CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS | ROBERT MCLAUGHLIN GALLERY
Call for Expressions of Interest: RMG Community Arts Playground + Greenspace
Call for Expressions of Interest: RMG Community Arts Playground + Greenspace
The Robert McLaughlin Gallery (the RMG) has a large greenspace for public use and for gallery programming. We are seeking proposals to help us achieve our vision for an accessible community playground and greenspace.
Our goal is to create a significant outdoor space through creative placemaking and placekeeping that will lead to greater community well-being for all.
We are seeking expressions of interest for the following project components:
- Improve the greenspace through an accessible, artist-designed playground, park, and seating.
- Addition of a permanent shade structure on the level area adjacent to the gallery building.
- Adapt the slope or include the installation of a ramp to ensure safe, physical accessibility throughout the space.
- Improve our front steps to create a gathering space.
The project will also include the creation of an Indigenous medicine and butterfly garden in partnership with our partners and commissioning of public artworks. Consideration for these components must be included in the overall project plan.
The RMG is an asset for Oshawa and Durham residents and this project will develop a creative, community space for all to use and enjoy. We believe this greenspace will encourage people to come downtown and experience a recreational and cultural hub.
For the full details and Call for Expressions of Interest, please visit www.rmg.on.ca
Project Schedule
Please note that this is a tight timeline due to the timing of funding notification and deadline for grant spending.
March 15 – Call for Expressions of Interest Circulated
March 23 – Open onsite visit for interested applicants (3 – 5 pm)
March 24 – Virtual Information Session (12 – 1 pm)
April 2 – Open onsite visit for interested applicants (2 – 4 pm)
April 8 – Deadline for questions
April 15 – Deadline for Expressions of Interest at 5pm EST
April 18-29 – Meetings with select applicants
May 6 – Final selection
May – June – Landscape grading and possible shade structure construction
July – August – Fabrication of playground, seating, and any other structures to be installed
September – November – Installation of remaining project elements
There will be no other onsite visits scheduled.
Who Can Apply
This project may appeal to a variety of individuals, organizations, or collectives. We welcome expressions of interest from all interested parties. You may apply individually or submit a collaborative team proposal.
As an artist-centered organization, we welcome diverse thinkers and ways of approaching the project. We welcome applications from people with a connection to the RMG, Oshawa, or the Durham Region. We encourage applications from equity deserving individuals, organizations, or collectives.
Selection Process
Following a review of the request for qualifications submissions, we will invite finalists to develop a proposal after an initial consultation meeting with the project team. You will be required to demonstrate project feasibility, including meeting budgetary and durability constraints once installed. Depending on the nature of the selected work, the next stage will include prototyping and materials testing. Confirmation of all aspects of community consultation, project planning, permits, and installation will happen before fabrication begins.
What to Include
Each expression of interest should include the following:
- Letter of intention describing what interests you about the project, what you know about the RMG and Durham Region, and how your values align with ours (up to 2 pages)
- CV or narrative description of your background, training, and related work (up to 5 pages)
- Images of completed works or projects including the title, date, materials, and site (up to 20 images total)
Please submit materials as a single digital PDF or hard copy packet. Deadline for complete submissions is April 15, 2022. Incomplete submissions will be subject to disqualification. The RMG will retain all submission materials.
Submit all applications and questions to info@rmg.on.ca.
The Robert McLaughlin Gallery is an accessible venue. To learn more or request accommodations click here.
For more information or for any questions, please contact Ingrid Forster, Manager of Communications + Digital Engagement at iforster@rmg.on.ca
Deadline: April 15, 2022
More information here.