Request for Proposals

Art Installations for DesignTO Festival • January 23 – 31, 2027

Deadline

11:59 pm, Sunday September 13th, 2026

Installation Details

Overview

The Yonge + St. Clair BIA  is seeking proposals for art installations as part of the 2027 DesignTO Festival – Canada’s largest annual celebration of art and design with over 100 exhibitions and events forming Toronto’s design week. The Yonge + St. Clair BIA welcomes artists, architects, designers, fabricators and multidisciplinary creatives to submit ambitious, site-specific installations that activate space, encourage exploration, and create memorable experiences. The Yonge + St. Clair BIA is seeking medium to large-scale installations to be displayed throughout Yonge + St. Clair, reaching thousands of residents, office workers, and visitors. In addition, each installation will receive exposure through DesignTO Festival’s marketing channels, guided walking tours, artist talks, and neighbourhood programming. The theme for the Yonge + St Clair neighbourhood this year is: Intersections.

Yonge + St. Clair has long been a place where people, ideas and city life intersect. Situated between downtown and uptown Toronto, the neighbourhood brings together residents, businesses, office workers and visitors while continuing to evolve through significant growth and investment. These intersections between communities, disciplines, history, and progress shape the identity of the neighbourhood and the experiences of those who move through it each day.

Artists are invited to interpret Intersections through their own creative and critical lens. Proposals may explore themes of convergence, transformation, movement, identity, exchange, and/or the evolving relationship between people and place. The theme is intentionally broad, encouraging innovative responses that activate the selected site.

Duration

10 days • January 22 – January 31, 2027
(potential to extend for certain sites)

Sites

• 2 St. Clair Ave W, Lobby – 1 installation (Location images)
• 2 St. Clair Ave E – 1 installation (Location images)
• 30 St. Clair AveW, Lobby – 1 installation (Location images)
• 40 St. Clair Ave W, Lobby – 1 installation (Location images)
• 55 St. Clair Ave W, Lobby – 1 installation (Location images)
• 95 St. Clair Ave W, Gallery – 1 installation (Location images)
• 1521 Yonge St, Window – 1 installation (Location images)

Power supply, or additional operational and infrastructure assistance may be provided on-site at the discretion of the review panel.

These locations are accessible and include appropriate accommodations.

Submission Details

Budget

Artists will receive a $5000-$7000 (inclusive of HST, artist fees, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation and de-installation) budget to support the production of their installation. Applicants are encouraged to request only the funding necessary to successfully realize their proposal. Preference will be given to projects that demonstrate exceptional value while maximizing the visual impact and activation of the selected site. A brief artist bio will be displayed with the works.

Budgets must include a detailed line-item breakdown outlining all anticipated project costs. Generalized or lump-sum budgets will not be considered. Artists retain ownership of their work following the exhibition unless otherwise agreed.

TO NOTE: Applicants can submit a proposal for multiple sites, however, the panel may only select 1 of your submitted installations. Preference will be given to proposals that are site-specific.

Criteria

+ Respond thoughtfully to the exhibition theme.

+ Be designed specifically for a selected site.

+ Maximize the scale and spatial potential of the selected site.

+ Create an engaging public experience through immersion, interaction or visual impact.

+ Be achievable within the proposed budget and timeline.

+ If working at heights, artists and/or installers are required to have the appropriate certifications

+ Comply with DesignTO Festival Artistic Guidelines

+ Alignment with the theme: Intersections 

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to emerging and established artists, designers, architects, and creative practitioners working in any medium. Preference will be given to applicants based in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.

Site Tours

Applicants are encouraged to independently visit the installation exhibit locations during publicly accessible hours. Office lobbies are open to the public Monday – Friday 7:00am – 6:00pm and Saturday – Sunday 11:00am – 6:00pm. Please submit any inquiries regarding site details to [email protected]

Timeline

Date                                     
September 13, 2026, Submission deadline
Late September 2026, Artists selected
October 2026, Final project information submitted to DesignTO
November 2026, DesignTO Festival announcement
January 14-21, 2027, Installation period
January 22–31, 2027, Exhibition
February 1–2, 2027, De-installation (unless exhibit extended)

Proposal Package Requirements

Submit proposals electronically via email or Dropbox link. // Subject line: DesignTO Festival 2027 – Installation Name – Artist Name

Submit one (1) PDF for your proposed installation(s) containing:

1. Artist Information: Including your name, phone number, email, project title, and brief artist biography (maximum 300 words).
2. Executive Summary: A concise project description (between 500 & 1,000 words) outlining your concept, how it responds to the selected site and its relationship to the exhibition theme (Intersections).
3. Artistic Concept: Visual material sufficient to communicate your proposal, including sketches, renderings, diagrams, precedent images, material samples, and/or photographs of existing work. If the works are already produced, submit dimensions and high-resolution photos.
4. Budget: A detailed line-item breakdown outlining all anticipated project costs. Generalized or lump-sum budgets will not be considered.
5. Current Resume: Include prior relevant certifications, work experience, exhibition history, samples of work, and/or awards.

Applicants may submit proposals for multiple locations; however, each proposal must be submitted separately and tailored to its intended site. 

We look forward to receiving proposals that contribute to the evolving identity of Yonge + St. Clair while creating memorable experiences during DesignTO Festival 2027.

Submit your proposal(s) to [email protected]. Deadline: Sept 13th, 2026

Yonge + St. Clair BIA
yongestclair.ca
[email protected]
Facebook @yongestclair.ca
Instagram @yongestclair 

Yonge + St Clair BIA  – Volunteer Board Member Opportunities

The Yonge + St Clair Business Improvement Area (BIA) is seeking additional volunteer Board of  Director members to join our governance team during an exciting phase of expansion and strategic development. 

Eligibility: Applicant must be a business, property owner or tenant within the Y+SC BIA boundary; or an individual appointed by a corporation or business owner within the BIA. 

Who We Are

The Yonge + St. Clair (Y+SC) BIA is located in midtown Toronto, centred on the Yonge Street and St. Clair Avenue intersection—one of the city’s key mixed-use nodes. 

The BIA represents over 450 businesses and more than 90 commercial property owners, supporting a daytime population of roughly 14,000 mostly office employees and serving a rapidly-growing residential community of over 16,000.  The district encompasses the Yonge–St. Clair intersection and surrounding commercial corridors, functioning as a hybrid office, retail, and service centre with a strong professional and institutional presence.

Like all BIAs in Toronto, the organization is funded through a mandatory levy on commercial and industrial properties within its boundary, collected by the City and remitted to the BIA. The budget of the BIA in 2025 was approximately $1.4 million, making it the sixth best-resourced of the 85 BIAs in the City. In addition to levy funding the BIA seeks a number of sponsorships and pursues grants to bolster programming.

Day-to-day operations are managed by a small professional staff team responsible for implementing board-approved priorities. The BIA’s mandate focuses on economic development, placemaking, and district branding. Activities include streetscape enhancements, cultural programming, public art (e.g., recent large-scale installations), marketing campaigns, and advocacy on behalf of members. Given its location in a high-growth corridor, the BIA plays an important role in shaping the area’s identity as a vibrant midtown destination while managing the impacts of intensification and change.

To learn more about Y+SC, please visit: yongestclair.ca

Requirements, Skills and Experiences

Eligibility: Applicant must be a business, property owner or tenant within the Y+SC BIA boundary; or an individual appointed by a corporation or business owner within the BIA. 

We’re looking for additional Board members with a wide range of knowledge and experience, and a commitment to support the ongoing strategic direction of the BIA and neighbourhood transformation. The following requirements, skills and experiences will be prioritized:

Expertise in one or more of the following areas: 

• • Communications/Public Relations
  • Advertising/Marketing
  • Events Management
  • Architecture or Landscape Design
  • Sponsorship/Funding Development
  • Financial Management
  • Social/Community Services
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Not be a child, parent, or spouse of—or in a marital relationship with—a Council member.
• Not be staff of the City, its agencies or corporations (or their subsidiaries).
• No Conflicts of Interest: Board members must not be family members (spouse, child, or parent) of a current Council member or the City’s or its agencies’ employees.

Board member responsibilities and time commitment:

• Terms are for four years, renewable for up to three consecutive terms.
• Up to twelve virtual board meetings (1 hour in duration) are held per year.
• Board members also each serve on one committee, which meet for 1 hour approximately every 6-8 weeks (e.g. Events and Marketing Committee or Streetscape Committee).
• Board members participate in occasional in-person organizational events and planning days.
• Orientation and ongoing opportunities for training and engagement will be provided.
• The overall time commitment averages 30-40 hours per year, including board and committee meetings, planning days, reading materials, and email communication. 
• Role is voluntary and not otherwise remunerated. 

Next steps: 

• Candidates selected for conversational interviews will be contacted. 
• Successful nominees will join the board as non-voting members beginning in September and be elected and appointed to the board in late 2026.

Thank you for your interest in supporting the strategic direction and oversight of the Y+SC BIA.

How to Apply:
Please submit your expression of interest to [email protected] with the subject line: “Board Recruitment” including a resume and describing your interest in the position and how your experience will benefit the BIA.

Father’s day is coming up this weekend and we’re covering the best places to get unique gifts at Yonge and St.Clair for all you last minute shoppers. from services like haircuts and massages, to practical gifts like hats, t-shirts and books, we got it all in Midtown.

Harus Barbershop

Have your dad feeling extra fresh with a hair cut, beard trim, shave, or fade with Harus Barbershop. Combining modern styles with with timeless class and technique, they’re serving high-quality services for the entire family. Maybe make it a group trip and bring three generations of the family with you for an extra flair.

Find more information on Harus Barbershop below:

Address: 1388 Yonge St.

Phone: 416-975-0000

Website: Haru’s Barber Shop

Ace sports clinic

Give your dad the gift of movement and book a trip to Toronto’s leading osteo and physio clinic. The team focusses on creating curated treatment plans built around each patients unique needs. Trusted by top athletes around the world, Ace Sports will have him feeling like the star quarterback of the family.

Find more information on Ace Sports Clinic below:

Address: 1 St. Clair W, 303

Phone: 1-833-266-5223

Website: Ace Sport’s Clinic

Roots

A Canadian classic, everyone loves a Roots. Conveniently located at the heart of midtown, check out their end of season sale to snatch the best deals for your dad. They got hats, sweaters, joggers, t-shirts and anything else you can imagine under the sun.

Find more information on Roots below:

Address:  1491 Yonge St

Phone: 416-967-4499

Website: Roots

Paperboy Cards & Gifts

If you’re looking to get something fun and unique, look no further. Paperboy Cards & Gifts has BBQ aprons, mugs, fragrances and more for you, and your grandpa. Check them out on Mondays-Fridays from 9am-7pm or Saturday-Sunday from 10am-6pm.

Visit them at: 7 Pleasant Blvd

Phone: 416-926-8622

Book City

This is for all the readers out there. Book City, one of Toronto’s oldest independent book stores, has a location right here in Midtown. They have books ranging through every genre imaginable, as well as gift cards, puzzles, games, and stationary. Take a pop in and maybe start a book club with your dad.

Find more information on Book City below:

Address: 1430 Yonge St

Phone: 416-926-0749

Website: Book City

Cupcake Paradise

Give your dad a treat with a sweet treat. Don’t let the name fool you, Cupcake Paradise has cupcakes, cookies, and cakes to fit all your dessert needs. And if your family is vegan or gluten-free, they still got you covered.

Find more information on Cupcake Paradise below:

Address: 15 St. Clair W

Phone: 647-857-3663

Website: Cupcake Paradise

For more updates on the Yonge + St. Clair neighbourhood, follow us on social media @yongestclair on Facebook and Instagram or subscribe to the newsletter by scrolling to the bottom of the page.

The World Cup is kicking off tomorrow and Yonge + St.Clair is featuring every game this season. These 3 bars have the competitive spirit, drink and food deals, and most importantly, all the screens you could possibly need.

St. Louis Bar and Grill – 11 St. Clair West

St.Louis Bar and Grill is bringing $4 happy hour from 11am-5pm and 9pm-close covering sliders, pickle coins, fries, cheesy honey buns, bar rail mixed drinks, house wine, and beer. For all the patio lovers you’re in luck! They have outdoor seating, as well as seating on the main and second floor, all equipped with TVs and fit for 250 people.

Visit their website for more information on operating hours: St.Louis Wings

Union Social Eatery – 21 St. Clair West

For banging food, drinks, and good vibes go to Union Social. With multiple TV screens situated right by the bar, you can get refills and catch the winning goal at the same time.  They’re serving up 3 specialty burgers honoring the countries hosting the world cup this year, the Canuck, the All-American and the El Japapeno, plus get a 16oz pint of Michelob Ultra, the official beer sponsor of the 2026 World Cup, for only $8 when your order any of the 3. From cozy booths, personal tables  to bar stools, they got it all.

Visit their website for more information on operating hours: Union Social

Gatherings Restobar – 49 St. Clair West

If you want to catch intense scenes up close Gatherings Restobar has floor to ceiling TV screens in their bar and billiards room. Show up anytime during FIFA season and get your hands on special drink deals.

Visit their website for more information on operating hours: Gatherings Resto Bar

For more updates on the Yonge + St. Clair neighbourhood, follow us on social media @yongestclair on Facebook and Instagram or subscribe to the newsletter by scrolling to the bottom of the page.