Call to Artists: Bridgeport Commercial District Public Art Project
groundcubed and Qualico Properties are seeking artists/artist teams, residing in Canada, to create two public artworks at Bridgeport Commercial District, a new commercial development in Chestermere, AB. One artist/artist team may be selected for both artworks, or separate artist/artist teams for each artwork. Location A is an open plaza and Location B is the patio wall surface (see site plan below). The deadline to respond to the Call to Artists is at 11:59 PM MST (midnight) on Sunday, April 26, 2026
Architecture and design studios are not being considered for this project.
Project background
BRIDGEPORT COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT:
The commercial development site is located in Chestermere, AB, east of The City of Calgary. The site is currently under construction and is anticipated to be completed, including building and landscaping, by the end of 2026. Final artwork installation is expected to be completed by Spring/Summer 2027. Applicants will not have access to the site at this time. Once an artist(s) is awarded, Qualico Properties will schedule a site visit.
Public art opportunity
Installation Art Structure at Bridgeport Commercial District plaza and Patio Wall surface artwork (2D or 3D) Submissions will be considered for both.
The resulting public artwork(s) will:
- Be innovative and unique
- Be highly visible
- Fit the community and context
Project Budget: $100,000
This budget encompasses all costs directly associated with the creation and installation of the artwork, including materials, fabrication, foundations, and transportation. Artists are responsible for allocating their own artist fees.
Artwork Specification Parameters:
Location A: The plaza is 8m x 38m The artist will work with groundcubed and Qualico Properties to determine artwork size and installation location
Location B: The patio wall surface is roughly 8m wide by 3m high.
Artist Responsibilities:
Include, but are not limited to:
- Adhering to the Project Team’s schedule and deadlines.
- All aspects of the engineering and fabrication of the artwork must meet best practices and be compatible with the foundation system.
- Adhering to the weights and locations specified by the Project Team.
- Supplying all artwork connections required to mount the art to the foundation. To be coordinated with groundcubed.
- Installing during the Project Team’s installation windows.
- Coordinating artwork installation with groundcubed and Qualico Properties.
Artists responding to this call should not include creative concepts in their submission. The selected artists or artist teams will conduct research and engage with the surrounding community when developing concepts. If relevant to the artist’s process at this stage, submissions may include preliminary ideas for how the artist plans to conduct research and engagement. groundcubed and Qualico Properties can support the artist with any engagement and consultation.
The selected artist will propose an artwork concept to be approved by groundcubed and Qualico Properties prior to artwork fabrication and installation. The selected artist is responsible for all aspects of design and installation their of artwork. The artist will work with groundcubed and Qualico Properties to determine the optimal placement for the artwork installations.
Project Timeline:
- April 26th 2026 at 11:59 pm (midnight): Deadline for Request for Qualifications
- May 25th Contract Award to Artist(s)
- July 30th 2026: Artwork concept due
- September 2026: Final detailed artwork design, including attachment system, due
- Spring/Summer 2027: Artwork Installation
These dates are preliminary, and subject to change.
The public art project is broken down into multiple phases:
- Contract signing
- Concept development
- Detailed design
- Fabrication and Installation
- Project completion
The selected artist will enter a contract with groundcubed and Qualico Properties. groundcubed and Qualico Properties will oversee the artist’s contract deliverables and support the artist through all phases. The successful artist(s) must guarantee that their artwork is original and does not violate the copyright of another person. The successful artist(s) must also be prepared to grant and license Qualico Properties exclusive right to exhibit the artwork in perpetuity and the non-exclusive right to photograph or videotape the artwork for promotion or distribution, without further compensation.
The artist retains copyright as the creator of the artwork. Qualico Properties will not alter the artwork without prior consultation with the artist(s). Qualico Properties reserves the right to move or de-accession the artwork if necessary and will make every effort to notify the artist.
Artworks created for the public realm have unique requirements. For the finished artwork to last, the artist(s) must consider sound design, materials, building methods, safety, and exposure to external risks. groundcubed and Qualico Properties work with technical experts to advise and plan lifecycle management.
If you have any questions regarding the call, please contact artists@groundcubed.com
Selection Process:
The commissioned artist or artist team will be chosen through a two-stage selection process. A selection committee may select one artist or artist team for each artowork. All decisions of the Selection Committee are final. groundcubed and Qualico Properties reserve the right to revoke the public art call and/or public art project.
groundcubed and Qualico Properties thank all applicants in advance, and will only be contacting applicants who are invited for interviews. Please email artists@groundcubed.com if you wish to follow up on your submission.
Submission Requirements (use form below):
CV/Resume
Artist Statement (300 words)
Artist Bio (300 words)
Letter of Interest (500 words)
Experience (300 words)
Connection to the community (300 words)
Art Structure or Wall Art (or both?) (50 words)
Approach Experience (300 words)
Portfolio (up to 10 audio/visual samples)