Street & Mural Artists Directory

• Artists must be 18 years of age or older.
• Open to individuals currently residing in Hamilton (including Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough, Glanbrook, Stoney Creek, Waterdown), Six Nations of the Grand River, and/or Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.
• Demonstrated experience in street or mural art design, planning, and painting (any style) as it relates to at least 2 projects.
• Photo documentation of at least 1 previously executed mural project of the artist’s own design. Images of past work must demonstrate that they follow the City’s criteria for artwork displayed in public places and shall therefore not portray nudity, hate speech or violence.

If selected to work for the City, artists must be able to issue an invoice (template available) and receive payment by cheque.

The City of Hamilton’s Tourism and Culture Division is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. We encourage submissions from those who identify as women, persons with disabilities, First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, members of racialized, marginalized or equity deserving communities and 2SLGBTQ+ persons.

The Artist Directory will include:

• The name or alias of the artist or artist collective.
• Primary contact name.
• Preferred method of contact (email, phone, website, social media)
• Links to website and/or social media, if available.
• Artist or artist collective Bio/Description of work (100 words max)
• 1 or 2 photos of work.
• Opportunity to highlight certain qualifications, if available, including:
  • Certification in Working at Heights Training Program Standard (Government of Ontario)
  • Certification to operate a boom lift.
  • Certification to operate a scissor lift.
  • Artist or Artist Collective has Commercial General Liability Insurance.
  • Experience working in collaborative relationships with community groups or organizations.

There is no standard format that you need to follow to create your Artist Bio/Description of Work. Here are some questions to consider as you draft your statement:

• How long have you been practicing your art form?
• How would you define your style?
• Are there any significant projects you have completed that are worth mentioning?
• Are there any artistic influences that help guide your work?
• Are there any identities or lived experiences you wish to disclose that might distinguish you as a suitable candidate for a specific project? (Ex: a series of paintings commemorating Black leaders in Hamilton, a mural inside a community centre that provides safe spaces to the LGBTQ+ community)

The information collected through this form will not be posted publicly. However, the Artist Directory will be shared with City staff and with members of the public, upon request.

No. The directory will be arranged alphabetically. There is an opportunity on the submission form for experienced artists to highlight certain qualifications, such as certifications and insurance, which may identify them as more suitable candidates for large-scale and/or more complex projects.

In the short term, Public Art staff will only be in contact if we have questions about your submission, if we require more information, or if the material submitted does not meet the Eligibility Criteria.

Once the list is compiled, artists in the directory may be contacted by City staff or a member of the public to propose a project and see if the artist is interested in working together.

• Artists will be responsible to negotiate the terms of work and payment.
• The City will not be involved in negotiations between artists and parties commissioning work.
• The City does not endorse or sponsor any of the artists included in the Artist Directory or members of the public contacting artists with project proposals.
• Both parties will be responsible for completing their due diligence before entering into any contracts.

There is no guarantee that an artist in the directory will be contacted at any time.