Artwork by Philip Saunders. Photo by Mark Segal.
Early-Bird Deadline: April 30, 2024 (11:45 PM Eastern Daylight Time)
Final Deadline: August 5, 2024
Click Here to learn more about the ‘JUST US’ 2024 Art Call and to Apply
StART has received requests from artists interested in doing more projects in support of Black Lives Matter, justice for Indigenous Peoples and social justice issues in support of equity deserving groups. In response, this fourth annual “Just Us” Art Call is for concepts for mural projects that recognize and create awareness of social injustice, and support equity, race relations and community engagement related to Black lives and the rights of Indigenous Peoples and equity deserving groups.
This call invites concepts from street, mural and graffiti artists and artist collectives committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and inspiring positive change through who they are and the work they create. Project proposals should speak to historic and current social issues and movements within Black and Indigenous communities and equity deserving groups and the importance, benefits and opportunities to build a better future through inclusion, collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Mural projects must be exposed to and visible from a city street. Submissions must include written authorization from the property owner granting the artist or collective permission to paint their concept on the wall. All projects must be located in Toronto.
The goal of this Art Call is to establish a roster of projects eligible to participate in the StART “Just Us” Art Project. An Advisory Panel will select up to 10 projects from the roster to receive up to $5,000 toward the creation of their project.
Overview of Artist Selection Process
There are two deadlines for Artist submissions. The early bird deadline for Artist submissions is April 30, 2024 at 11:45pm. Artists who submit an application by this deadline will be notified in May with the results of their submission.
The second and final deadline is August 5, 2024 (final deadline). Artists who submit an application by this deadline will be notified by August 30, 2024 with the results of their submission.
Submissions will be reviewed by an Advisory Panel with an arts and community equity and inclusion background and one StART staff who will select up to 10 concepts to receive funding toward the installation of their mural.
Eligibility
Artwork by Leone McComas and Krystal Ball. Photo by Mark Segal.
About StreetARToronto
StreetARToronto (StART) is a suite of innovative programs specifically designed for streets and public spaces. StART has been successful in working with artists to produce vibrant, meaningful, community engaged street mural and graffiti art. StART programs encourage active transportation (walking and cycling), make our streets more inviting and safe, showcase local artists, mentor emerging talent, and create opportunities for positive engagement among residents, business, artists, arts organizations and City staff.
While based on themes relevant to local sites and neighbourhoods, StART artworks and artists also reflect the City of Toronto motto: Diversity Our Strength and foster a greater sense of belonging among all. An initiative of the City of Toronto, Transportation Services Division, StART has become a leader in significant mural, street and graffiti art installations since its inception in 2012.
Artwork by The Dreamers. Photo by Mark Segal.
Submission Requirements
1. Please create an Artist Profile in our StART Portal.
Click here to create an Artist Profile.
2. Download and complete the Property Owner Permission Letter.
Download the Property Owner Permission Form Here.
3. Read and Submit the StART ‘JUST US’ Artist Agreement.
Click Here to Read the StART ‘JUST US’ Artist Agreement.
4. Download and submit the Declaration of Compliance with Anti-Harassment / Discrimination Legislation & City Policy.
Click Here to Read the Anti-Harassment Policy.
5. Make sure you have completed the Ontario Worker Health & Safety Awareness Training. Once completed upload the awarded certificate to your Artist Profile.
Click Here to access the training.
How To Submit
Click Here to learn more about the ‘JUST US’ 2024 Art Call and to Apply
Early-Bird Deadline: April 30, 2024 (11:45 PM Eastern Daylight Time)
Final Deadline: August 5, 2024
For additional information or questions, please contact:
StreetARToronto
streetart@toronto.ca
StreetARToronto
www.streetartoronto.ca
streetart@toronto.ca
Facebook @StreetARToronto
Instagram @start_streetartoronto
Twitter @StART_Toronto
Accessibility:
StreetARToronto strives to create accessible opportunities for all. For more information or to request accommodation for your application contact us at streetart@toronto.ca.
Image descriptions:
1. Mural depicting a meadow and lake landscape with two figures facing each other. The feminine and masculine individuals have closed eyes, with the masculine figure in a prayer-like pose. A heart hovers between them, and their skin tones blend a spectrum of rainbow colors, interspersed with darker shades, creating a vibrant and harmonious composition.
2. Vibrant mural on a wooden fence portraying a bee surrounded by lush greenery and flowers. A City of Toronto placard on the right-side reads ‘Notice: A change is proposed to this site, to convert dwelling to community centre’
3. Mural on a brick wall in a laneway featuring a large yellow circle at its center. The mural depicts two birds with humanlike faces connecting within the circle, creating a striking and whimsical image against the urban backdrop.
