The Town of Huntsville recognizes the important role public art plays in placemaking, creating vibrant, engaging spaces that spark dialogue and delight, attract visitors and residents, create a sense of civic pride, and increase opportunities for legitimate loitering to enhance crime prevention.

Together with members of the Muskoka Arts and Crafts, the Downtown Huntsville BIA, Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce, Huntsville Festival of the Arts, and Huntsville Art Society, the Town is inviting qualified visual artists with a connection and/or understanding of the area's local history and culture to submit to the Kent Park Public Art Project Call to Artists for a permanent outdoor work or works of art at Kent Park.

Kent Park is a popular gathering space located in the heart of downtown Huntsville, used for special events throughout the year including the annual Christmas tree lighting and summer buskers. It is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg under the terms of the Robinson-Huron Treaty #61 of 1850, and the Williams Treaties of 1923.

In 2022, the park was revitalized as part of the Town of Huntsville’s Downtown Streetscape Project and offers a range of possibilities for two- or three-dimensional works of art in terms of size, shape, and artistic media of a permanent nature.

The purpose of this Call for Artists is to enter into an agreement with a suitable artist or artist team to create a permanent piece of public art that adds to the vibrant and unique character of this popular gathering space. The final work should reflect Huntsville’s adventurous and creative spirit inspired by the Muskoka landscape that weaves itself in and around the municipality, and foster a sense of place for people to come together to create, celebrate, or simply take pause to enjoy the area’s rugged, natural beauty.

Submission materials must be received via our online portal by Sunday, May 26, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Should you require assistance, please contact the Manager of Recreation, Culture and Heritage for the Town of Huntsville.

Please see commission document for full project information and application instructions.Click here for the application form.