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.
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:
Traffic Cabinet Wraps - Pilot Project
"Orillia Is..."
The City of Orillia invites artists to submit proposals for original designs to be featured on traffic cabinet wraps as part of a new public art pilot project.
Led by the Business Development, Tourism and Modernization Divisionin partnership with the Development Services and Engineering Department, this initiative aims to enhance the City’s streetscapes by transforming three traffic cabinets into vibrant, visually engaging works of public art. Selected designs will contribute to the beautification of key corridors while celebrating Orillia’s creativity, culture, and community identity.
For the inaugural traffic cabinet wrap project, artists are invited to reflect on the prompt “Orillia is…”
The fill-in-the-blank theme is intended to spark creative reflection on the city’s identity — past, present, and future. Submissions may be literal, symbolic, abstract, or narrative, and can highlight personal connections, cultural heritage, natural beauty, or everyday moments that define life in Orillia.
Selected designs will be installed at the following locations:
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Colborne Street West & West Street South
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Coldwater Road West & Patrick Street
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University Avenue at the Costco entrance
Artists are asked to submit a proposed design only in the form of a sketch, draft or concept rendering that illustrates the intended composition, and colour palette. Digital designs are preferred, however, artwork in any medium will be considered.
An honorarium of $500 will be awarded to each selected artist in recognition of their contribution.
The call is open to all artists. Preference may be given to those who work or reside in the City of Orillia, Chippewas of Rama First Nation, or the Townships of Oro-Medonte, Severn, or Ramara. The deadline for submissions is Monday, August 18th, 2025 at noon. To apply, visit Orillia.ca/PublicArt
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
• The proposed design. This should be a draft concept, not a finished product, to show the selection committee your style and intention.
DEADLINE
The deadline for submissions is noon Monday, August 18, 2025
Full details can be found here: Orillia Is... Traffic Cabinet Wraps - Call to Artists
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 |
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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. |
Public Art Galleries |
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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 |
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'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. |
Previous Exhibitions |
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Previous exhibitions can be viewed below: |
Public Art |
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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.
The following pieces are included in the collection: |
| Stories Converge |
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Artist: Kyle Thornley Approximate Location: Fittons Road Trail Intersection |
| Endorphin |
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Artist: Camille Rajotte Approximate Location: Orillia Recreation Centre |
| Hotel Echo Sierra |
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Artist: Stephen Cruise Approximate Location: West Orillia Sports Complex, Stormwater Pond
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| Sugar Maple Deer |
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Artist: Monica Wickeler Approximate Location: James Street Trail Intersection |
| Wild Honey |
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Artist: Rachel Babineau Approximate Location: Atherley Road Trail Intersection |
| Meandering Rainbow |
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Artist: Nate Nettleton Approximate Location: Wilson Point Road Trail Intersection |
| Biindigen/Welcome Mural |
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Artist: Soon Cho Approximate Location: Water Filtration Plant, facing Lake Couchiching (Only accessible by water)
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