City of Peterborough
Deadline: February 23, 2026 at 4 p.m. (EST)

The City of Peterborough invites professional artists and artist collectives to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a large-scale vinyl mural public art project at the Simcoe Street Transit Terminal (190 Simcoe St.), recently completed exterior rehabilitation funded through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

This project will integrate durable, site-specific vinyl murals directly onto the terminal’s exterior concrete columns and façade surfaces, serving as the exterior treatment while enhancing wayfinding, safety, accessibility, and the overall user experience for transit riders and the broader community.

Project Intent

The vinyl murals will:

• Complete unfinished exterior architectural surfaces
• Improve wayfinding by clearly identifying entrances, circulation routes, and key areas
• Enhance safety and visibility using Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) informed design
• Support accessibility through high-contrast, legible visual elements
• Reflect the diversity, identity, and values of the Peterborough community

Artwork Parameters

• Artwork Type: Integrated, site-specific vinyl murals
• Location: Exterior columns and façade surfaces, Simcoe Street Transit Terminal
• Materials: High-performance, UV- and weather-resistant vinyl with anti-graffiti laminate
• Permanence: Fixed installation
• Maintenance: Low-maintenance

Budget & Fabrication

• Total Project Budget: $100,000 CAD (inclusive of all fees, fabrication, installation, insurance, contingencies, and HST)
• The City will collaborate with the selected artist to ensure compliance with architectural, engineering, and operational requirements.

Eligibility

• Open to professional artists and artist collectives
• Preference given to local and regional artists, consistent with City policy
• Demonstrated experience with large-scale, durable, site-responsive work required
• Collectives must designate a lead artist
• Artists must be eligible to work in Canada

Competition Structure (Two-Stage Process)

Stage 1 – Expression of Interest (This Call)
Artists submit qualifications and past work only.
No detailed design proposal or budget is required.
Up to three (3) artists/collectives will be shortlisted.

Stage 2 – Request for Proposals (Shortlisted Artists Only)
Shortlisted artists will receive a $1,500 + HST honorarium to develop a detailed proposal.
Community presentation and engagement may form part of the evaluation.

How to Apply (Stage 1)

Applicants must apply through the online Expression of Interest form.

The form will request one combined PDF (max. 10 MB) containing:

• Letter of Interest (max. 1 page)
• Professional CV (max. 3 pages)
• Portfolio (up to 10 images of relevant work with project details)
• Two professional references

No concept drawings or budgets are required at this stage.

Download a PDF of the Call to Artists (Expressions of Interest)

Accessibility & Content Requirements

All submitted and final artwork must be appropriate for a broad, all-ages public audience and accessible to diverse users.

Artwork must not contain derogatory, discriminatory, offensive, or exclusionary imagery, symbols, or language. Submissions that do not meet these standards will be deemed ineligible.

Anticipated Timeline (Subject to Change)

Reserved Rights

The City of Peterborough reserves the right to request clarification, modify the project scope, or cancel, suspend, or reissue this call at its discretion.

Accessibility

The City of Peterborough is committed to an inclusive and accessible process.
Accommodation requests may be directed to:

Stoyan Barakov
Manager, Cultural Services
[email protected]
705-742-7777 ext. 1481