Call for art tied to school and community sports upgrade
The District of West Vancouver has launched a public call for artists and artist teams from across British Columbia to design an artwork for the Place for Sport redevelopment at 1750 Mathers Avenue, the site of West Vancouver Secondary School.
The commission is planned for a long wall near the entrance to the newly reconfigured track and field and can take the form of a painted mural, a fabricated wall installation using materials such as stainless steel or aluminium, or a combination of both approaches. The District says the art will be incorporated as part of the overall site design.
What the District is looking for
The brief sets out a clear set of themes and purposes for the artwork. According to the news release, the piece should:
- "spark intrigue and dialogue" among passersby and site users;
- provide ongoing interest for field and track users;
- integrate with the overall design of the redeveloped site;
- reflect the energy and setting of Place for Sport through ideas such as movement, resilience, inspiration and youthfulness; and
- embrace inclusivity across age, gender and ability.
"The artwork should spark intrigue and dialogue, provide ongoing interest for sports field users, and integrate with the overall design of the site."
The District will accept submissions in a two-stage process. Artists interested in Stage One — the Expression of Interest phase — must submit materials by 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026.
Practical considerations for applicants
While the public notice leaves technical details for the full project brief and subsequent stages, it highlights the location and the kinds of materials the District is open to, including stainless steel and aluminium for fabricated installations. The chosen artwork must sit comfortably in a sports-focussed environment and withstand outdoor exposure on a prominent wall by the field entrance.
| Project | Location | Submission deadline (Stage One) |
|---|---|---|
| Place for Sport public art | 1750 Mathers Avenue (West Vancouver Secondary School site) | Oct. 15, 2026 — 2 p.m. |
Local artists, public art practitioners and teams should note that the District is restricting applicants to residents of British Columbia. Those who progress beyond Stage One will be invited to submit more detailed proposals, technical drawings and budget information as part of a later selection stage.
Community and urban context
Public art installations at school and sports facilities can become visible markers of community identity: they are viewed daily by students, athletes and neighbours and often intended to encourage conversation and a sense of belonging. By specifying themes such as movement, inclusivity and youthfulness, the District is signalling an intent to align the artwork closely with the function of the Place for Sport facility and with the student population that will regularly use the space.
Artists considering a proposal will need to weigh aesthetic ambition against durability and accessibility. Fabricated works in metal can offer longevity and low maintenance, while murals provide bold, immediate visual impact. In either case, proposals should address how the work will enliven the entrance wall and resonate with the everyday rhythm of the track, field and school community.
The call is part of the ongoing redevelopment of the Place for Sport site. Further details, application requirements and selection criteria will be available through the District of West Vancouver's public art program and procurement channels for those advancing to later stages.
