Public Art

Contact(s)

In Orillia, art isn’t just something we enjoy—it’s part of our identity.
From murals to sculptures to installations, our city is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. Our growing collection of public art is a reflection of this creative spirit. These works enhance our public spaces, celebrate local stories, and help shape the cultural fabric of our community.

Public art is more than an aesthetic feature—it’s an investment in the cultural, social, and economic health of a community.
Research shows that public art:

Increases property values by making neighbourhoods more attractive and desirable.
Boosts tourism by drawing visitors to experience unique cultural landmarks.
Supports local economies through artist commissions and related business activity.
Enhances civic pride and contributes to community identity.
Encourages foot traffic in downtown and commercial areas.
Strengthens placemaking—turning public spaces into meaningful, welcoming destinations.

Open Call to Artists

The City of Orillia hosts two annual art exhibitions featuring works by local artists, highlighting different elements of modern and historic life in the community. Each exhibition runs for six months—one from June to December and the other from December to June—and can be viewed at one of two locations:

The Stack Gallery – located in the Orillia Recreation Centre (255 West St. S.), showcasing a diverse selection of artworks by local artists.

Indigenous Arts and Culture Display Cabinet – also at the Orillia Recreation Centre, featuring works by Indigenous artists. These exhibitions focus on specific aspects of Indigenous history and culture, and aim to uplift the voices of Indigenous artists in the area.

Calls for submissions are posted approximately two months in advance—April for the June–December exhibition, and September for the December–June exhibition. Check back regularly to see the calls when they are posted.

Open Call to Artists: "Expressions of Identity"

The City of Orillia, in partnership with the Orillia Native Women’s Group (ONWG), invites artists who identify as Indigenous to submit their artwork for consideration in the upcoming exhibition: "Expressions of Identity".

Launching in December 2025 and running through June 2026, the exhibition invites artists to reflect on what identity means to them through an Indigenous lens. Identity may be expressed in many ways, including but not limited to culture, language, family, teachings, lived experiences and/or connections to the land. The exhibition aims to create space for Indigenous artists to share personal and collective expressions of identity with the broader community.

Work can reflect individual journeys, cultural histories, or the ways in which identity continues to change in the present day. We welcome submissions in all visual art forms, from traditional to contemporary practices. By showcasing a wide range of perspectives, the exhibition seeks to honour resilience, celebrate creativity, and share stories that reflect the depth and diversity of Indigenous identity.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
Submissions must include the following:
•Name of Artist(s)
•Contact information: address, phone number and email.
•Brief bio of participating artist(s)
•Artist(s) statement related to the piece and its interpretation of the theme
•Description of artwork: title, date, medium, size (h, w, d), weight (lbs), value, other considerations such as audio/video
•3 images of the work (wide shot of the front, close up of the front and side) or video file

DEADLINE:

The deadline for submissions has been extended to Friday November 7, 2025 at noon.

Full details can be found here: Call to Artists - Expressions of Identity

Apply Here

Do you have an idea for Orillia's next public art installation?

Submit your application for review below.

Application for Public Art Proposals

What is Public Art?

Public art refers to artwork that is located in public spaces and accessible to everyone. It can take many forms—murals, sculptures, installations, artist-designed benches, and more. Often inspired by community stories, public art reflects the values, history, and identity of a place. It turns everyday spaces into vibrant experiences and invites people to slow down, connect, and engage with their surroundings.

In Orillia, public art is a celebration of who we are. It brings our streets, parks, and buildings to life while honouring the people and stories that shape our city.

Donate to Public Art

The City of Orillia supports public art through the Public Art Fund, which helps bring new projects to life and maintain our existing collection. Donations to the fund are graciously accepted and directly support the continued growth of accessible, engaging art in our community.

Help us continue to build a city where creativity is around every corner.

Donate to the Public Art Fund

Current Exhibitions

'The Art of Summer'

“The Art of Summer”, created in partnership with OMAH and the Orillia Opera House, is an exhibition celebrating Orillia’s vibrant and energetic summer season. Inspired by the professional Summer Theatre program at the Orillia Opera House, artists were invited to encapsulate the spirit of summer in Orillia, taking inspiration from local events and gatherings, and the energy of the community. Through diverse artistic expressions, this exhibition invites you to reflect on fond memories of summers past and the warm spirit of Orillia represented within these pieces.

Click here to view the exhibition

'Two-Spirit and Gender Diversity Through History'

"Two-Spirit and Gender Diversity through History", created in partnership with OMAH and the Orillia Native Women's Group, aims to uplift the voices of Indigenous artists and honour Two-Spirit and gender-diverse individuals, both in Orillia and across the country. Launched in June 2025, this exhibition seeks to recognize National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month, encouraging ongoing reflection on the cultural contributions and resilience of Two-Spirit and gender-diverse individuals. Artists within all mediums were invited to contribute their work for this exhibition; selected pieces include beaded works, sketches, and paintings. This exhibition is on display within the Arts and Culture display case.

Click here to view the exhibition

Previous Exhibitions

Previous exhibitions can be viewed below:

Inclusion Momentum Orillia Landscapes Renewal Seven Grandfather Teachings The Teenage Zeitgeist

Public Art

In 2023, the City of Orillia, in partnership with OMAH and with support from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, unveiled the Crossroads, Connections and Intersections public art series. This series features nine different works found in seven different locations across the city, which are all accessible by foot, bike, or car. Crossroads, Connections and Intersections was inspired by Orillia's location at the intersection of Highways 11 and 12, as well as its proximity to the Trent-Severn Waterway.