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.
Call to Artists
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Open Call: Tudhope Park - Indigenous Mural |
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The City of Orillia invites Indigenous artists to submit proposals of original designs for the creation of a public mural at Tudhope Park. This project presents an opportunity to create a meaningful and highly visible work of art that reflects Indigenous presence, identity, and connection to land and community. Located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg peoples, this project seeks to honour and celebrate Indigenous culture through artistic expression. The selected artist will play a central role in shaping a mural that contributes to an inclusive and vibrant public space for residents and visitors alike. The selected artist will be commissioned to create a mural on a concrete surface located in front of the Tudhope Park playground. This space is highly visible and actively used by children and families. The mural site measures approximately 40 feet by 70 feet (2,800 square feet) and will become an integral feature within the park. THEME: UNSPECIFIED This call does not prescribe a specific theme or visual direction. Artists are encouraged to draw from their own artistic practice, cultural knowledge, and relationship to land and community. The selected artist will be entrusted with creative leadership of the project, with the understanding that the final work should be authentic, meaningful, and grounded in their voice. The intent is to support a work that is artist-led and culturally grounded, and that meaningfully contributes to the visibility of Indigenous culture in everyday civic life. The work should be accessible to a broad audience, including children and families, while contributing to a welcoming and inclusive public space that reflects the City’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation.
SUBMISSION DETAILS
The remaining project timelines outlined below represent ideal milestones intended to support delivery of the mural in advance of National Indigenous Peoples Day. While the City intends to follow this schedule, these dates are flexible and may be adjusted in collaboration with the selected artist to accommodate design development needs, weather conditions, and site readiness.
View the full Call to Artists here
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Open Call: Stack Gallery "Land in Trust" |
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The City of Orillia, in partnership with the Couchiching Conservancy, is excited to announce a new Call to Artists for the Stack Gallery located at the Orillia Recreation Centre. Artists are invited to submit original new or existing works that explore the theme “Land in Trust.” The theme “Land in Trust” celebrates the landscapes protected by the Couchiching Conservancy and reflects its mission to safeguard the natural features and ecosystems of the region for present and future generations. Since its founding in 1993, the Conservancy has helped protect more than 15,000 acres of ecologically significant land through land donations, conservation easements, and partnerships with landowners and conservation organizations. These protected lands provide vital habitat for plants and wildlife, support biodiversity, and ensure that natural spaces remain accessible and cared for through stewardship and community involvement. Artists are encouraged to interpret this theme through works that explore our relationship with the land, the importance of conservation, and the beauty and ecological significance of the landscapes that surround us. Submissions are especially encouraged to depict lands protected by The Couchiching Conservancy, including forests, wetlands, shorelines, and rare ecosystems found in places such as Grant’s Woods Nature Reserve and the Carden Alvar. Works may also reflect themes of biodiversity, stewardship, and the quiet details of nature that reveal the richness and resilience of these protected spaces. 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. EXHIBITION DURATION: June 2026 – December 2026 SUBMISSION DEADLINE: The deadline for submissions is Friday, April 24, 2026, at noon. |
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Open Call: Indigenous Display Case "From Hand to Hand: Quill & Beadwork Across Generations" |
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The City of Orillia, in partnership with the Orillia Native Women’s Group (ONWG), invite artists who identify as Indigenous to submit artwork for consideration in the upcoming exhibition: "From Hand to Hand: Quill & Beadwork Across Generations". Launching in June 2026 and running through December 2026, the exhibition celebrates the beauty, skill, and cultural significance of quillwork and beadwork, and the ways these traditions are shared across generations. Submissions may include:
You do not need to be an artist to participate. If you have a piece in your home that carries a story or reflects a tradition passed down through generations, we would be honoured to share it as part of the exhibition. Quillwork and beadwork carry knowledge, skill, and memory from one generation to the next. This exhibition creates space to celebrate those connections, both past and present, and to highlight the strength and continuity of these art forms. We welcome works that follow traditional methods, reflect personal experience, or explore contemporary styles. Artists may elect to make their work available for purchase during the exhibition.
EXHIBITION DURATION: June 2026 – December 2026 SUBMISSION DEADLINE: The deadline for submissions is noon Friday, April 24th, 2026.
ELIGIBLE ARTWORK We welcome submissions of quillwork and beadwork in a range of forms, including but not limited to:
Works may follow traditional techniques, reflect personal experience, or explore contemporary approaches to quillwork and beadwork. Both newly created pieces and older works that have been passed down through generations are welcome. |
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Open Call: Traffic Cabinet Wraps "Threads of the City" |
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The City of Orillia invites artists to submit proposals of original designs to be featured on traffic cabinet wraps. Following the success of last year’s inaugural pilot, we are excited to bring this project back, continuing to transform the City’s streetscapes with vibrant, visually engaging public art. Led by the Business Development, Tourism and Modernization Division in partnership with the Development Services and Engineering Department, this initiative aims to enhance key intersections and corridors while celebrating Orillia’s creativity, culture, and community identity. Selected designs will contribute to the beautification of these spaces and invite residents and visitors alike to see the city through the eyes of local artists. Theme: “Threads of the City” This year’s theme celebrates connection, the threads that link people, places, and pathways in our daily lives. The two selected locations each tell a unique story of movement and interaction in the community:
Both sites represent moments of movement and transition. They are places where people pass through, cross paths, and continue on their way, whether by foot, bike, or vehicle. Through this project, artists are invited to reflect on the visible and invisible connections that shape our community. Submissions may explore themes such as:
Artists are encouraged to consider the unique character of each site and how their work can respond to it. Submissions can be tailored to a specific location (Westmount/Woodside or Fittons/Park), or artists may submit designs for both locations, or propose a single concept suitable for either site. Where applicable, artists are encouraged to identify their intended location(s) and consider how the energy, movement, and identity of each intersection can inform their work. An honorarium of $600 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 Friday, May 1st, 2026 at noon. To apply, visit Orillia.ca/PublicArt. SUBMISSION DETAILS Artists are asked to submit a proposed concept only. Concepts can be presented as a sketch, draft, or concept rendering that illustrates the intended composition, colour palette, and overall vision for the banner. If an artist prefers, they may instead submit examples of previous work in place of a draft concept. In this case, a written statement must be included, describing the vision, inspiration, and how the proposed concept would translate onto the traffic wrap design. Only digital designs will be accepted. Final designs must be submitted as digital files suitable for large-format production, including vector files (preferred: AI, EPS, or PDF) or high-resolution SUBMISSION DEADLINE First-round concept submissions are due Friday, May 1, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (noon). Selected artists will have two weeks to submit their final digital design, due Friday, May 29, 2026 at noon. |
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.
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. |
Traffic Cabinets |
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In 2025, the City's Business Development, Tourism & Modernization Division partnered with the Development and Infrastructure Planning Division to introduce a pilot project that transformed three traffic cabinets into public artworks. Guided by the theme “Orillia Is…”, the project invited artists artists to complete the phrase with what they felt best represents the spirit, identity, and character of Orillia. The resulting artworks were installed at three key locations across the city:
Victoria Park Title: Orillia Is...Memory in Motion Artist: Jessica Allen "This work blends past and present to reflect how stories, symbols, and sounds continue to shape Orillia. The Opera House, Tudhope Factory, and Leacock Boathouse stand as touchstones of civic pride, labour, and lake life. The Miss Orillia (once a beloved cruise boat) was lost to a fire and now rests at the bottom of Lake Couchiching, a memory held in the water. Above it all, Gordon Lightfoot and a monarch butterfly appear as constellations; guiding figures in Orillia's cultural sky, symbols of music, movement, and the enduring spirit of Mariposa. The piece invites each viewer to fill in the blank: Orillia is…"
Diana Drive and University Avenue Title: Orillia is...Discovery Artist: Gary King
"The Summer themed design when viewed at a distance reveals a picturesque photo of one of Orillia's beautiful parks. Upon closer inspection the white linear overlay reveals activities and places to discover in Orillia. The design is a full circle wrap and to understand some elements you may be required to follow them around the unit making it an act of discovery.”
Orillia Opera House
"This piece showcases not only the incredible beauty of Bees but also honours their importance to our survival. Without them we will not survive, so my hope is to highlight their beauty and monumental importance to the world."
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Current Exhibitions |
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'All Abilities' The All Abilities exhibition is a vibrant celebration of creativity, inclusion, and self-expression. This exhibition showcases the diverse talents of artists of all abilities, highlighting the unique perspectives and voices that enrich our community. Created in partnership with the City of Orillia and Eliza Pinney, a private Disability Support Worker, the exhibition features original works by artists supported through organizations such as Karis and Empower Simcoe, as well as those receiving private support. Artists were invited to submit works in any visual medium—including drawing, painting, and photography—without the constraints of a specific theme, resulting in a joyful and authentic display of imagination and individuality. All artworks reflect the spirit of independence and creativity within the all-abilities community, offering viewers a glimpse into the many ways art can empower and connect. Many pieces are available for sale, providing an opportunity to support local artists and take home a meaningful work of art. Located in the Orillia Recreation Centre, the All Abilities Art Exhibition will be on display from December 2025 – June 2026. Click here to view the exhibition
'Expressions of Identity' The Expressions of Identity exhibition is a powerful celebration of Indigenous artistry, lived experience, and cultural heritage. This exhibition invites viewers to reflect on and learn about Indigenous identity—its depth, diversity, and ongoing evolution—through the creative expressions of Indigenous artists. Created in partnership with the City of Orillia and the Orillia Native Women’s Group (ONWG), the exhibition features a collection of works that explore identity through culture, language, family, teachings, personal histories, and connections to the land. Each piece offers a meaningful window into how identity is carried, shaped, and transformed across generations. Located in the culture display case at the Orillia Recreation Centre, the exhibition is scheduled to be on display from December 2025 – June 2026. |
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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