public art opportunity – oakville public library

The Oakville Public Library (OPL) invites artists to submit expressions of interest to create a permanent indoor public artwork for the interior wall area of the new Sixteen Mile Library Branch opening in Winter 2026. This competition is open to all professional Canadian artists and artist-led teams. Proposals will be assessed based on artistic merit, adaptability of proposed artwork to the location, and demonstrated capacity to complete the project. Artists must be 18 years of age and older. Oakville Public Library employees are not eligible to apply.

The OPL is seeking artwork that is imaginative, joyful, and reflective of the library as a place of inspiration and community. The piece should evoke curiosity, celebrate creativity, and resonate with the energy of a space where people come together to learn, explore, and dream. Artists are encouraged to interpret this vision in their own unique style, bringing forward concepts that will captivate audiences and create a lasting impression.

OPL values diversity and social inclusion. OPL strives to recognize and address systemic oppression in order to create an environment that is welcoming and respectful to all, regardless of age, ancestry, citizenship, creed, race, ethnic origin, place of origin, disability, family status, marital status, gender identity/gender expression, or sexual orientation. OPL embraces such differences and endeavours to reflect diversity among its staff and volunteers and throughout all collections, programs, communications, staffing practices, training, and services.

Two Stage Competition

This is a two-stage competition. An artwork proposal is not requested at this time.

Stage One: Applicants are reviewed based on the merit of artist’s past work, professional qualifications and experience.

Stage Two: Short-listed artists will be paid an artist fee of $1,500 to develop their artwork concept proposal based on detailed artwork specifications.

The selected artist will enter into a contract with the Oakville Public Library for the artwork creation and installation phase of the project. The final artwork to be unveiled in Winter 2026.

Estimated Project Timeline (2025-2026)

November 2025: Selection committee meets to review applications and select short-listed artists

December 2025: Deadline for Stage Two shortlisted artists’ concept proposal. Stage Two review with shortlisted artists presenting concepts to the jury. Award of project, selected artist enters into a contract with the OPL.

January 2, 2026: Artist provides final artwork design for OPL approvals.

January 2026: Artwork is fabricated and installed on site.

The schedule above is provided as a guideline only and is subject to change.