Call for Artists - 204 Carlton St Mural
The Cabbagetown Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a not-for-profit community agency, formed and funded by local commercial property owners and tenants. As one of Toronto’s oldest BIAs, we work in partnership with residents, community groups and organizations, other BIA’s, and all three levels of the government to create a vibrant and thriving business community that attracts shoppers, diners, tourists, and new business. The Cabbagetown BIA also strives to provide a platform for artists to showcase their work to the world, from wall murals to live performances and more.
Objective
This is a call for mural artists to paint a new Cabbagetown-themed mural on the side wall of 204 Carlton St. to bring added vibrancy and branding to the streetscape and deter future vandalism.
Being a downtown east neighbourhood, Cabbagetown is prone to being vandalized with graffiti. These pieces are often large and difficult to remove. This mural's addition will help reduce graffiti at this location and in the area overall. We also trust that this project will act as a draw for foot traffic to the neighbourhood, increase support for public art, encourage further murals across the neighbourhood, and highlight Cabbagetown as a neighbourhood for innovation.
Deadline to Apply: Friday, July 12, 2024
About the Location
The 2024 mural will be located at 204 Carlton St., on the east facing side of the building. It is a brick, two-story building. Akasha Art Projects Inc. is the business that operates out of this location. Dimensions of the wall are approx. 750 sq-ft.
Theme
We are hoping to create a mural that is more than just a mural; it's a testament to the spirit and vitality of our community. At first glance, we want the mural to draw the eye with its bold, dynamic composition, stretching up and across the large, prominent wall. Bold, bright colours will weave together across the wall, depicting different aspects of Cabbagetown, and what makes it wonderful and unique. The mural will aim to capture the diverse energy that pulses through our streets. We want to the mural to be dynamic and showcase activities that are popular Cabbagetown - such as visiting animals at Riverdale Farm, Victorian house and garden tours, sights from Riverdale Park, people meeting for coffee, kids eating ice-cream, and cabbage-cutting at The Cabbagetown Festival for example. Some inspirational photos included below.
Some Inspirational Examples:
Submission Requirements
1. Complete this Google Form.
2. Include a link to your portfolio.
3. Click submit.
Artists will be selected by a committee panel composed of Cabbagetown BIA board of directors and key stakeholders.
Compensation
All-inclusive muralist fees will be $7,500 plus HST. Fees are paid after the mural is completed and covered in anti-graffiti coating. Artists need to submit an invoice for their fees.
Other Guidelines
The budget must include equipment, supplies (including anti-graffiti coating), and up to five years of touchups/repairs.
The artist must agree to be available to meet with the BIA and potentially the business owner (virtually) to discuss themes and designs throughout the process.
If possible, and as mentioned, we would like to bring an additional creative and innovative element to the mural in the way of using colour-changing paint.
Project Timeline
Friday, July 12 – Deadline for Submissions
Monday, July 22 – Successful Artist Contacted
Wednesday, July 24 – Contract Signed
July 25 - August 21 – Mural Design Process, first sketch(es) due Aug 4. Final designs must be approved by the BIA and the business owner.
Wednesday, September 4 – Deadline for Mural Completion
Commitment to Diversity
The Cabbagetown BIA is committed to creating a diverse environment. The program seeks to engage individuals from a variety of diverse backgrounds, including women, visible minorities, new Canadians, LGBTQ peoples, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, and people from different faith and religious orientations.
