The City of Brantford has launched a national search for an artist or artist team to design and create a new public artwork – or a series of artworks – celebrating the 150th anniversary of the invention of the telephone.
The commissioned work will be installed in Alexandra Park, 265 Dalhousie Street, in 2026, and will be selected through an open, two-stage process facilitated by STEPS Public Art, a Canadian charity and social enterprise dedicated to strengthening communities through public art.
In addition to the main commission, the project will include a mentorship opportunity for a local emerging artist.
The City, with input from the selected lead artist or team, will appoint an assistant to participate in the fabrication and installation phases.
The $135,000 project budget covers all costs directly related to the artwork. Fabrication is scheduled to begin in January 2026, with installation later that year.
Proposals are not required at this stage; instead, Stage 1 applicants will be evaluated on artistic excellence, relevant experience, and the ability to produce an innovative, community-connected design.
A Selection Panel made up of arts professionals and community members will review submissions, shortlist candidates, and select the final artist through a combination of scoring and deliberation.
Applications must be submitted online through the STEPS Public Art website at stepspublicart.org/project/brantford-public-art by September 28, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Questions about the Artist Call can be directed to Collin Zipp at collin@stepspublicart.org.
More information about the project is available at Brantford.ca/Bell150Sculpture.
