We engage artists and acquires works of art through a variety of established processes, including Calls to Artists, purchase of finished works, and donations by artists. In recent years, we have broadened the collection to include contemporary works by Canadian artists that reflect the growth, change and sense of renewal in our city. The City is proud to support these projects and to offer such opportunities to the local art community.
The majority of the City's competitions are administered via Open Call to Artists. Artists are invited to respond to an Expression of Interest (EOI) document, which is juried by a panel comprised of representatives from the Public Art Committee, City administration, artists, art professionals and stakeholders. Short-listed artists are invited to respond to a Request for Proposals (RFP). Final selection is determined by jury.
The City of Thunder Bay is inviting teachers, and other youth advocates to nominate youth artists (ages 12-20yrs) from their community or school to participate in a Youth Art Show. The show is in celebration of National Youth Week and National Youth Arts Week that take place May 1st to May 7th each year. The exhibition will take place at the Kinsmen Youth Centre from Friday (May 3rd) to Sunday (May 5th), and will be on display during the Youth Music Showcase that will take place Saturday May 4th. We ask that teachers or other adult advocates nominate talented students or youth to participate in this year’s exhibition. For more details please fill out the Youth Arts Week Art Show nomination package.
There are occasions when a City Department, Commission or Board under the mandate of City Council desires to purchase a finished work of art from an individual artist, a corporation, an organization or through a commercial gallery. The artwork may be purchased to develop the City's permanent art collection or to beautify a specific civic space. As with commissioned works, all purchases of finished art works are subject to the City's Policy for Art in Public Spaces and collection mandate. Any opportunities for artists to submit portfolios for jury consideration will be listed in the Open Competitions section of this page.
A sub-committee of the Public Art Committee is formed to consider each potential purchase. Recommendations may be based on advice from outside individuals or organizations relevant for the art being considered. For example: A curator or director from a local art gallery or heritage organization; a representative of the site for the artwork; a professional in a relevant discipline.