Canadian artists or artist teams are invited to submit expressions of interest in the first stage of a two-stage competition for public artwork to be installed as part of the Canadian Pacific Rail (CPR) Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation Project.
Originally built in 1908, the CPR Pedestrian Bridge is a treasured historic landmark now undergoing full rehabilitation. The project includes the creation of a new public plaza with two dedicated sites for permanent public art on the north side of the Red Deer River, connecting Riverside Meadows to the city’s trail system and downtown core.
Artists are invited to design site-specific sculptural artworks that serve as a welcoming beacon for cyclists and pedestrians entering north Red Deer, reflecting the values of the Riverside Meadows neighbourhood. Proposals should incorporate themes such as environmental stewardship, community connection, and the area's local histories, with interactive design approaches encouraged.
Three to five shortlisted artists will be selected by September 15, 2025. Shortlisted artists will receive an honorarium of $2,500 to provide a full design proposal to the Public Art Commission.
The budget for this project is $170,000 and the expected installation date of the completed artwork is September 2026.
Submission requirements:
- Professional experience, CV, biography
- Portfolio of up to 10 past projects
- Letter of interest outlining possible approach to this project
- Artist statement and philosophy towards public art
Stage one submission deadline: July 31, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. MST. Submissions which do not meet the mandatory requirements will be disqualified and will not be evaluated.
Applications are accepted online only, through the online eprocurement tool, bids&tendersTM. For more information and to apply, visit https://reddeer.bidsandtenders.ca. Each respondent must have a Bidding System Vendor Account and must register as a Plan Taker opportunity. There are no fees or charges for accessing or downloading City of Red Deer Opportunities on bids&tendersTM.