretion of the Board.

Project Time frames

• Deadline for Submissions: June 22
• Artist Selection: week of July 6th
• Community Engagement: tbd
• Presentation of concepts drawings: tbd
• Mural Installation: tbd
• Unveiling: Sept / October
• Reproduction rights The Oakwood Village BIA will have irrevocable license to reproduce images of the artwork for promotional purposes.

How to apply

The due date for applications is: June 22, 2020.

Applications should be submitted by email in 1 or 2 pdf file attachments. (The Portfolio can be presented in a second file.)

Email coordinator@oakwoodvillage.ca with your name and ‘2020 Street Art Proposal’ the subject line.