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About this Call
Sankofa Square, in partnership with MakeRoom Inc, presents an Open Call for Artists in the community to submit artwork proposals to beautify the Square. Selected artworks will be used to wrap the fourteen (14) benches and ten (10) waste bins found throughout the Square.
Deadline: March 23rd, 2026
Sankofa Square’s Vision
The principle of Sankofa is a reminder to take the best from the past, learn from our shared history, and apply that wisdom to build a more vibrant, joyful, and inclusive future. The Square’s journey of growth is continuous; always learning, always adapting, and always moving forward.
These wraps will contribute to the visual identity of the space and help transform everyday infrastructure into platforms for storytelling, celebration and belonging. This project is an opportunity for the Square to reflect its spirit, values and evolving identity.
We are calling on artists to help us build a Square that is:
A Stage for Every Story – Replacing empty space with consistent, community-led activations that reflect Toronto’s rich heritage and diverse voices.
Integrated and Open – Creating a space that invites people in, where the energy of the city flows freely into the Square.
Safe and Shared – Cultivating a warm, welcoming environment.
Learn more about Sankofa’s vision and inspiration in their Brand Overview.
Benches
The fourteen (14) benches are located around the perimeter of the square.
Waste Bins
The ten (10) waste bins are located throughout the square.
Guidelines & Details.
General
- Only open to artists in the Greater Toronto Area.
- Each artist will receive an honorarium of $1,500.
- Four (4) artists will be selected through an open call and jury process.
- Artwork with repeated patterns or distinct imagery that lends itself to being wrapped is recommended.
- Artists must be open to editing their artwork to ensure it can translate appropriately as a vinyl wrap.
- Artwork should be appropriate for wrapping around waste bins and benches.
- Sankofa Square is a family-friendly space for everyone. Submissions with profanity, nudity, or other obscene imagery will not be considered.
- Artwork should promote a welcoming pedestrian streetscape experience.
Format
- Artists may submit up to 2 pieces of artwork.
- All submissions should be in JPEG or PNG format.
Criteria
Artwork will be scored using the following criteria: Aesthetic Quality, Concept/Suitability & Wrapability
Submissions will be juried by community members, as well as representatives from MakeRoom and Sankofa Square.
Aesthetic Quality:
- Craftsmanship: Proficiency in techniques and execution. Precision and attention to detail.
- Composition: Arrangement of elements within the artwork, including balance, focal points, and overall visual harmony.
- Colour, Tones & Forms: Use of colour, light, and form in creating a visually appealing and engaging piece.
Conceptual Fit:
- Originality: Novelty and uniqueness of the underlying idea or concept explored in the artwork.
- Relevance: The significance and contemporary relevance or timelessness of the chosen concept within the context of the open call or broader artistic discourse.
- Suitability: Appropriateness of the work for the Square and the objects it will be wrapping
Wrapability:
- Visual Impact from Multiple Angles: Consideration of how the artwork appears from various perspectives when wrapped around the structure, ensuring cohesiveness in design.
- Distinct Elements: Evaluation of how parts of the artwork maintain their identity and recognizability when integrated with the bench or waste bin.
Sankofa Content Guidelines
- Some content may be sensitive to the general public, care should be taken in creative development and placement of imagery.
- Content must be appropriate for all ages and protect youth privacy and safety.
- Content that leverages fear, sensitive political or cultural topics, tragic events, or salacious content to promote commercial products or offers, are not permitted.
- Viscerally impactful images such as close-up images of medical conditions or unattractive conditions such as but not limited to blood, body parts, or bodily fluids are not permitted.
- Content must adhere to Guidelines for Use, including Sankofa Square’s Proselytizing Policy and Performance and Display Policy
AI Policy
We embrace the creative use of new technologies to enhance artistic expression. Acceptable use of AI in an open call will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Any use of AI must be accurately disclosed and described at the time of submission.
In the case of doubt about the use of AI to create the submitted artwork, we may request more information. Failure to provide the requested information within two (2) business days may result in disqualification.
We reserve the right to disqualify any entry that has been entered in violation of these requirements
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Sponsors
About Sankofa Square
Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square) is a unique focal point of the downtown Toronto community. The Square is designated for use as a public open space and as an event venue that can accommodate events of various sizes. You’ll discover a wide range of activities on the Square: community celebrations, theatrical events, concerts, receptions, promotions – events that appeal to residents and tourists alike and provide a showcase for local businesses.
About MakeRoom Inc
MakeRoom Inc. is a Toronto-based curatorial agency and arts organization. We partner with institutions to create fresh and meaningful arts experiences that platform both BIPOC artists and Emerging artists. ‘
Our ethos is based in transparency and traceability, meaning that our processes fight against nepotism and gatekeeping in the arts.
Follow us on Instagram: @MakeRoomInc