Kelowna Invests $1.37 Million in Five Community Recreation Projects

The City of Kelowna has launched an ambitious public art initiative that represents one of the most significant cultural investments in the region's recent history. With a combined budget of $1.37 million, the city is seeking artists to create permanent and temporary artworks across five major recreational development projects that will shape community connections for generations to come.

Building a Stronger Kelowna Initiative

Kelowna has five major projects at various stages of development, and the city has put out a call for artists with an eye towards beautifying them. This comprehensive approach reflects the city's commitment to integrating arts into the fabric of community infrastructure rather than treating it as an afterthought.

The suite of projects — part of the Building a Stronger Kelowna initiative — includes the redevelopment of Parkinson Recreation Centre, the Mill Creek restoration, which is part of the rec centre site, and the all-ages activity centres at Glenmore Rec Park, Rutland Lions Park and Mission Rec Park.

Unprecedented Investment in Community Art

The public art budget for all five projects has been set at $1.37 million, covering all costs directly associated with the creation of artworks at the locations, including fees for design, fabrication, installation, professional services and other expenses.

This substantial investment demonstrates Kelowna's recognition that public art serves as more than decoration—it builds identity, fosters community pride, and creates gathering spaces that bring people together.

A Unique Curatorial Approach

It's billed as a "unique opportunity to develop a curatorial program of permanent and temporary artworks that connect in and across a group of community recreation facilities in the city," according to the expression of interest documents.

Rather than commissioning isolated pieces, Kelowna envisions a cohesive artistic narrative that flows between locations, creating thematic connections across the city's recreational infrastructure. The public art sites haven't yet been precisely determined, but the city says they will evolve out of the integrated project delivery approach that is being used by the Building a Stronger Kelowna team.

Inclusive Opportunities for Artists

The initiative welcomes a diverse range of artistic voices and experience levels. Local, national and international artists or artist-led teams with public art experiences are invited to apply, as well as any "cultural makers" working in any artistic medium.

Priority and Encouragement

Preference will be given to Canadian artists where applicable, and Indigenous, Métis and Inuit artists with Syilx Okanagan connections are encouraged to apply. This approach honors the region's Indigenous heritage while supporting local and national talent.

The city recognizes that great art comes from artists at various career stages. "Public art opportunities will vary in size and complexity to encourage applications by experienced artists and cultural makers, as well as those who have not completed large-scale public artworks."

Impact and Vision

"Building a Stronger Kelowna public art will contribute to the identity of the project and to the City of Kelowna," the documents state. These artworks will become landmarks that define not just individual recreation centers, but the character of Kelowna itself.

The city issued an expression of interest seeking artists to produce works for recreational projects "that work together to build deeper community connections across the city."

Application Process and Timeline

The city is inviting artists to apply electronically. Shortlisted artists will be invited to submit a concept proposal for a public art site and proceed to stage two of the selection process.

Key Dates

Multiple Commission Opportunities

Artists who apply to the call for expressions of interest may be considered for public art commissions at any of the five locations. This approach allows exceptional artists to potentially work across multiple sites, creating even stronger thematic connections throughout the project.

The Five Project Locations

Parkinson Recreation Centre Redevelopment: A cornerstone facility receiving comprehensive renewal with integrated Mill Creek restoration

Mill Creek Restoration: Environmental restoration combined with recreational development, offering unique opportunities for nature-inspired art

All-Ages Activity Centres: Three distinct locations at Glenmore Rec Park, Rutland Lions Park, and Mission Rec Park, each serving diverse community demographics

Why This Matters

This initiative represents a paradigm shift in how cities approach public art. Rather than commissioning individual pieces for isolated locations, Kelowna is creating an interconnected cultural ecosystem that will enhance community identity and foster connections across diverse neighborhoods.

The substantial budget ensures artists can create meaningful, lasting works without compromise, while the multi-site approach offers opportunities for both established and emerging artists to contribute to this transformative project.

Apply Now

With applications due September 10, artists have a limited window to join this groundbreaking initiative. The expression of interest process allows artists to be considered for multiple commissions, making this an exceptional opportunity to contribute to Kelowna's cultural landscape.

This represents more than public art commission—it's a chance to help define how communities can use art to strengthen connections, celebrate identity, and create spaces where people want to gather.

Applications must be submitted electronically through the BC Bid portal. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of Building a Stronger Kelowna.

Applications close September 10, 2025, at 2 p.m. Visit the BC Bid portal to submit your expression of interest and become part of this transformative cultural initiative.

How to Apply

Submission Guidelines

The City of Kelowna regularly issues Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for public art projects as part of their Public Art Policy. Artists must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents with professional experience in public art. Submissions typically require: portfolio of recent work (maximum 20 images), project statement and concept description, detailed budget breakdown, timeline for completion, artist statement and CV, proof of professional liability insurance, and references from previous public art projects. All digital submissions must be in PDF format with images at 300 DPI resolution.

Actionable Steps

1. Monitor the City of Kelowna procurement opportunities webpage regularly for new public art RFPs

2. Prepare a comprehensive portfolio showcasing relevant public art experience and community-based projects

3. Register with BC Bid (the provincial procurement portal) to receive notifications about City of Kelowna opportunities

4. Contact the City's Cultural Services department at 250-469-8800 to inquire about upcoming public art projects related to recreation facilities

5. Ensure all required documentation is prepared including professional insurance, references, and detailed project budgets

Application & Contact

Application URL: https://www.kelowna.ca/business-development/procurement-opportunities

Contact: Email: procurement@kelowna.ca, Phone: 250-469-8500

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