Arts Alive 2026 - Call for Sculptors

Why Apply

This is an excellent opportunity for sculptors to showcase their work in a picturesque outdoor seaside setting.

Sculptures will be viewed by thousands of residents and visitors in this high-profile program. The district, local media and Oak Bay Tourism will promote this show throughout the year. Related arts events like art walks, concerts, and celebrations will be organized, generating excitement and building community.

Who Can Apply

Sculptors resident in Canada are invited to apply for our 2026-2027 outdoor public art program (Due to shipping/importing logistics, we cannot accept sculptures shipped from outside of Canada).

Up to two sculptures may be submitted by each sculptor for consideration. A separate application is required for each sculpture.

Emerging sculptors are encouraged to apply. You may contact the Arts & Culture Programmer for guidance preparing your application.

Sculpture Fabrication | Installation | Display Base

Sculptures will be displayed for approximately 1 year in outdoor public locations.

May 2026-April 2027

Only freestanding works which can be securely attached to the supplied concrete display base will be selected for exhibition.

Sculptors are responsible for installing and removing their work on the display bases provided.

Please view installation guidelines for specific measurements, bolt patterns and weights. (PDF)

Sculptural materials used must be durable in an outdoor environment and safe for public interaction.

Display locations map.

Arts Alive 2026 Key Dates

• February 2, 2026 ~ Application deadline – (9AM Pacific Time)
• February 27, 2026 ~ Successful applicants will be notified.
• May 4-29, 2026 ~ Sculpture installation.
• June 5, 2026 ~ Photographs of sculptures complete.
• July 16, 2026 ~ Arts Alive opening celebration and tour. (TBA)
• April 2027 ~ De-Installation of artwork complete.

Financial Information

Selected sculptors will be provided with an honorarium of $1,600 inclusive of travel and delivery/retrieval of sculpture.

All sculptures are available for purchase by general public.

A commission of 10% of the sale of any sculpture while on exhibition will go to the Arts Alive program to be used for the development of the program.

Permanent municipal public art collection consideration

A purchase for the municipal collection is at the discretion of the District of Oak Bay Council and is not guaranteed as part of this public exhibition.

The public will be invited to vote on a People's Choice. These sculptures will be among those considered for the permanent public art collection. Only one sculpture up to a fair market value of $18,000, taxes included, pending annual budget approvals may be considered for purchase.

Sculptures valued over $18,000 will be considered for exhibition and sale to the general public only. Sculptures valued over $18,000 will not be included in the People’s Choice voting.

Jury Process

Submissions are reviewed and shortlisted by a volunteer arts jury.

Depending on community sponsorships, up to 10 works may be selected.

Shortlisted entries are reviewed by municipal staff to ensure technical feasibility and public safety. 

Jury Criteria

Artistic Merit (50%)

Originality (20%)

Quality of previous work (established & mid-career artists) / quality of the application information, photographs/sketches (emerging artists) (30%)

Appropriate for outdoor seaside environment, appropriate size, practicality, durability, structural integrity. (pass/fail)

Public safety and level of maintenance required. (pass/fail)

Content must be appropriate for community members of all ages. (pass/fail)

Oak Bay’s Arts Alive Public Art Program

Arts Alive is Oak Bay Parks, Recreation & Culture’s yearly public sculpture exhibition. This exhibition is displayed for up to 12 months at outdoor sites in our municipality.

The municipality of Oak Bay is part of Greater Victoria and is located on the southeastern tip of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It lies in the traditional territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən people, known today as the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations.

Surrounded by beaches and parkland, its scenery includes splendid views across the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Salish Sea. This geologically fascinating area is also home to the unique and rare Garry Oak meadow ecosystem.

Our 18,000 residents have a deep attachment to our natural and built environment. The municipality is legendary for its fine domestic architecture, its picturesque, luxuriant gardens, and its parks. Its compact and charming village heart is the home of several art galleries enjoyed by local artists and art enthusiasts.

The annual and permanent collection of sculptures frames views, animates parks, streetscapes and gathering areas. The sculptures have been greatly appreciated for their artistic merit and have encouraged viewers to pause and reflect about living in and visiting this special seaside community. The collection includes realistic and abstract pieces, both kinetic and static. They are made of a variety of materials including metal, stone, glass, ceramic, mixed media and mosaic.

To learn more please visit: https://www.oakbay.ca/community-culture/arts-culture/arts-alive/