Call for Artists – Mural Expression of Interest – John Street North Bridge
Purpose:
The Town of Aylmer is seeking Expressions of Interest from artists and creative teams for a mural project aimed at enhancing the Town’s visual landscape, celebrating its cultural heritage, and fostering community pride. This project is a key initiative aligned with the Town’s strategic priorities to promote arts, culture, and community engagement.
The Town of Aylmer is seeking expressions of interest to supply and install a mural on the west facing abutment of the John St. North Bridge in Balmoral Park.
This Expression of Interest differs from conventional tenders or request for proposals in that it is only an inquiry for the provision services. The Town may ultimately decide not to proceed with this project based on information received and reserves the right for cancellation of this process.
Objective:
The Town wishes to review options for the beautification of the bridge abutment. The bridge abutment faces into Balmoral Park. Balmoral Park is located in the downtown core and is considered the flagship of the Town’s Park system. The Park is home to the Town’s splashpad, healing garden, outdoor pool, playground, pavilion, and horticultural gardens. One suggestion has been to install a mural on the bridge abutment. This request for Expressions of Interest explores this opportunity.
Scope of Expression of Interest:
The Town of Aylmer is looking for a mural that reflects our motto – Proud Heritage, Bright Future. Proposed designs should reflect the energy of Balmoral Park and its use, incorporating elements from the natural environment including groupings of 3 or 5 of the Town’s official flower (orange milkweed), as well as the inclusion of the Town’s clock tower logo. The mural should be inclusive and representative of Aylmer’s unique community, with colours being bold and vibrant. We ask that artists consider designs that complement the existing artworks in the park (utility box), and that they avoid bold outlines in their designs. Murals shall be completed with exterior grade acrylics, with the Town of Aylmer coordinating with the artist on the sourcing and application of a UV protective and anti-graffiti coating.
Process:
The Parks and Beautification Advisory Committee (PBAC) will be receiving, reviewing and evaluating proposals for the project.
Expressions of Interest shall include:
- Name of individual, group, or business
- Design proposal and original mural rendering (representative of finished product)
- Explanation of how your design reflects the Town’s motto – Proud Heritage, Bright Future.
- Explanation of how your project incorporates natural elements and the environment of the park into the design.
- Listing of community partners and their role in the project
- Overview of relevant experience
- Project schedule
- Cost breakdown of materials and/or labour, including costs anticipated to be incurred by the Town.
It would be the intent of the Committee to select a maximum of two or three proposals to move forward for community consultation. The proposals along with the result of the community consultation, as well as the PBAC’s recommendations will then be presented to the Council. The Town will not necessarily proceed with the project as a result of this process or as a result of a recommendation made by the PBAC.
Budget:
The budget for the proposed mural shall not exceed $2,000.00. The budget shall include all materials, labour and supplies. Artists are encouraged to consider seeking community sponsorships and partnerships to assist with materials and supplies required beyond the provided budget.
Questions:
Any questions should be directed, in writing, by 12:00 PM on May 8, 2026, to Chelsea Jibb at [email protected]:
Submission Deadline:
The deadline for the submission of an expression of interest is 12:00 PM on May 26, 2026. Submissions will only be received via the online submission form found by clicking the button below.
The full expression of interest document, including selection criteria, is available by clicking the button below. Please also see Addendum #1 regarding insurance requirements.