The Guelph Public Library Board and the Friends of the Guelph Public Library invite professional artists and artist-led teams from across Canada to apply for two public art commissions to be installed at the new Central Library.
Selected through separate open competitions guided by the City’s Public Art Policy, the commissions will create distinctive artistic experiences in two of the building’s most prominent public spaces: the Children’s Area and the Main Atrium. Both artworks are anticipated to be installed in fall 2027 and will become part of the City of Guelph Public Art Collection.
Both artist competitions will follow a two-phase selection process. During Phase 1, artists will submit an expression of interest outlining their experience, qualifications, and preliminary vision. Shortlisted artists will receive a $2,500 honorarium to develop a detailed proposal during Phase 2.
Public art in the Central Library Children’s Area
The first commission, led by the Friends of the Guelph Public Library, will see an artist create an original public artwork for the Children’s Area of the new Central Library. The project has a budget of $250,000 and seeks an imaginative, engaging artwork that inspires curiosity, creativity, and discovery among children and families. The artwork will celebrate the community’s ongoing support of the Library and the Friends’ more than two decades of advocacy and fundraising. Submissions for the first phase must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. EST on November 27.
The artwork for the Children’s area is funded by the Friends of the Guelph Public Library through proceeds from its annual book sale and other fundraising initiatives. Since its founding, the Friends have advocated for a new Central Library and have raised more than $1.3 million in support of Library initiatives, including a $1 million contribution toward the new Central Library project.
Public art in the Central Library Atrium
The second commission, led by the Guelph Public Library Board, will create a signature three-dimensional artwork for the new Central Library Atrium. With a project budget of $250,000, the artwork will serve as a defining visual feature of the Library, welcoming visitors and reflecting the role of libraries as places of belonging, creativity, curiosity, and community connection. Submissions for the first phase must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. EST on November 30.
The Atrium artwork is being funded through donations made in support of the Guelph Public Library and the new Central Library. The project recognizes the community’s commitment to public libraries and the work of the Library Board in helping advance the vision for modern Library services in Guelph.
Read the full news release: https://www.guelphpl.ca/news/guelph-public-library-board-and-friends-of-the-guelph-public-library-launch-two-public-art-commissions-for-the-new-central-library/
