Photo caption: Hidden Stories of the Bioverse, Andrea Hoff in partnership with A.B. Dixon Elementary School, 2024.

The City’s Public Art Program is inviting Richmond-based non-profit service organizations, including community associations, libraries and schools to apply for the 2025–2026 Engaging Artists in Community Program. This program pairs a community partner with an artist or artist team to work creatively on a six-month to year-long project, starting in fall 2025, that explores relevant issues of concern through the arts. Each commissioned artist project will receive $12,000.

Selected community partners will provide space for individual and collective creative expressions. Artist projects may include, but are not limited to, public performances, art installations, hands-on activities, workshops, exhibitions, literary expressions, digital media-based artwork and other art forms. 

For details and to access the application form, visit richmond.ca/PublicArtPrograms. The application deadline is Friday, November 15, 2024. Selected applicants will be notified in late November 2024 and City staff will work with them to develop the artist opportunity and participate in the selection process in early 2025. Commissioned projects will aim to engage culturally diverse and multigenerational audiences.

2024 Engaging Artists in Community projects included Hidden Stories of the Bioverse by Andrea Hoff, in partnership with A.B. Dixon Elementary School; Express Yourself by Keely O’Brien, in partnership with Aspire Richmond and Richmond Public Library; and Visions of Biophilia by Desirée Patterson, in partnership with the Richmond Nature Park Society.

Interested organizations are encouraged to contact PublicArt@richmond.ca or call 604-204-8671 in advance of submitting an application.