Community Art Murals

Media Release: Town of Midland looking for artists to continue beautifying the community

October 7, 2021 – The number of murals in Midland is growing! The Town of Midland is commissioning small murals to continue to beautify the town.

“Midland is renown as a mural community and these new, small murals are going to inject new colour and vibrancy throughout town, further enhancing the pedestrian and visitor experience," said Mayor Stewart Strathearn.

Simcoe County artists are invited to submit their original proposals by October 28. Subject matter and themes may be abstract or relate to the town's history, heritage, culture, natural elements and/or proximity to Georgian Bay. 28 2'x2' murals and one 4'x4' mural will be commissioned.

“By commissioning smaller works, we allow more artists, of all ages, to participate with varied styles and voices represented, reflecting the amazing talent from our community and surrounding area," continued Mayor Strathearn.

Artists selected for this project will be supplied with a lightweight aluminum panel to complete their painting and will receive an honourarium.

The murals completed from this call, as well as the nearly 40 paintings the Town hung on the construction fencing in 2020 to create an outdoor art gallery, will be installed at the Town Harbour and other public locations in 2022.

Earlier this year an evaluation of the existing murals in the downtown was completed and funding opportunities to restore these works are being investigated.

Community Art Murals

The Town of Midland is accepting applications from Simcoe County artists to create 28 2'x2' murals and 1 4’x4’ murals for installation at the Midland Harbour and other public locations in 2022.

The Town of Midland reserves the right to reject any and all submissions, as well as completed works which do not adhere to criteria and guidelines.

Timeline

Deadline to apply:

Thursday, October 28, 2021 at 4 p.m.

Notification to selected artists:

Week of November 8, 2021

Collection of alu panels:

Week of November 15, 2021

Deadline to return completed panel and submit invoice:

Friday, December 17, 2021 by 4 p.m.

Installation:

Spring 2022

Objective

To enhance the pedestrian and visitor experience in Midland. There will be twenty-eight (28) 2'x2' small murals and one (1) 4'x4' mural created. Each artist can submit a maximum of two proposals for consideration for the 2'x2' murals and one proposal for the 4'x4' mural.

Subject matter and theme for the 2'x2' murals may be abstract or relate to the town's history, heritage, culture, natural elements and/or proximity to Georgian Bay. The subject matter and theme for the 4'x4' must relate to the town's history, heritage, culture, natural elements and/or proximity to Georgian Bay.*

The mural design must be the artist's original concept and not infringe on any copyright. Use of text is permitted, however profanity, advertising, branding and/or promotion of contempt against anyone are prohibited.

*Proposals must be inclusive and respect the rights of Indigenous people to own and control their heritage, including Indigenous images, design, stories, and other cultural expression.

Location

The 4’x4’ mural will be installed on the northeast facing exterior wall of the Harbour Office. The 2’x2’ small murals may be installed indoors or outdoors within the Town. The murals will be installed in spring/summer 2022.

Budget

Selected artists will be supplied with the alu panel (lightweight aluminum panel) for their mural(s) and paid $125 for the 2’x2’ murals and $600 for the 4’x4’ mural. The payment is to include the costs of any needed materials and supplies. Artists must prepare/prime the panel prior painting and apply two coats of a topcoat varnish to protect it from the elements.

Eligibility

Submissions will be considered from those who live in Simcoe County, Barrie and Orillia, noting that preference will be given to those from Midland, Penetanguishene, Tay, Tiny and Beausoleil First Nation. Those selected must have the capability to collect the panels and return completed panels during arranged dates and times while adhering to public health guidelines.

Evaluation Criteria

Community relevance and impact

Suitability for display in a public space
Responds or corresponds to the installation location
Reflects the town's heritage/history, culture, and/or natural elements and landscapes
Builds appreciation for public art

Overall quality and authenticity

Originality of design
Intrigues viewers and stimulates imagination
Artist reputation, demonstrated and related experience

How to Apply

To apply, email the following to kmealing@midland.ca

Application form.
Sketch of proposed mural. The sketch can be a detailed rendering or a quick pencil drawing.
Three to five samples of completed paintings.
Artist bio and/or artist statement.

​​Community Art Murals​

​Media Release: Town of Midland looking for artists to continue beautifying the community​

​Call for Artists: