Request for Proposals: Fabrication of Mobile Public Art Spaces
Deadline March 31, 2026
Request for Proposals issued: March 3, 2026
Submission deadline: March 31, 2026
Project Summary: Calgary Arts Development invites proposals from qualified fabricators, builders or design-build teams to engineer and fabricate three modular, mobile gallery units for the DROP Containers public art initiative. Each unit is a standardized, multi-functional container that integrates exterior display capacity and an enclosed interior studio/gallery space within a single container structure.
Need Help Applying?
Calgary Arts Development is committed to open, fair and transparent processes. We understand that our programs and processes create barriers to access for many who want to apply. In recognition of these barriers, support or financial assistance may be available. To learn more about the kinds of services you can request, please review the Applicant Support & Accessibility Policy.
If you have any questions, please contact Parker Chapple, Project Lead, at drop@calgaryartsdevelopment.com as soon as possible.
Commitment to Equity
We acknowledge that the land we gather on is the ancestral territory of the Siksikaitsitapi — the Blackfoot people — comprising the Siksika, Kainai and Piikani Nations, as well as Treaty 7 signatories, the Tsuut’ina Nation and the Îyârhe Nakoda Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney First Nations. Today this land is home to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government Districts 5 and 6 as well as many First Nations and Inuit from across Turtle Island.
We acknowledge that there has been art, music, dance, storytelling and ceremony on this land since time immemorial and it is in the spirit of this land and its people that we do our work.
Please refer to each section below for important program details.
Project Overview
About the DROP Containers Project
The DROP Containers Project is a city-wide public art initiative designed to expand access to contemporary art and create entry points for connection to our environment through portable, solar-powered exhibition and artmaking spaces. This project is inspired by WATERSHED+, an innovative and unique public art program hosted by The City of Calgary’s Utilities and Environmental Protection (UEP) department. WATERSHED+ was a way of working that, in alignment with the UEP Public Art Plan, developed awareness around water stewardship and climate sustainability by creating opportunities to build emotional connections between people and the watershed. Our goal is to further that work by bringing artists who are investigating water stewardship, climate adaptation and community resilience into communities to encourage conversation, connection and joy.
The DROP Containers Project will be delivered through multiple phases, beginning with design development and engineering, followed by technical drawings, fabrication, and delivery of three modular units. These portable units will be deployed across Calgary — in schools, parks and community spaces — as accessible exhibition and programming sites focused on themes of water, climate and sustainability.
Scope of Work
Calgary Arts Development invites proposals from qualified fabricators, builders or design-build teams to engineer and fabricate three modular, mobile gallery units. Each unit is a standardized, multi-functional container that integrates exterior display capacity and an enclosed interior studio/gallery space within a single container structure.
Phase 1: Design & Engineering
- Finalize design development and engineering documentation
- Provide detailed drawings at 25%, 75% and 100% completion for review
- Develop fabrication mock-ups or prototypes as needed for review and testing
Container Procurement & Sustainability
The proponent will be responsible for sourcing and preparing three (3) shipping containers for conversion into DROP Container units. Containers may be new or repurposed, provided they meet all Canadian structural and safety standards.
Preference will be given to proponents that:
- Source containers locally or regionally to minimize transportation emissions
- Utilize reclaimed or reconditioned containers to reduce environmental impact
- Provide certification of container condition (e.g., CSC plate or equivalent)
- Demonstrate responsible supply chain practices consistent with ESG principles
All container purchases must receive approval from Calgary Arts Development in consultation with The City of Calgary’s Public Art and Climate & Environment teams before modification begins.
Phase 2: Fabrication
- Procure materials and fabricate three (3) units based on approved designs
- Integrate solar power systems, vandal-resistant finishes and accessibility features
- Deliver Quality Management Plan (QMP) and safety documentation
Phase 3: Delivery & Documentation
- Prepare for transport and delivery to an approved site
- Provide maintenance manuals, as-built drawings (CAD and PDF) and warranty documentation
Design Requirements
- Based on standard 20-foot container formats
- Road-legal, transportable design (with mobility hardware)
- Recycled or repurposed materials prioritized
- Integrated universal accessibility features (ramps, door widths, circulation)
- Meets CSA, Alberta Building Code and applicable City of Calgary safety standards
- Durable, vandal-resistant exterior finishes
- Solar and low-voltage lighting system with battery backup
- Weatherproof insulation and temperature resilience
- Fire and public safety provisions
- Easy-to-clean interior and exterior surfaces
Budget
- Total fabrication budget: Up to C$390,000 CAD (inclusive of materials, labour, engineering and delivery)
- The above total does not include GST
- Fabricators are encouraged to prioritize local suppliers and sustainable materials to align with project goals and reduce transportation costs
- Artist commissions, programming and long-term maintenance are not included
Eligibility
This call is open to fabricators, builders or design-build teams across Canada.
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Experience with container modification or public art fabrication
- Capacity to meet project timelines and budgets
- Commitment to sustainability and accessibility principles
- Appropriate insurance and WCB coverage
Submission Requirements
Submissions should not exceed 20 pages, excluding appendices. Each submission must include the following:
- Cover Page – Project title and applicant contact information
- Letter of Interest – Summary of approach, philosophy and relevant experience
- Concept Proposal – Fabrication vision, materials and sustainability measures
- Work Plan & Timeline – Major milestones and estimated completion dates
- Budget Estimate – Including labour, materials, contingencies and delivery
- Team Bios – Key personnel and collaborators
- Portfolio/Work Samples – Up to five relevant past projects
- References – Minimum of two professional references
Submissions must be emailed to drop@calgaryartsdevelopment.com.
Selection Process
A review panel consisting of representatives from Calgary Arts Development, The City of Calgary (Climate & Environment and Public Art) and external professionals will evaluate proposals.
Evaluation Criteria
Technical quality and feasibility (30%)
Assesses the technical strength, build feasibility and risk awareness of the proposal, including:
- Soundness of the proposed fabrication and construction approach
- Appropriateness of materials, systems and finishes for outdoor, mobile, public use
- Compliance with applicable codes, safety standards, accessibility requirements and City expectations
- Integration of structural, electrical, environmental and mobility considerations
- Identification of technical risks and practical mitigation strategies
- Demonstrated ability to deliver the project within the proposed scope, budget and timeline
Understanding of project intent and design approach (25%)
Assesses how well the proponent responds to the intent of the DROP Containers project, including:
- Alignment with the goals of the DROP Containers initiative and its role as public art infrastructure
- Responsiveness to the Water Efficiency Plan and UEP Public Art objectives
- Clarity of the proposed design approach and how it supports exhibition, mobility, durability and public interaction
- Thoughtful consideration of how the containers function across multiple sites and community contexts
Experience with comparable fabrication projects (25%)
Assesses the proponent’s demonstrated experience delivering projects of similar scope and complexity, including:
- Experience with container modification, public art fabrication or comparable construction work
- Track record delivering projects with similar technical requirements, budgets and timelines
- Relevance and quality of past projects included in the portfolio
- Demonstrated capacity to co-ordinate with multiple stakeholders, consultants and approval bodies
Sustainability and materials innovation (10%)
Assesses how sustainability is integrated in a practical and meaningful way, including:
- Use of recycled, reclaimed or locally sourced materials where appropriate
- Consideration of environmental impact across sourcing, fabrication, installation and lifecycle
- Energy-efficient systems and low-maintenance design strategies
- Durability and longevity of materials, including lifecycle and end-of-life considerations
Equity, accessibility and inclusive work practices (10%)
Assesses how equity, accessibility and inclusive values are reflected in both the proponent’s organizational approach and the proposed work, including:
- Demonstrated alignment between the proponent’s organizational values and Calgary Arts Development’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility principles
- Inclusive and accessible design approaches that support diverse public audiences and uses
- Consideration of universal access, usability, dignity and public safety
- Demonstrated commitment to inclusive hiring practices, partnerships or collaboration models
- Evidence that equity and accessibility are embedded in decision-making, not treated as an add-on
Calgary Arts Development reserves the right to request additional information or clarifications from potential vendors and negotiate terms and conditions. Calgary Arts Development is not obligated to accept any proposal or to award the contract to the lowest bidder.
Project Timeline
| Milestone | Target Date |
| RFP release | March 3, 2026 |
| Question period closes | March 17, 2026 |
| Submission deadline | March 31, 2026 |
| Selection and notification | Early – mid-April 2026 |
| Contracting and onboarding | Mid – late April 2026 |
| Fabrication period | April – October 2026 |
| Delivery of completed units | November 2026 |
All dates are approximate and may be subject to change.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility
Calgary Arts Development encourages submissions from equity-deserving, Indigenous and underrepresented fabricators, builders and collaborators. Proponents should demonstrate inclusive hiring, accessible design approaches and sustainable practices.
This project also supports Calgary Arts Development’s 2023 – 2026 Strategic Framework, which emphasizes:
- Purpose: Embedding equity as the core of the arts ecosystem.
- People: Building artist and community leadership capacity.
- Community: Cultivating connection, storytelling and public participation.
- Resources: Sustaining and growing access to creative infrastructure.
Proponents are encouraged to partner with equity-deserving and local businesses to strengthen inclusion across all project phases.
Accessibility support and accommodation are available upon request.
About the Public Art Program
We are committed to delivering a public art program that is engaging, relevant and accountable. Public art in Calgary reflects the rich diversity of our city, including Indigenous voices that tell the past, present and future stories of Calgary, known as Mohkinsstsis in Blackfoot. Our intent is to foster meaningful connections and dialogue between artists and communities, using public art to reflect Calgary’s diverse stories and values.
Questions & Contact
All inquiries must be submitted to Parker Chapple, Project Lead, at drop@calgaryartsdevelopment.com.
The concept rendering illustrates the general intent, scale and functional flexibility of the DROP Container unit.
This rendering is not a final design and is provided solely to inform fabrication proposals.
The rendering shows:
- A single modular DROP Container unit designed to support both exterior-facing display and enclosed interior use.
- Exterior viewing capability, including glazed panels suitable for public-facing display, weather resistance and integrated lighting.
- Interior flexibility, allowing the container to function as a studio, gallery or small-scale programming space depending on project needs.
- Configuration adaptability, enabling the container to operate independently or alongside other units of the same type across schools, parks or community settings.
- Mobility considerations, including transport by flatbed or tilt-deck truck and standardized lifting points.
Note: Final design, detailing and finish will be determined through collaboration between the selected fabricator, Calgary Arts Development and The City of Calgary.
Calgary Arts Development and The City of Calgary are committed to environmentally responsible and accessible design.
Fabricators are expected to integrate the following principles into all stages of design and construction:
Environmental Standards
- Sustainable materials: Use recycled, reclaimed or locally sourced materials where possible.
- Energy efficiency: Integrate solar lighting or low-draw LED systems; minimize reliance on grid power.
- Low-emission coatings and finishes: Specify VOC-free paints and protective layers.
- Durability and maintenance: Prioritize long-life, weather-resistant materials that require minimal upkeep.
- Waste reduction: Employ modular fabrication and reuse off-cuts or scrap where feasible.
Accessibility Standards
- Universal access: At least one unit must allow grade-level or ramped entry.
- Visual accessibility: Ensure clear sightlines, lighting consistency and glare control for all viewers.
- Wayfinding: Provide clear exterior signage and tactile or high-contrast indicators where applicable.
- Auditory and sensory considerations: Avoid mechanical noise or vibration where audiences engage closely.
- Consultation: Final design must accommodate accessibility review during fabrication.
These expectations align with the City of Calgary Water Efficiency Plan, UEP Public Art Plan and Calgary Arts Development’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility Framework.
1. Agreement Overview
A Fabrication Service Agreement will be executed between Calgary Arts Development Authority and the selected fabricator or fabrication team. This document defines project scope, deliverables, schedule, payments, warranties and ownership.
2. Scope of Work
- Design development, engineering review and fabrication of three (3) modular gallery units.
- Co-ordination with Calgary Arts Development and City of Calgary representatives on specifications and testing.
- Delivery to approved City site in Calgary, fully operational and compliant with safety standards.
- Provision of manuals, as-built drawings and maintenance guidance.
3. Fee Schedule (Example)
| Milestone | Deliverable | Payment % |
| Contract Execution | Signed Agreement + Insurance Docs | 10% |
| Design Approval | Final drawings + engineer sign-off | 25% |
| Fabrication Midpoint | 50% completion verified | 30% |
| Delivery & Inspection | Units delivered and accepted by Calgary Arts Development + City | 25% |
| Final Documentation | Submission of manuals + warranty package | 10% |
4. Warranty
A one-year warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship is required following acceptance of the units.
While the DROP Containers are active within the Calgary Arts Development–led program, Calgary Arts Development is responsible for operating, storage, transportation and maintenance costs associated with the containers.
5. Insurance Requirements
- Commercial General Liability: Minimum $5 million coverage.
- City and Calgary Arts Development listed as co-insured
- Automobile Liability: Minimum $2 million coverage.
- Proof of WCB coverage (if applicable).
- Additional requirements may include:
- 30-day notice of cancellation or material change
- Cross Liability clause
- Contractual Liability clause
- Non-owned Automobile coverage
(This appendix is illustrative; final contract language will be issued by Calgary Arts Development.)
This project is funded through the Utilities and Environmental Protection (UEP) Public Art Program, supported by utility-derived capital dedicated to water, wastewater, stormwater and waste-management themes.
Program Intent
- Foster public understanding of Calgary’s water systems and sustainability goals.
- Promote creative reflection on stewardship, drought resilience and stormwater literacy.
- Provide accessible and portable infrastructure for education through art.
- Reach and engage broad audiences, emphasizing equity and geographic diversity within The City of Calgary.
Alignment with DROP Programming Containers
The DROP Containers initiative fulfils Calgary Arts Development objectives by:
- Creating portable, low-maintenance art spacesthat circulate city-wide
- Embedding water stewardship and climate awarenessin public dialogue
- eEnsuring low operational cost and sustainable construction practices.
(This overview is provided for informational context only and does not affect proposal scoring.)
