The Bloor Annex BIA invites artists or artist teams to submit proposals for a public mural at 394 Bloor Street West in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood.
Supported through the City of Toronto’s StreetARToronto (StART) program, this project celebrates Toronto’s role as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup while building on the Bloor Annex BIA’s long-standing commitment to public art, placemaking, and neighbourhood beautification.
Theme: World in a City: Arrive on Common Ground
For decades, the Annex has welcomed students, artists, families, newcomers, and visitors from around the world. Located along one of Toronto’s most vibrant cultural corridors and connected by major transit routes, the neighbourhood serves as a gathering place where diverse communities meet, exchange ideas, and share experiences.
Artists are encouraged to interpret the theme through concepts such as:
- Cultural diversity and coexistence
- Movement and migration
- Shared public spaces and gathering
- Celebration, rhythm, and collective energy
- Global perspectives within local neighbourhoods
- Destination Tourism and Commercial Vibrancy
The selected design should celebrate how places like the Annex become meeting places for the world—not only during major international events, but every day.
Location Details
Location: 394 Bloor Street West, Toronto
Wall Orientation: West-facing exterior wall
Approximate Dimensions: 11 feet high x 22 feet wide
The mural will be highly visible to pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and motorists travelling along Bloor Street West.
Budget
The total artist budget is $6,800 CAD + HST (if applicable).
The selected artist will be responsible for all costs associated with the project, including but not limited to:
- Design and concept development
- Paint and materials
- Surface preparation
- Anti-graffiti coating
- Equipment and scaffolding/lift rentals
- Labour and assistants
- Travel and transportation
- Insurance and safety requirements
The Bloor Annex BIA will not provide additional funding beyond the approved project budget unless preauthorized in writing.
Artist Requirements
The selected artist will be required to:
- Deliver the mural within the agreed budget and timeline
- Supply all materials, paint, equipment, and scaffolding required for installation
- Apply an anti-graffiti coating suitable for exterior mural preservation (BIA will provide anti-graffiti paint, but artist will complete application)
- Participate in project promotion, including photography, media, and social media opportunities as requested
- Maintain communication with the Bloor Annex BIA throughout the project
- Keep the worksite clean and safe during installation
- Follow all applicable workplace health and safety requirements
- Carry appropriate insurance, if required (eg: working at heights)
- Accommodate City of Toronto, StART, and Bloor Annex BIA recognition requirements in project documentation and promotional materials (logos and templated to be provided by BIA)
- Grant permission for the City of Toronto and Bloor Annex BIA to photograph and promote the project
The Bloor Annex BIA will be responsible for ongoing graffiti removal and maintenance of the mural following completion.
To Apply
Please submit the following in a single PDF:
1. Letter of Interest (maximum 500 words)
Please include:
- Artist contact information
- Artist biography (or bios for artist teams)
- Why you are interested in this project
- How your proposed concept relates to the theme “World in a City: Arrive on Common Ground”
- Any connection you may have to the Annex or surrounding community
2. Project Proposal
Please include:
- Written design concept
- Description of colour palette, imagery, and artistic approach
- Description of how the artwork responds to the theme
- Preliminary sketches, concept drawings, mood boards, visual references, or renderings (optional but encouraged). The Bloor Annex BIA recognizes that concept development and design preparation are forms of artistic labour. Applicants are not required to submit a finalized mural design at this stage. However, visual materials that help communicate the proposed artistic direction may assist the Selection Committee in evaluating submissions.
3. Budget
Provide a detailed project budget demonstrating how the work can be completed within the maximum budget of $6,800 CAD, including all materials, paint, equipment, scaffolding, labour, and associated costs.
4. Resume and Portfolio
Please include:
- Current artist resume
- Examples of at least two completed mural projects
- Examples of outdoor mural work of similar scale and scope
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by a Selection Committee composed of Bloor Annex BIA staff, business members, community stakeholders, and the property owner.
Artists will be evaluated based on:
- Artistic merit and creativity
- Alignment with the project theme
- Experience delivering outdoor mural projects
- Project feasibility and budget
- Quality of previous work
- Connection to the local community (where applicable)
Key Dates
Application Deadline: Thursday June 25, 2026 @ 5pm
Artist Selection: Wednesday July 1, 2026
Design Finalization: Wednesday July 15, 2026
Mural Installation: To be completed no later than September 1, 2026
Submission Information
Please email all application materials (including images) as a single PDF to:
Melanie Ramsay,
Project Manager, Bloor Annex BIA
bloorannexbiaproject@gmail.com
Subject Line: 2026 Mural Proposal – Artist Name