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.

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

Call to Artists

There are currently no active calls to artists. Future calls and exhibition applications will be listed on this page. Calls to the public art galleries are typically posted in the spring and fall. Check back regularly for updates.

Public Art Galleries

The City of Orillia, in partnership with the Orillia Museum of Art & History, hosts two art exhibitions composed of works by local artists annually. These exhibitions seek to highlight different elements of modern and historic life in Orillia. Each collection is displayed for six months, and can be viewed at one of two locations:

The Stack Gallery, located in the Orillia Recreation Centre (255 West St. S).

The Green Room Gallery, located in the Orillia Opera House (20 Mississaga St. W).

The Orillia Recreation Centre also hosts an exhibition featuring works from Indigenous Artists in the Arts and Culture display case. Each exhibition focuses on specific elements of Indigenous history and culture, and seeks to uplift the voices of Indigenous Artists in the region. Each collection is displayed for six months.

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.

'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.

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.