Call for Artists: Violet King Park Commemorative Project
Application Deadline: October 10, 2026, 11:59pm MT
ARTIST SUBMISSION FORM: Violet King Park Commemorative Project
Project Overview
HSCA invites artists and artist collectives to submit qualifications for the creation of a commemorative public artwork at Violet King Park. Located in Sunnyside across the street from the former King family home (748 5 St NW), Violet King Park honours Canada’s first Black woman lawyer and recognizes the significant contributions she and her family made to Canadian history. This project seeks a creative concept that meaningfully reflects King’s legacy, the significance of the site, the values of the surrounding community, and the challenges she faced. Applicants are encouraged to approach commemoration broadly and creatively.
HSCA invites submissions from emerging and established artists with demonstrated experience in public art, commemoration, and community engagement. All local artists are welcome to apply for this project. We encourage applications from Black artists and other artists from equity-deserving communities.
This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is the first stage of a two-stage selection process. Following stage one, up to three artists will be invited to develop a detailed proposal with a concept design for the Violet King Park Commemorative Project. The shortlisted artists will be compensated for their detailed proposals with a $1000 honorarium. The total project budget (inclusive of artist fees, design, materials, installation, and taxes) is up to $35,000.
An artist selection committee will review the RFQ submissions and evaluate shortlisted applicants using a scoring rubric. The committee will include a representative of the King family, arts professionals, Hillhurst-Sunnyside community members, and representatives from Calgary's Black community.
We encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.
Please note: Funding for the shortlisted artist proposal honorariums has been secured. The timeline for commissioning the final artist is dependent on project funding. HSCA anticipates confirming approximately $35,000 in funding by December 1, 2026.
Estimated Timeline
September 1, 2026: Applications open
October 10, 2026: Application deadline (no applications accepted after 11:59pm MT)
November 1, 2026: Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by November 1, 2026
November 30, 2026: Shortlisted proposal deadline (no proposals accepted after 11:59pm MT)
December 23, 2026: Final artist notified by December 23, 2026
January 2027 – March 2027: Artwork development
April 2027: Installation
May 2027: Celebration event
Submission Instructions
To apply, please complete the Artist Submission Form linked below:
ARTIST SUBMISSION FORM: Violet King Park Commemorative Project
The Artist Submission form includes:
Are you a Calgary-based resident? Preference will be given to artists who live and work in Calgary to support and invest in the local arts community.
Name, email address and mailing address.
Statement of Interest - Please type your Statement of Interest in the provided box responding to each of the following statements (maximum 500 words):
Explain your interest in the Violet King Commemorative Project.
Describe your connection to Calgary.
Explain your general approach to public art and community engagement.
Share why you believe you are a good fit for this project.
Share how this opportunity will support your practice.
CV/Resume - Please provide a shareable link to your CV or Resume (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, etc.), highlighting relevant experience (maximum 2 pages). Ensure the link permissions are set to allow anyone with the link to view the file.
Professional Portfolio - Please provide a shareable link to your professional portfolio (website, Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, etc.). Include 5–10 images of relevant work with the following information for each image: title, date, size, materials and a brief description. If artwork is done in collaboration, please indicate the name of the collaborating artist(s). Ensure the link permissions are set to allow anyone with the link to view the file.
Website (Optional) - Please provide a link to your professional website if you have one. Providing a website is optional and will not influence the evaluation of your application.
Social Media (Optional) - Please provide links to any professional social media accounts that showcase your artistic practice (Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, etc.). Providing social media links is optional and will not influence the evaluation of your application.
Scoring of ARTIST Submissions
Statement of Interest (50 points)
Provides a response to each statement (maximum 500 words total):
Explain your interest in the Violet King Commemorative Project.
Describe your connection to Calgary.
Explain your general approach to public art and community engagement.
Share why you believe you are a good fit for this project.
Share how this opportunity will support your practice.
Resume/CV (20 points)
Demonstrates experience in public art, community-engaged art, design, fabrication, and installation, as well as the ability to successfully complete a project of similar scope (maximum 2 pages).
Images (30 points)
Provides a shareable link to their professional portfolio with 5–10 images. Each image includes the following information for each image: title, date, size, materials and a brief description. If artwork was done in collaboration, the artist indicated the name of the collaborating artist(s)