Reminder to apply: Vaughan’s accepting artist submissions for ARTonBOXES

Submit your proposal by Friday, Feb. 14

Are you a local emerging or established artist interested in contributing to Vaughan’s public art scene? The City of Vaughan is committed to integrating art into the public realm by fostering a creative environment where artistic talent can flourish. That’s why we have put out a call for artist submissions to the ARTonBOXES Program. Interested artists can submit a proposal for consideration by Friday, Feb. 14.

Ten original art designs themed around the ART of HEALING will be selected for installation on traffic signal boxes across Vaughan. The notion of healing is completely open to artists’ interpretation and may be abstract or representational. Artists are encouraged to convey the theme through depictions that resonate with personal meaning or might generate reflection and dialogue in the public realm. 

Artist submissions must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Artists should currently reside in Vaughan or the Greater Toronto Area. 
• Artists must be at least 18 years of age.
• City of Vaughan employees are not eligible to apply.
• Artwork must be original and can be created in any medium – designs will be digitally translated for the vinyl wraps.
• Artists may submit only one proposal.

The Artist Call for Submissions Package provides artists with art design criteria, templates and curatorial direction to guide the concept and execution of their imagery to ensure it is appropriate for all viewers, respecting that traffic signal boxes are in the public realm.

Submissions must be received in full by the deadline to be considered and must include:

• Original art design file
• Design concept board
• Artist statement 
• Artist biography 

Submitted art designs will be evaluated on the strength of their originality to conceptualize “healing” through creative expression. Artwork will be evaluated by a curatorial assessment panel against the following criteria:

• Artistic Merit – artwork exhibits a high calibre of originality, creative concept and technical execution.
• Contribution to Urban Character – artwork animates streetscape locations with positive visual impact.
• Applicability – artwork translates successfully to the traffic signal box format with a suitably scaled design.

Artists whose designs are selected for the program will receive a cash award and their work will become inventoried as temporary public art assets in the Civic Art Collection of the Vaughan City-Wide Public Art Program for all to enjoy.

For eligibility, guidelines and online submission process details, head to visitvaughan.ca/ARTonBOXES.

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