Description

Standing Offer: Public Art Project Specialists

The purpose of this Standing Offer (SO) is to add qualified consultants and contractors to Calgary Arts Development’s roster of suppliers who can be called upon to serve as Project Specialists for various public art projects.

A Standing Offer Agreement is an arrangement to provide goods and services at prearranged prices with set terms and conditions, for a specified period on an “as requested” basis. A Standing Offer does not constitute a contract. A contract issued under a Standing Offer is a “Call-up.” Each Call-up is a separate contract between Calgary Arts Development and the prequalified supplier to work on a specific public art project.

The contract for each public art project will be developed based on the project needs, in co-ordination with the contracted Project Specialist, for each request for service under this Standing Offer. Project Specialists may work on multiple contracts simultaneously.

Hourly compensation for Project Specialists will range from $40 – $50 per hour, depending on the project and the Project Specialist’s experience with managing public art projects.

We are extending our standing list of Project Specialists that we can access depending on the number of projects and programs running at that time and the desired workload of our contracted Project Leads.

Period Covered by the Standing Offer

This Standing Offer will begin as early as September 30, 2026, and end on December 31, 2028, with the option to renew for three (3) additional one-year periods.  Contract lengths will be project dependent.

We have multiple projects ready to begin immediately following the successful selection of Project Specialists.

The Roles
We are recruiting multiple Public Art Project Specialists to assist the team in managing and delivering public art projects and programs.

Project Specialists ensure each program and project is delivered through a lens of inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility and reconciliation, and in a way that meets the needs and interests of the community. This role collaborates with various team members, including our Public Art Communications Specialist and Public Art Co-ordinator. They will also work closely with artists, curators, Calgary Arts Development partners and community groups, and engage with the public or support the engagement during program/project research, implementation and completion phases.

Individuals with experience co-ordinating or facilitating public art projects will be given special consideration when developing the standing list of qualified Project Specialist contractors and consultants.

Requirements

Project Specialists report to Project Supervisors to manage and implement all stages of select public art projects in the Calgary area. They will be responsible for co-ordinating multiple small or large projects, which can include:

• Chartering projects
• Participating in the development and release of Calls to Artists
• Providing application assistance
• Leading project and program-related information sessions
• Facilitating assessment committees and artist selection processes
• Developing and actively managing project budgets and schedules
• Working with artists, conservators, curators, fabricators and installation teams
• Reviewing construction documents and facilitating design development reviews
• Working with partners to acquire required permits and site scheduling
• Preparing of outreach and education materials
• Co-ordinating of project related community engagement
• Gathering materials required for project related communications
• Contract administration
• Developing relationships with community members
• Leading teams to ensure the success of each project
• Remaining aligned with our vision for Public Art in Calgary and ensuring compliance with relevant procurement policies and processes; including project documentation and reporting.
• Contributing to project completion tasks including archiving, reporting and stewardship planning

Who Are You?
Project Specialists are passionate about bringing public art projects to life and creating meaningful connections between artworks, communities, and audiences across Calgary. They communicate with clarity, thrive in fast-paced environments, and approach their work with curiosity, professionalism and a commitment to excellence.

You are not all things to all people, but you are probably already a few of these things:

• You have strong critical thinking skills and enjoy problem solving.
• You can bring a group of people together, help them feel ownership of a project and see it through to completion.
• You have experience working independently and collaboratively on multiple projects simultaneously.
• You are adaptable and willing to adjust your approach throughout a project, learning from challenges and setbacks.
• You are excited about developing new skills and joining Calgary Arts Development on our journey of reconciliation.
• You have a strong understanding of materials used in public art.
• You have administrative expertise.
• You bring a level of confidence and humility to your work.
• You are passionate about supporting artists’ development and the production of public art in Calgary.
• You have experience or accreditation in project management.

How to Apply?
Please indicate your interest by emailing your resumé and a cover letter to jointheteam@calgaryartsdevelopment.com. Please use the subject line: Standing Offer: Public Art Project Specialist.

Your cover letter should address the question: “How do you support an artist’s creative vision while balancing practical considerations like budget, materials and long-term maintenance?”

If you would like to request application assistance, please email  jointheteam@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or call 403.264.5330 x 221. Details around application assistance are listed in detail below.

For best consideration apply by September 29, 2026.

If you see yourself in this opportunity, we would love to have a conversation with you. And if you’re not sure, you can learn more about us by exploring our website at calgaryartsdevelopment.com.

Evaluation of Submissions
All proposals will be rated on a matrix that will involve an analysis of the complete application, including but not limited to such areas as:

• Experience in project management/coordination
• Experience working in Public Art
• Education and years of experience
• References
• Interviews

Insurance & GST Requirements
All contractors and agents hired by Calgary Arts Development must maintain a commercial general liability insurance policy with an inclusive limit of not less than $2 million per occurrence for death, bodily injury and property damage. The agent or contractor’s insurance must be for any one occurrence and such insurance policy must include:

• Blanket contractual liability coverage
• Products and completed operations coverage
• A cross liability clause
• Calgary Arts Development and the City of Calgary as additional insured Contractors with over $30,000 in contracts per year are required by the federal government to have a GST number, to charge and submit GST.

These requirements do not have to be met in advance of applying to be on the qualified contractor list, though they must be met in order to accept a subsequent contract. As part of our commitment to develop the capacity for public art in Calgary, we can facilitate conversations with existing contractors who can assist in ensuring these conditions are met.

Application Assistance
We recognize that the job application process can create barriers to access for many applicants who are interested in applying. In recognition of these barriers, eligible applicants can request assistance to help alleviate some of the costs associated with preparing and submitting a job application.

Who Can Request Assistance?

Individuals who self-identify as:

• An individual who is D/deaf, hard of hearing, has a disability or is living with a mental illness.
• An individual facing geographic or cultural barriers.

To receive assistance, you will need to provide:

• The name and contact information of someone who can help you (this could be a trusted friend or family member, or a professional service provider) so they can bill us for their work with you. We may be able to make recommendations depending on the service being requested.
• The amount you are requesting, including the service provider’s hourly rate.

Note: You are not required to disclose personal details related to your request for support.

Types of Assistance

General Transcription or Editing Services and Organizing of Support Materials

• Applicants who experience barriers within the writing process directly due to a physical or learning disability or due to living with mental illness.
  Maximum Contribution: $75

ASL Interpretation

• Calgary Arts Development can make arrangements for reputable, in-person ASL interpreters for interviews, in consultation with the interviewee, and at no cost to the interviewee.

Interview Parking

• Applicants who must drive to an interview at our request are eligible to have their parking costs paid by Calgary Arts Development.
  Maximum Contribution: $32 per interview, or the equivalent of the daily rate for parking lots that are close to the Calgary Arts Development office.

Childcare

• Applicants who require childcare services to attend the interview are eligible to be reimbursed for those childcare expenses.