Submit an Expression of Interest
City of Waterloo Bike Locker Wraps
The City of Waterloo is inviting artists to submit expressions of interest to create a vibrant and engaging wrap for a bike locker in uptown Waterloo. One artist will be selected to create digital artwork that will be printed and applied to two bike lockers positioned side by side, enhancing the public space and promoting active transportation. This initiative aims to inspire community engagement and highlight themes of sustainable travel, connectivity, active neighbourhoods and Waterloo's extensive trail network. Local, national and international artists are eligible to apply.
Project Overview
Bike lockers provide essential infrastructure for cyclists in Waterloo. This project is part of an ongoing initiative to improve the visibility and aesthetic appeal of bike lockers through creative, high-contrast imagery.
The lockers included in this expression of interest will be positioned directly beside one another, with little to no space between the units. Artists should consider how their design will flow across both surfaces when developing their concepts. Submissions may feature a single design repeated on each locker or one continuous design that spans both lockers.
The selected artist will collaborate with City of Waterloo staff to refine the chosen concept and ensure the final design meets printing and installation requirements. City of Waterloo staff will also work with the selected artist to ensure accessibility compliance, including the use of high-contrast colors, patterns and prints to maximize visibility and inclusivity.
Goals of the Program
- enhance public spaces - beautify and unify Waterloo through creative and engaging public art
- encourage sustainable transportation - promote cycling and other forms of active transportation through artistic expression
- foster community connectivity - strengthen community identity by showcasing artwork that reflects the vibrancy of Waterloo’s neighbourhoods and active lifestyle
- support local artists - provide opportunities for emerging and established artists to share their work in a prominent public space
- promote accessibility and inclusion - create inclusive and welcoming designs that align with accessibility legislation, using high-contrast elements to support visibility and readability
Themes for Submission
Artists are encouraged to explore one or more of the following themes in their proposed design:
- active transportation - celebrate walking, cycling and other sustainable modes of travel
- connectivity - illustrate movement, connected communities and Waterloo's travel networks
- sustainability - highlight environmentally friendly modes of transport and their positive impact on urban life
- neighbourhoods in motion - capture the energy, vibrancy and active lifestyles of Waterloo’s neighbourhoods and public spaces
- trail networks - showcase the region’s extensive network of trails, pathways and cycling infrastructure
Artist Fee
The selected artist will receive a total fee of $2,000. This fee includes all costs associated with the project, including artist fees, travel, consultation with City of Waterloo staff and the creation of the final digital artwork.
Submission Requirements
Artists are invited to submit the following:
- a brief artist statement and biography
- a concept proposal outlining the artwork, with an optional visual representation
- a description of how the concept aligns with the program themes
- examples of previous work (maximum of 5 images or links to an online portfolio)
- contact information, including email address and phone number
Project Timeline
Application deadline: October 22, 2026 at 5 p.m. EST
Jury review and selection: October 2026
Artist notification: November 2026
Final image submitted to City of Waterloo: November 2026
Installation: To be determined based on weather conditions
Evaluation Criteria
Expressions of interest will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- aesthetic considerations
- connection to project themes
- project viability
- accessibility compliance
The selection committee will include City of Waterloo staff, members of the Creative Sector Advisory Committee and a representative from active transportation network.
For more information or assistance with your submission, please contact Sonya Poweska, Culture Program Specialist, at sonya.poweska@waterloo.ca.
Additional reference materials:
City of Waterloo Public Art Policy
All artists are encouraged to join the Create Waterloo Artist Roster to stay informed about upcoming artist opportunities, including calls for artists, workshops, professional development opportunities, events, resources and more.
To learn more and sign up, visit https://www.waterloo.ca/en/things-to-do/artist-and-maker-resources.aspx.
