Request for Proposals

City of Red Deer Public Art Opportunity

Canadian Pacific Rail Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation Public Art Project – 2025/2026

Call for Artists 

Canadian artists or artist teams are invited to submit expressions of interest for a public art opportunity for stage 1 of the CPR Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation Project in the city of Red Deer, AB. 

Budget: $170,000 (including GST)

Deadline for applications: July 31, 2025, 4:00pm

Project Background

The CPR Pedestrian Bridge, built in 1908 by Canadian Pacific Railway, was used for trains until 1990 when the rail line was relocated. Although initially slated for demolition, the bridge was saved by local residents and converted into an active transportation structure. Recognizing its historical significance, Red Deer City Council designated the bridge a Municipal Historic Resource in 1991. Now over 100 years old, the bridge is undergoing full rehabilitation to restore its original grandeur, meet modern standards, and create an inviting space for the community. The project will also include landscaping and the creation of a plaza on the north side of the river, with two identified sites for public art.

Location

The public art sites are situated on the north side of the Red Deer River, within the newly created plaza. This location connects the Riverside Meadows neighbourhood to the city's renowned trail system, while the CPR Pedestrian Bridge links the north side to downtown Red Deer. There are two potential public art sites located on the outer edges of a trail roundabout: a primary site and a secondary site. In Stage 2, artists and artist teams can choose to submit a design for the primary site only or a design that engages both sites, creating a cohesive relationship between them.

The plaza and public art sites are situated on the ancestral lands of Treaty 6, within the traditional territories of the Métis, Cree, and Saulteaux peoples. Central Alberta also encompasses parts of Treaty 7, the traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Tsuut’ina Nation, and Stoney Nakoda Nations. This area has been a place of gathering, travel, and sustenance for Indigenous communities since time immemorial. The arrival of settlers and the imposition of colonial systems—through treaties, land dispossession, and the establishment of industry—profoundly disrupted these relationships. By the early 20th century, the site became home to the Bawtinheimer Mill and later the Great West Lumber Company (1900–1916), contributing to the industrial and residential development of North Red Deer.

Today, projects like the CPR Pedestrian Bridge offer an opportunity to reflect on these layered histories while imagining more inclusive futures. The bridge project aligns with key objectives from the Riverside Meadows Neighbourhood Redevelopment Plan, including beautifying the public realm, fostering a strong community identity, and preserving the area’s historical and cultural features. Riverside Meadows is a vibrant, and inclusive community, blending residential, commercial, and recreational spaces while respecting its history and natural environment. The neighbourhood emphasizes sustainable development, green spaces, and accessible transportation, particularly through walking and biking, and encourages active community involvement in maintaining its unique identity.

Deliverables
Canadian-based artists (including artist teams) are invited to submit their portfolios and statement of interest to this stage 1 of a two-stage competition for the public art project competition for the CPR Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation Project. 

The artwork(s) will serve as a welcoming beacon for cyclists and pedestrians, marking the entrance into north Red Deer. Situated along a pedestrian corridor, the piece will invite passersby to pause, gather, and reflect. The project encourages themes that align with the values of the Riverside Meadows neighbourhood, such as environmental stewardship, community connection, and the histories and stories of the area. This will be a site-specific sculptural artwork that responds to the location’s use, history, and natural environment. Designs that incorporate interactive elements are encouraged.

Required Submission Materials

Artists/artist teams are invited to submit their portfolios (up to 10 past projects) and shall include:

• Professional Experience - CV (lead artist)
  • Portfolio of relevant past projects
  • Letter of Interest outlining possible approach to this project
  • Artist Statement and philosophy towards Public Art

Selection Process

Submissions will be screened for eligibility based on the requirements listed above. Submissions that do not meet eligibility criteria will not be considered. Eligible submissions will be reviewed by the Public Art Commission and 3 to 5 finalists will be chosen to move onto the RFP stage. Those moving to the RFP stage will receive an honorarium of $2500.00 for the development of the final design concept. All applicants will be notified regardless. 

Deadline and Submission Details

Proposals will be accepted until Friday, July 31, 2025, 4 pm MT. The detailed RFQL can be found here reddeer.bidsandtenders.ca

Respondents interested in this opportunity are invited to create a free Bidding System Vendor account at reddeer.bidsandtenders.ca and click on the "Create Account" button. To register as a Plan Taker, click on the “Register for this Bid” button.

Responses that do not fully meet the criteria above may not be considered. It is the respondent’s responsibility to request clarification of any item that is unclear or uncertain within the context of the RFQ package by using the “Submit a Question” button through the Bidding System.

Equity Statement 

In the spirit of fostering inclusivity and celebrating diverse voices, this public art project welcomes artists of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to participate. We are committed to ensuring that artists from historically underrepresented communities, including but not limited to Indigenous, Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQ+, disabled, and economically marginalized groups, have equitable opportunities to contribute to the cultural fabric of Central Alberta. We encourage submissions that reflect the rich diversity of our community, promote social justice, and inspire collective understanding.

The City of Lethbridge Public Art Program is seeking an artist or artist team to paint a series of asphalt murals on park pathways, with the goal of promoting awareness, connection and movement of people between various amenities in and around Henderson Park. This pilot project also involves elements of skill sharing and community participation and will help inform future asphalt art projects in our community.

Artists are asked to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) outlining their artistic background and intended approach to the project. Design renderings are not required at this phase. The details of the skill-sharing and community engagement components will be developed and scheduled in collaboration with the project team (see Scope of Work below).

Applicants should carefully read all sections of this call and ensure their application fulfills all the requirements. Questions are welcome and may be directed to KT Wilde at publicart@artslethbridge.org.

Background

Henderson Park is one of Lethbridge’s premier parks featuring a 24-hectare lake, mature trees, picturesque parkland & gardens, picnic shelters, playgrounds and over 7 km of pathways to explore. Centrally located on the south side of the city, Henderson Park contains (or is adjacent to) an abundance of highly valued community amenities. These include Henderson Outdoor Pool, Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, Lethbridge Tennis Club, Henderson Lake Golf Course, Wade Galloway Skate Park, Spitz Stadium and the newly redeveloped Lethbridge & District Exhibition. A hub for community celebration, the park itself is a year-round destination for outdoor recreation and special events that promote lively festivals, active socialization and casual enjoyment of urban nature.

For more details on the various amenities located in and around Henderson Park, please see: www.lethbridge.ca/parks-leisure-recreation/parks-and-playgrounds/south-parks-and-playgrounds/henderson-lake-park/   and  getinvolvedlethbridge.ca/henderson-park-strategic-plan.

Eligibility

This competition is open to artists and artist teams across Canada at all levels of their artistic practice. Applicants must be available for all activities as outlined above.

Scope of work

The selected artist (or artist team) will design and paint a series of 5 – 8 temporary works of public art. The sites eligible for painting will not include roads or designated sidewalks but will focus on paved paths and gathering areas used primarily by pedestrians and cyclists. Most sites are located within Henderson Park, with additional designated adjacent areas outside the Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre building.

The selected applicant will also be required to deliver two additional components: 1) a professional development opportunity for other artists looking to expand their skillset to include asphalt mural painting and 2) offer a community engagement activity as part of the project, such as participating in a volunteer paint day. Project staff will work with the artist to develop these components, but applicants are asked to highlight their relevant skills and any approaches they may envision, in their letter of interest.

Installation sites

• Pathway paintings will be installed at between 5 and 8 sites along paved surfaces located within eligible zones which include the Henderson Park Pathways (Appendix A) and designated areas on the north/east side of Parkside Drive S connecting Lethbridge and District Exhibition with Henderson Park (Appendix B).
• No officially designated sidewalks or roads are included in the scope of this call. Proposals to paint crosswalks, roadways, or intersections will not be considered.

While painting will only occur within the eligible areas outlined, the artwork can and should visually reference the amenities surrounding the park as listed above, and may include other highlights such as playgrounds, boat launch, picnic and rest areas, etc.

Budget 

The project budget is $10,000 plus GST, inclusive of artist fees and other project expenses for which the selected artist or artist team will be responsible, such as supplies, materials and incidentals.  

The selected applicant will receive an artist fee of $750 plus GST upon submission of the Project Proposal (see Artist Deliverables, above). Following acceptance of the project plan and designs, an additional fee of $9250 plus GST will be paid in installments according to deliverables.   

An additional travel budget may be negotiated if necessary, to a maximum of $3000. 

Timeline

Call opens: Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Info Session:  Wednesday, June 25, 2025 – details and link will be posted online
EOI Submission Deadline: Monday, July 21, 2025 at 11:59 pm local time
Notification: Thursday, July 31, 2025
Site visit: Early August 2025
Project Proposal due: August 31, 2025

Phase 1

• Installations: September 2025 (contingency dates: October 2025)
• Project updates submitted: September/October

Phase 2

• Planning: Fall 2025 / Winter 2026
• Installations and engagement events: Spring 2026

Final report submitted: within one month following completion

Download the full PDF for Application and Submission Requirements

Submission deadline: Monday, July 21, 2025 at 11:59 pm local time

Deadline to apply July 2.

Are you passionate about the arts?

Are you well connected within your regional or cultural community?

The AFA’s Community Connector program is looking for passionate well-connected Albertans to act as a bridge between the AFA and their regional or cultural community.

This year long contract gives the selected Community Connectors the opportunity to help improve their community’s access to the province’s primary arts funder. 

This program is an innovative new way to connect with artists and organizations, particularly in geographic regions and with cultural communities in which awareness of AFA resources may be limited, by working with trusted community leaders to support our outreach efforts.

What we are looking for

We are seeking individuals who:

• Have strong connections within their local arts community.
• Have strong connection within their cultural or regional community.
• Are passionate about promoting opportunities for artists.
• Are passionate about the arts.
• Have an active online presence and familiar with content creation.
• Can organize and host a community networking event.

Community Connectors will:

• Act as liaisons between the AFA and their local communities.
• Help raise awareness about AFA resources, encourage artists to connect with the AFA and organize a community engagement event.
• Serve as ambassadors of the arts, sharing the benefits of engagement with the AFA.

What you will need to provide

To apply for the role, please submit:

• A bio - tell us about yourself
• Tell us about your community
• A project proposal that includes:
  • A description of your ideal audience and the local arts networks you are connected to.
  • A detailed strategy for engaging your community to promote AFA programs.
• A Networking/engagement event concept/design:
  • This should outline your vision for a community event that introduces local artists to the AFA, with AFA staff and/or board members in attendance.
• A communications/marketing plan:
  • Include the communication channels you use, your following, and examples of the type of content you intend to create and share.
• An estimated budget for event-related costs (up to $5,000).
  • Include details on potential event rentals, invitations, promotional materials, etc.

Please submit these materials by July 2, 2025, to be considered. Materials should total 10 or less pages. 

Program details

Selected Community Connectors will receive:

• Compensation: $2,500 for the term
• Event and promotion costs: Up to $5,000 will be available for approved expenses related to organizing your networking event (such as venue rentals, invitations, and promotions).

Deliverables during the program

As part of the program, you will be responsible for:

• Attending training meetings with AFA staff to learn about the programs and resources you’ll be promoting.
• Organizing one community engagement event with a Q&A panel for local artists and connects them with the AFA.
• Posting a minimum of four promotional content pieces per month for use on your preferred communications channel (negotiable based on complexity) to raise awareness of AFA resources and promote your event.
• Meeting with AFA staff every two weeks to provide updates and report on your progress.
• Delivering additional marketing deliverables as outlined in your project proposal (e.g., meetings with artists, sharing contacts, etc.).

Program guidelines

• You will not be providing grant advice or presenting yourself as an AFA grant expert. Instead, your role is to encourage artists to explore the resources and connect with AFA staff.
• You will not act on behalf of the AFA but rather as a community liaison contracted to promote outreach activities.
• You are responsible for organizing local promotional efforts, which may include creating digital or physical posters for your event (with the AFA logo included), but you will not design or print materials that specifically represent the AFA.

Key dates

• July 2, 2025: Project proposals and applications due.
• July 16, 2024: Program begins.
• August 2025 – March 2026: Social media engagement, bi-weekly meetings with AFA staff, planning, and executing your networking event.
• Late March 2026: Final evaluation and report on outcomes.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your proposal and supporting documents by July 2, 2025 to afacontact@gov.ab.ca subject line “Community Connector”. If you have any questions about the application process or program details, please contact Mike Ameyaw, Communications and Marketing Strategist.