YZD/Northcrest Mural Commissions
Application Deadline: Thursday, April 30, 2026, 12:00 pm
Apply at this link
OCAD University’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers is excited to partner with YZD/Northcrest to create an exclusive call-for-submissions from members of the OCAD U community.
YZD/Northcrest is seeking as many as 13 mural artists to develop and produce new murals at an upcoming experiential and community hub, located near Dufferin and Wilson Ave in Toronto.
Each of the selected artist/designers (up to 13) will be awarded a project and materials fee of $3,250 CAD.
PARTNER & PROJECT DETAILS:
YZD by Northcrest Developments is the largest urban redevelopment in North America underway. Called YZD, the call-sign of the former Downsview Airport, its 370 acres will become several neighbourhoods, featuring homes, parks, shops, schools and workplaces. At the centre of the site will sit a new hub for experimentation and community gathering that bridges YZD's aviation legacy with its future as an international cultural destination.
The scope of work for this project includes:
Development and creation of an exterior mural to be painted onto either a bank of lockers (10) or grouping of 8 pieces of outdoor furniture (eg. picnic tables, Adirondack chairs, etc.), which will later be accessible for use by the general public. The project and materials fee listed above corresponds to being selected for only one of these categories - if you are selected for more than one and able to take that on, the amount would increase accordingly, eg. $3,250 x 2.
Correspondingly, the theme for this mural imagery is “YZD is where I want to be.”
Prior to undertaking the mural itself, in May, the selected artist will first digitally submit a preliminary concept work to the client for approval.
It is currently anticipated that the mural production period will take place June 5 - July 3, 2026 (subject to change).
