The City of St. Albert is in the planning stages for two new public art projects and is currently seeking applications from artists.
The larger project of the two is destined for the BMX Track in Riel Park. The track is hosting BMX Nationals on site in Aug. 2025. Leading up to the competition, the city is planning the creation of a mural on a concrete surface at the starting hill.
“We want to see the energy, the excitement and how it evokes joy and anticipation. We are looking for something energetic and electric – something that will engage people and help them understand more about the sport,” said Jacilyn Blackwood, city visual arts coordinator.
The rectangle-shaped concrete surface, where the initial jump takes place, is a prime spot for the mural.
“Visually it’s a very important landmark. It will be shown in places across the world, and it will bring a ton of attention to the artist. It’s an amazing opportunity for an artist to be selected because imagery will be shown all over the world,” Blackwood said.
For this project, Blackwood is requesting visual artists submit their qualifications including painting practices, experience with large scale design, understanding of materials, environmental degradation, ability to work in obscure spaces, requirements to use scaffolding and safety protocols.
Compensation for the BMX mural is $25,000 plus GST. Deadline for submission is March 16.
Additionally, the second project is an art on wheels venture titled Transit Wrap. The city is asking visual artists to submit qualifications for the opportunity to create both exterior and interior art for transit buses.
“This allows us to bring art to a community that doesn’t have public art displays. The buses don’t stay on the same route. They change every day and at some points will even go to Edmonton. They too will have the opportunity to see something magical.”
The accepted art will be enlarged and printed onto vinyl and wrapped on two public transit buses. The vinyl wrap will cover the bus’ exterior except the front window and the driver’s window.
“The vinyl is perforated so people can see out, but automobiles and pedestrians won’t see inside the bus.”
In addition to dressing up a buses’ exterior, successful applicants will be responsible for creating imagery placed inside the buses which align with 10 priorities defined through the city’s Community Social Needs Assessment.
The call for Transit Wrap is open to all artists working in two-dimensional mediums who reside in St. Albert and surrounding areas. Each artist or team for this project will receive $8,000 for their artwork.
For more information visit stalbert.ca/exp/arts-culture/public.art.