Artist Applications for the urbanWILDERNESS series will be accepted until March 22, 2026.

Building on the launch of the ARTonBOXES program developed to gradually transform over 100 local traffic signal cabinets into a collection of engaging works of public art, artists from Vaughan and the GTA are invited to submit creative proposals, themed on the urbanWILDERNESS. Emerging and established artists of all backgrounds, skills and experience who are at least 18 years old on the day their proposal is submitted and reside in Vaughan and the GTA are encouraged to apply.

If selected, artists must provide final artwork as high-resolution digital files suitable for large-format printing. The City will manage the reproduction of final artwork as high-calibre vinyl wraps for professional installation on traffic signal cabinets located at major intersections across Vaughan.

10 proposals will be selected for one-time installation on 10 traffic signal cabinets. Submissions will be evaluated to develop a professionally curated shortlist for final selection by a qualified adjudication panel.

Selected artists will each receive a $1,200 cash award, subject to the artists’ execution of an artist agreement. Such agreement will require the selected artists to provide approval for the City of Vaughan to use their artwork and to grant the City permission to photograph and share art images for promotional purposes. The City of Vaughan will cover the costs of vinyl fabrication and installation.

The deadline to submit urbanWILDERNESS proposals is March 22, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (“EST”). Submissions must be received in full by the deadline to be considered.

For full details about the ARTonBOXES program | urbanWILDERNESS series eligibility, guidelines, and the online submission process, visit Call for Artist Submissions page.

If you have any questions, contact Sharon Gaum-Kuchar, Program Manager, Public Art and Corporate Art Curator: sharon.gaum-kuchar@vaughan.ca.