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 

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.

When: June 11-14, Daily 11AM – 5PM
Location: 📍 30 Alvin Ave (steps from St. Clair Station – Line 1)
Cost: Free and Open to Public

This June, the world’s game arrives in Toronto, and Midtown Kickoff is bringing the celebration to Yonge + St. Clair. From June 11-14, partnered with the City of Toronto two outdoor parking lots will combine to become a free, soccer-inspired festival site with a pop-up soccer field, sports jersey shops, global food vendors + trucks, goods market, and a signature photo moment that lets visitors become the face of their own tournament soccer card.

Timed with the opening energy of FIFA 2026, Midtown Kickoff is designed for that special window of time when every nation is still in the tournament and the City’s excitement is at its peak. While official FIFA celebrations bring major activity downtown, Midtown Kickoff is meant to be a fun daytime hub for soccer fans of every nation.

Whether you’re representing your country, favourite club, childhood team, or simply looking for a free community event with food trucks, market bustle, and sporting atmosphere, Midtown Kickoff gives everyone outside of the downtown core a way to celebrate Toronto’s once-in-a-generation soccer celebration.

RSVP FREE FOR UPDATES: https://www.universe.com/events/midtown-kickoff-2026-tickets-NSZW49

FESTIVAL HIGLIGHTS

1) The Fan Card Factory

Daily, 11AM – 5PM

At the centre of Midtown Kickoff is The Fan Card Factory, a custom photo pop-up where fans can step inside, strike their pose, and walk away with a free personalized soccer trading card. Wear your jersey to rep your country, your club, your favourite colours, or just bring your best match-day energy. Ultimately, no jersey is required to participate, although it looks really good in the printout if you wear one.

2) Pop-Up Soccer Field

Daily, 11AM – 5PM

A fully self-contained soccer pitch, finished with arena-style boards, brings scheduled and free-play directly into the festival site. Programmed by JAM Sports, the pitch will host intramurals, friendly matches, workshops, and skills-based programming throughout Midtown Kickoff. Recreated by staff teams who brought the Soccer Rink to Nathan Philips Square this past winter.

3) Multicultural Food Offerings + Seating Areas

Global flavours meet match-day energy with a curated mix of multicultural food offerings available throughout Midtown Kickoff. From quick bites and street food favourites to specialty snacks and refreshments, the festival food experience is designed to reflect the diversity and energy of international football culture.

A nearby seating area gives visitors a place to settle in, eat, regroup, and take in the festival atmosphere between matches, shopping, and activations.

4) Vendor Market

Surrounding the pitch, the Midtown Kickoff vendor market will feature a curated mix of local makers, independent vendors, artists, and handmade goods from across Toronto. Inspired by the diversity and energy of international football culture, the market is designed to create a lively street festival atmosphere with plenty to explore throughout the day. From apparel and accessories to art, lifestyle products, and handcrafted goods, the vendor market adds another layer of discovery to Midtown Kickoff while supporting local small businesses and creative entrepreneurs.

Getting Here

Make it a Day at Yonge + St. Clair

Midtown Kickoff is just the start. Before or after visiting the festival site, explore nearby restaurants, cafés, shops, patios, public art, and local services throughout Yonge + St. Clair. Whether you’re grabbing lunch, meeting friends, taking the kids for a walk, or turning your visit into a full afternoon, the neighbourhood is ready to welcome you.

Want to watch the game? See the local Bars + Eateries showing the games: (Link Coming Soon)

Looking for what’s nearby while you’re here? See the visitor’s guide and map, made by locals:

FAQ

Is this event free?
Yes – Midtown Kickoff is free and open to everyone. No tickets, no registration required.

Is it family friendly?
Absolutely. The event is designed for all ages – bring the kids. If you’d like to catch the games or grab a drink see the local bar + restos list (Link coming soon)

Are washrooms available on site?
Yes, portable washrooms will be available throughout the event.

Is there security?
Event and security staff will be present throughout all four days.

What if it rains?
Please follow our Instagram account for ongoing updates. Public indoor spaces are steps away, located at 2 St. Clair East.

Follow us on Instagram or email [email protected] if you have any questions!

Celebrate the arrival of spring at Yonge + St. Clair with a free honey tasting experience in the heart of the neighbourhood. Taking place during lunch hours on Thursday, April 23, this drop-in activation invites passersby to slow down, sample a variety of delicious local honeys, and learn more about the fascinating world of bees.

THURS APR 23
11:30 – 2:00 PM
2 St. Clair Avenue West

Whether you’re on your lunch break or just passing through, this is a great opportunity to connect with your community and discover the important role bees play in our ecosystem. From how honey is made to why pollinators are essential for our environment, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation (and maybe a new favourite flavour).

No registration required—just stop by, taste, and enjoy a sweet moment at Yonge + St. Clair.

The Yonge + St. Clair BIA works to support local businesses, strengthen the public realm, and build a connected, vibrant neighbourhood.

Our Events page is one way we do that: by providing a central place where residents, visitors, and workers can discover public experiences happening across the district.

We welcome submissions from local event organizers, businesses, and community groups. Before submitting, please review the below Event Eligibility criteria to ensure your event aligns with the purpose of the page.

Event Eligibility 

Eligible events are:

+ Open and accessible to the general public

+ A shared experience rather than advertising a single location, business or interest group

+ Designed to encourage people to visit, linger, and explore Yonge + St. Clair

+ Because the BIA represents the entire local business community, the Events page is designed to feature public-facing experiences that serve shared community interest and not individual sales promotions.

By maintaining these guidelines, we ensure the Events page remains focused, useful, and aligned with the BIA’s role as a neighbourhood builder.

Submit An Event

If you feel you have an eligible event, we encourage you to submit your listing below.

1. Scroll to the bottom of the page at yongestclair.ca/events
2. Select the “Submit Your Event” button to fill out the form.

This is the second ever Member Social hosted by the Yonge + St. Clair BIA, and our first member gathering of the year. The evening is designed to help local businesses reconnect after the holidays, bringing business owners and leaders from across the neighbourhood together to meet, chat, and catch up.

Please note: RSVP is limited to Yonge + St. Clair BIA member businesses. Verification may be requested upon registration.

BIA Member Social
📅 Wed Jan 21, 2026 | 5–7PM
📍Union Social – 21 St. Clair W (Host venue changed Jan 19, 2026 due to unforeseen venue repairs)
➕ Hosted by the Yonge + St. Clair BIA

Why join us?

+ Connect with fellow local business owners, both new and familiar
+ Ask about upcoming initiatives, events, and opportunities for 2026
+ Share ideas, feedback, and priorities for the neighbourhood
+ Enjoy a casual evening out with light refreshments in a local venue

This is a great chance to start the year feeling informed, connected, and engaged with your neighbours. We hope you can join us and help set the tone for a strong year ahead.

Who’s it for: Yonge + St. Clair business owners or representatives (plus one guest).
Space is limited – reserve your spot now. RSVP here.

Select locations are now open til Feb 28th

From January 23 – February 1, 2026, Toronto will once again come alive with creativity, experimentation, and bold ideas as the DesignTO Festival returns. DesignTO celebrates design as a multidisciplinary practice — inviting the public to explore how art, architecture, and creative thinking shape the spaces we live, work, and move through every day.

The Yonge + St. Clair BIA is proud to be a sponsor of DesignTO 2026 and to host a curated series of seven large-scale, site-specific art installations across the neighbourhood. These works transform office lobbies, gallery spaces, and vacant storefront windows into publicly accessible cultural destinations, inviting visitors to experience design in unexpected places.

This year’s program places a strong emphasis on placemaking and public access, using large-scale artwork to animate private and underutilized spaces, encourage exploration along Yonge Street, and showcase the creative potential of Midtown Toronto.

LOCATIONS

GUIDED WALKING TOUR DATES AND TIMES

7 free, guided walking tours are scheduled and will offer participants a deeper look at select installations while exploring the neighbourhood’s built environment, creative process, and the role of design in placemaking. Tours will be free to attend and offered on a limited-capacity, RSVP basis.

SCHEDULE

RSVP for a tour below:

+ Sun Jan 25 | 2PM-3PM (RSVP for this tour is hosted externally here)
+ Wed Jan 28 | 1230PM – 130PM
+ Thu Jan 29 | 2PM-3PM
+ Fri Jan 30 | 2PM-3PM
+ Sat Jan 31 | 11AM-12PM
+ Sat Jan 31 | 3PM-4PM
+ Sun Feb 1 | 2PM-3PM

ART INSTALLATIONS

1 – ‘Close Your Eyes, Heal In a Parallel World’ by Firouzeh Saremifar (📍 95 St. Clair W)
Close Your Eyes, Heal In A Parallel World is a body of work by Firouzeh Saremi Far that explores the bond between the human spirit and the natural world through 3D acrylic paintings and steel sculptures that balance strength and delicacy.

2 – ‘Connections’ by Cherie Leung (📍 55 St. Clair W)
Connections is an immersive installation by Cherie Leung that spans the interior and exterior of 55 St. Clair West, encouraging reflection on the spaces, both physical and emotional, between us in the midst of urban life.

3 – ‘Hope and Healing Canada – A Journey Towards Decolonization and Reconciliation’ by Tracey-Mae Chambers (📍 40 St. Clair W)
Since 2021, Métis artist Tracey-Mae Chambers has created over 150 site-specific red fibre installations across Canada and the United States that confront colonial narratives and engage audiences in conversations around decolonization, reconciliation, and collective memory.

4 – ‘Nature’s Meadow’ by Mike Geiger (📍 30 St. Clair W)
Nature’s Meadow features a forest guardian nurturing its foliage, inviting reflection on the symbiotic relationship between nature and its caretakers and the balance that defines Canada’s natural identity. Through a gesture-based interaction, the sculpture comes to life when visitors form a heart with their hands, igniting a red glow and soundscape that transforms an act of care into a shared moment of pride, connection, and unity.

5 – ‘Beneath One Sky’ by Asli Alin (📍 2 St. Clair W)
Beneath One Sky is an installation by Asli Alin featuring suspended, translucent mesh forms that create an immersive overhead environment shaped by layering, colour, and spatial dialogue.

6 – ‘Many Colours, One Sky’ by Paula Hartmann (📍 1521 Yonge Street)
Many Colours, One Sky is a suspended installation of clustered paper mobiles in the Yonge + St. Clair neighbourhood’s signature colours, creating a dynamic composition of colour and movement within the window gallery.

7 – ‘STRATA’ by Toronto Metropolitan University (📍 1521 Yonge Street)
(Ambreen Dhaliwal, Vincent Hui, Arjun Jain, Zain Malik, Dhruvan Modugula, Jullian Pretti, Lior Shneer, AJ Singh, Samantha Sohail)

STRATA is a student-led installation from Toronto Metropolitan University’s Department of Architectural Science, inspired by the movement of the Northern Lights and exploring how light, material, and landscape can create a sense of motion.

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors and Collaborators

Use #DesignTO and #YongeStClair when you share your photos, and we’ll feature them on our socials.

Gingerbread Lane comes to Yonge + St. Clair from December 10–28, transforming the neighbourhood into a festive stroll of custom gingerbread storefronts created by talented bakers. Explore each display, vote for your favourite, and enjoy a full lineup of holiday programming throughout the month.

Kick things off at our Launch Night on Wed Dec 10, complete with holiday photobooths, live music, snacks, drinks, and the first chance to pick up a map and ballot. Then, join us for a cozy Holiday Market Dec 11 & 12 featuring local makers and artisan gifts, and bring the whole family to our Family Day on Dec 13 for gingerbread cookie decorating, snowglobe-making, face painting, and festive photos. And while you’re here cast a vote for your favourite window display from Dec 10 – 28th.

Scroll below for the full schedule and RSVP links for all Gingerbread Lane events.

Gingerbread Lane Launch Night

Dec 10 | 55 St. Clair West 4PM -7PM:

Celebrate the opening of Gingerbread Lane with a festive evening filled with holiday photo moments, live acoustic music, warm seasonal snacks and drinks, and a first look at this year’s gingerbread window displays. Guests can pick up a printed map, grab a ballot, and begin exploring the neighbourhood trail while enjoying the cozy kickoff atmosphere inside 55 St. Clair West.

Pop-up Holiday Market

Dec 11 – 12| 55 St. Clair West 3PM -7PM:

Explore a curated indoor market featuring local makers,  and small businesses offering handcrafted gifts, treats, and seasonal goods. A cozy one-day shopping experience designed to celebrate and support the Yonge + St. Clair community. RSVP below for event reminders.

Family Day

Dec 13 | 55 St. Clair West 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Celebrate the season with a family-friendly day of crafts and creativity. Kids can decorate gingerbread cookies, make their own snowglobes, get festive face painting, and snap adorable photos in our holiday setups.

Gingerbread Lane Raffle Contest – $250 & $750 Prizes

Dec 10 – 28th | 16 Locations

Take a stroll and visit sixteen (16) classic holiday windows featuring professionally crafted gingerbread houses crafted by 3 bakeries and 1 professional window designer. It’s also your chance to WIN $250, and $750 towards an Yonge + St. Clair establishment of your choice for your office team when you vote for your favourite display.

How to Enter

+ Visit all sixteen (16) gingerbread displays on the map below, all located within a 8-minute walk in Yonge + St. Clair (St. Clair Station)
+ Vote for your favourite display by returning the completed ballot to a participating location’s vote box. You can pick up a ballot at any participating location, or event listed above.
+ Fill and return the ballot to any participating location by Sunday December 28th.
+ This ballot counts for the individual prize draw – add your office info for a shot at the workplace prize too
+ Prize winners will be contacted via email and announced via Yonge + St. Clair social media by January 19th, 2026

Rules and Restrictions

See full contest rules and details.

More Details

+ If you do not pick up a ballot in-store or in-event, you can also print the ballot, and follow the above instructions to submit your vote.
+ The participating locations are shown on the map below.

Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate the season at the Toronto Gingerbread Festival. Let’s make this the sweetest holiday yet! ✨

GINGERBREAD LANE
LOCATIONS MAP
Click to Download

Follow us on Instagram or email [email protected] if you have any questions!