Public Art

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Local Artist Program - Call for Artists!

The Local Artist Program is dedicated to telling local stories using local talent. Each year, the City of Burlington public art program commissions local artists to create small to medium-scale artworks throughout the city. This can take a variety of forms including murals, small-scale sculptures and functional artwork such as bike racks and benches. These commissions are open exclusively to artists residing in Burlington. Free professional development opportunities are available to assist artists with the application process and project development.

Art plays a powerful role in bringing people together to share common experiences and explore new ideas. Now, more than ever, artists share hope and inspiration in a time of crisis. The City of Burlington public art program invites local artists to submit digital artwork that will be reproduced and installed on traffic signal control boxes throughout the city. Artists are encouraged to submit artwork that focus on inspiring and uplifting the community during these challenging times. This artwork will form an urban art gallery that can be experienced by residents while still practicing appropriate social distancing. Please submit your application online prior to the Aug. 21 deadline.

Burlington Public Art Program

The City of Burlington's Public Art Program enhances the quality of life for residents by bringing the work of recognized artists to the city centre and neighbourhoods throughout Burlington. Established in 2009, Burlington's Public Art Program is a Council approved system of processes that guide how artwork is commissioned, acquired and managed. Learn more about current public art projects and opportunities on the Public Art website.

Art and the City - Burlington's Downtown Public Art Walking Tour

The City of Burlington has launched Art and the City, a self-guided downtown public art walking tour. Art and the City is available online and accessible from any mobile device. The free web app offers a new way explore Burlington’s downtown and learn about public art in the process. The web-based map works across all platforms and allows residents and visitors to tour highlights from the public art collection using any internet-enabled smartphone or tablet. A limited number of printed guidebooks are also available at all city facilities, the Art Gallery of Burlington, Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Burlington Public Library, Museums of Burlington and Tourism Burlington. Art and the City is also available in PDF format to download, save and print.

Public Art Map

Public art helps to tell the story of our community. Burlington's public art collection is now available online and accessible from your computer, tablet and mobile device. Explore over 90 public artworks throughout the city. View images, locations and artwork information on Burlington's Public Art Map.

Public Art Master Plan

On July 16, 2018, Council approved a Public Art Master Plan Update. Starting in 2019 and running until 2028, this plan provides a framework for the City's public art program by identifying opportunities and priorities for:

public art projects,
program scope,
site selection guidelines,
funding strategy,
governance structure, and
management of the program.

On July 6, 2009, Council approved the Public Art Master Plan. The plan went into effect in 2009, expiring in 2018 with the approval of the Public Art Master Plan Update.

Public Art Policy

As part of the Public Art Master Plan Update, Council approved a revised Public Art Policy. The policy guides the public art program and provides a mechanism for the City to acquire public art for municipally-owned public spaces.

Community Initiated Public Art

The Community Initiated Public Art Policy guides the development and implementation of community-led public art projects. The policy ensures that all community projects align with the Public Art Policy and guides residents in the process and development of public art.

Private Sector Public Art

The Private Sector Public Art Policy guides the integration of public art into privately owned public spaces. The policy provides Council, staff, developers, the arts community, and public with a mechanism through which the City of Burlington encourages the inclusion of public art in all significant private sector development across the City.