Call for Art Design

Public Art Competition:“Salem Centre Business Area” Gateway

A Town of Ajax Public Art commission for site-specific artwork design.
Honourarium: $1000.00, plus design recognition
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: Friday, August 22, 2008 at 4:30 p.m.
Click here to download the information package.

Project Description

The Salem Centre Business Area functions as the primary eastern gateway for the Town, located at the highway 401/Salem Road interchange. Recent landmark development in the area includes a new BMW dealership currently under construction at the northeast corner of Salem Road and Achilles Road. As part of the BMW project work, an interchange feature is planned to be built into the boulevard embankment flanking the east side of Salem Road, just south of the Highway 401/CNR rail corridor. The gateway feature will consist of a free standing masonry wall with metal signage/graphic(s) mounted to the face. Dimensions of the wall are 5.94 m wide by 2.44 m high. The wall will be illuminated by exterior lighting at night. The Town of Ajax announces a competition for graphic artwork designs only, for the metal signage/graphics to be installed on the wall face.

Design concepts must reflect Ajax’s history, heritage, culture, diversity, or natural features (i.e. waterfront, trails, etc.), and must include the words “Salem Centre Business Area” as part of the design. The design should convey to residents and visitors alike, a graphic representation of Ajax, and therefore may be replicated at strategic locations around the interchange or possibly become a graphic used over a much broader area of the Town at prominent locations.

Eligibility

This competition is open to artists, graphic designers, and collaborative teams who reside or operate in Durham Region. The Town of Ajax reserves the right to determine artist eligibility. Prior experience in Public Art design is not required.

Honourarium

A total honourarium of $1000.00, awarded to the successful artist, has been allocated. This sum is inclusive of all artist’s fees and other project related expenses. Additional artist recognition could occur through a number of mediums, including an official unveiling, Town of Ajax website, media communications, Community Recreation, Parks & Culture Guide, etc.

Selection Process

All design submissions will be reviewed by a Selection Panel. Members on the panel may include arts professionals, artists, community representatives, architects, elected officials and Town of Ajax staff.

Selection Criteria

The design will be selected on the basis of artistic merit, technical proficiency, and relationship to the site. The panel reserves the right to decide that none of the design submissions are feasible for the site.

Design Award

All designs submitted to the Town of Ajax will be considered to be the property of the Town of Ajax. The artist(s) selected will be required to enter into an agreement with the Town of Ajax prior to commencing. No selection shall be deemed final until a design proposal has been fully approved by the Selection Panel, and an agreement properly executed and signed by the artist and applicable Town officials.

Notification of Results

All applicants will receive notification. Digital images will not be returned. Please do not contact Town of Ajax Recreation & Culture or the Selection Panel directly for competition results.

Information Package

Click here to download the entire Information Package, including the Application Procedure (PDF Version).