Urban Streets Call for Submissions
O2 Planning and Design
Date of Call: Thursday September 25, 2025
Submission Deadline: Friday October 17, 2025 @ 2pm (MT)
Notification of Selected Artist: October 24, 2025
O2 Planning + Design (O2), in collaboration with Calgary artist Aron Hill, invites Canadian artists to apply for the opportunity to create a work of artistic merit inspired by an O2 project. This program offers mentorship, creative guidance and the chance to connect with industry professionals over a 10-month period, providing a platform for artistic growth and meaningful exposure. The theme for 2025 is URBAN STREETS.
Description
The selected artist will have the opportunity to develop and refine an artistic piece with guidance from the O2 project team and Aron Hill. The artwork may take any form—sculpture, painting, mixed media, art theory, written discourse or other mediums—with a focus on both the creative process and the final product. Over the 10-month program, the artist will create their artwork by drawing inspiration from a current O2 design project in areas of landscape architecture and urbanism.
The artist will participate in studio visits and regular check-ins throughout the program to develop their creative skills and gain insights from others on the team. This experience will provide a unique opportunity for the artist to elevate their work and gain exposure through collaboration. Additionally, O2 and Aron Hill will play an active role in guiding and communicating with the artist throughout the duration of the bursary, to offer creative and professional support.
The program not only allows artists to showcase their creativity but also helps them build valuable partnerships with industry professionals and organizations. Artists will have the chance to expand their portfolios, network with potential collaborators, and contribute to meaningful projects related to current events and cultural issues. The selected artist’s work could be featured in various print and online settings, enhancing their visibility and impact. This initiative offers a platform for artistic growth, recognition, and social influence, providing substantial benefits for any artist looking to make a significant mark in their field.
Note: the artist will be working independently alongside the project team, not directly on a project deliverable.
Theme for 2025
URBAN STREETS are far more than conduits for movement—they are a linear stage, where people and culture are on display, neighbourhood character is revealed, and the raw grit of urban life unfolds. They carry us where we need to go while simultaneously telling the story of place, allowing people to come together to participate in both everyday rhythms and the unique spirit of the communities they serve.
The artist will explore how their practice and creative vision can intersect with themes of urban living and the city street grid, using 10 Ave SW in Calgary’s Sunalta neighbourhood as inspiration. This ties to an O2 project examining new streetscape configurations for a creative community in transition. Sunalta’s strong artistic roots, abundance of studios, and quirky character—qualities the community is proud to celebrate—make this segment of 10th Ave the ideal place to ground the work, highlighting both its evolving identity and creative spirit.
Selection Process
To be eligible for the program, applicants must reside in Canada and may be an emerging, mid-career, or established artist. An interest in architecture, design, and planning is not necessary; instead, it is more important to use your artistic skills to integrate the disciplines of art and design. This inclusive approach ensures that the program attracts a wide range of artistic perspectives and experiences.
Applicants should submit a clear and well-developed proposal that includes:
- A conceptual framework contextualized within the scope of the project
- A reasonably concrete outcome tied directly to a specific O2 project
- A portfolio that reflects the artist’s ability to deliver on the proposed work
Budget: The total budget available is $2500 CAD, inclusive of HST and all costs associated with the artwork. No further compensation will be made to the artist.
How to Apply
The artist is required to submit an application through the online application form here:
docs.google.com/forms.
For additional information or if you encounter issues with the form, please contact: o2arts@o2design.com
