artist in residence 2026

2026 Call for Artists

The City of Richmond Hill invites professional artists to apply for the Fall 2026 Artist in Residence (AiR) Program. This residency offers a unique opportunity to shape the visual identity of the new Richmond Hill Cultural Centre through a cohesive public art project that connects an interior mural with two exterior street-pole banners.

The selected Artist in Residence will create:

• One interior, hand-painted mural in the Cultural Centre boardroom; and

• Two complementary exterior street-pole banners that extend the project’s themes into the surrounding streetscape.

Overview

Richmond Hill’s Artist in Residence (AiR) Program supports community-engaged artistic practices that animate civic life across the City. Through temporary installations, participatory programming, exhibitions, performances, and media presentations, the program fosters cultural vibrancy, placemaking, and intercultural exchange while supporting artists’ professional growth. This residency supports community-engaged artistic practice, along with opportunities for public engagement.

Project Summary

Interior Mural
Location: Boardroom, Richmond Hill Cultural Centre
Dimensions: Approx. 106.5" (W) × 96" (H) (8.875 ft × 8 ft; approx. 71 sq ft)
Medium: Hand-painted mural (surface will require priming and painting)
Theme: Open to artist interpretation, aligned with Richmond Hill’s Strategic Plan vision: “A vibrant and inclusive city of neighbours.”

Exterior Street Pole Banners (2)
Dimensions: 24" (W) × 60" (H) each
Purpose: Complement the mural and create continuity between the Cultural Centre and the public realm
Requirement: Artwork must meet print production specifications (see Guidelines)
Theme: Open to artist interpretation, aligned with Richmond Hill’s Strategic Plan vision: “A vibrant and inclusive city of neighbours.”

What You Deliver

• A cohesive visual concept connecting the mural and banners

• Final print-ready banner files to spec

• On-site mural completion within the residency timeline

• Public engagement: at minimum at least two community workshop/open studio session