Southern Alberta

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

High River Gift of Music Society is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing excellence in music to the community of High River since 2009. Our mission is to open doors to the world of classical music by presenting world-class performances, fostering educational opportunities, and engaging the community through outreach programs. We believe that music has the power to inspire, connect, and uplift—and we are committed to making these experiences accessible to all.

The Executive Director is responsible for implementing the artistic vision and focus of the High River Gift of Music Society in consultation with the Board of Directors and the Artistic Director.

The successful candidate will be a highly motivated, passionate, self-directed professional with multi-faceted skills to manage a wide range of roles and responsibilities in a small non-profit arts organization. 

Responsibilities & Duties:

The Executive Director is accountable to the Board of Directors and works collaboratively with the Artistic Director and Board. They work in a co-leadership role with the Artistic Director.

Planning and Administration

• Support, implement artistic vision and programming
• Implement policies and long-term direction established by the Board of Directors, in keeping with the Society’s bylaws, Special Resolutions and practices.
• Ensure ongoing communication with staff and Board of Directors
• Attend Board meetings.
• Maintain and liaise with service providers to meet the terms of their agreements
• Ensure Society remains in good standing
• Manage day-to-day business of the society

Financial

• Operate the program within the annual board-approved budget
• Consult with treasurer and bookkeeper to ensure accurate financial reports.
• Liaise and maintain up-to-date records and accounts with service providers.

Fundraising and Community

• Develop and cultivate fund development and grant opportunities
• Develop, cultivate and maintain liaison with donors, sponsors, and grantors
• Prepare and write grant applications, grant reports and ensure terms of contractual agreements are met.
• Build relationships/partnerships with community, educational institutions, media, and businesses.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws and standards for performances and events.

Marketing

• Liaise with creative team; direct and approve design and content of marketing materials.
• Manage marketing channels: booking, submissions and distribution for advertising, social media, event listings, posters, digital newsletters and website.
• Manage digital ticket platform, prepare and upload content, maintain, provide reports.

Concert and Outreach Production

• Manage effective communications with artistic guests, Board, supporters and donors.
• Work with Board, Artistic Director, volunteers to present events.
• Ensure Emergency Action Plan (EAP), insurance and any permits required are in place.

Key Traits and Characteristics

• Project Management
• Decision Making
• Creativity and Innovation
• Futuristic Thinking
• External Stakeholder Focus
• Self Starter and Personal Accountability

Education and Experience

• University degree in a related discipline, or equivalent experience in arts management, marketing, or fundraising.
• Knowledge/background in classical music and/or performance community.
• Minimum three years experience in arts management position in a non-profit environment.
• Experience working with Board of Directors.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and computer proficiency. 

The Executive Director is a part-time position with flexible hours, requiring occasional availability during evenings and weekends to support concerts, events, and community engagement. While much of the work can be done remotely, the successful candidate must be familiar with High River and the surrounding area, and be available to support the organization’s activities locally as needed. This role is ideal for a self-motivated individual with a passion for the arts and strong ties to the community. Salary $1,500/month.

Apply

Submit letter of interest and resume to High River Gift of Music HR Committee at info@highrivergiftofmusic.com, by June 20, 2025.