Tourism Muralscape Initiative
This pilot program is funding for businesses or organizations that have an interest in installing outdoor murals at fixed addresses within the City of Thunder Bay limits, to develop street-art and add vibrancy and beautification to the neighbourhoods.
*All photographs have been taken or provided to Tourism Thunder Bay
Eligibility
- Must be a Canadian legal entity (not-for-profit or for-profit). Organizations with multiple locations must submit one application per location.
- Must contribute at least 20% personal/organization equity into the project
- Must be for a fixed address
- Funding is a maximum of $5,000 per mural, provided as a reimbursement and not retroactive
- Funds are available until exhausted
- Murals will be created without incorporating business names
- Murals should be hand painted (not vinyl applications or prefabricated computer designed panels)
*Municipally owned buildings are not eligible and should engage with the Public Art Committee
Funding Policy
The funding policy for this program is it will exclude murals of an offensive, vulgar, or inappropriate nature (including language, obscene imagery or themes considered disrespectful or harmful). This program is intended to uphold community standards and promote a respectful and inclusive environment while reflecting the values of the community, fostering a positive culture, and be accessible/welcoming.
The CEDC Tourism Product Development Fund is a discretionary program with a limited funding allocation. In some cases, a project may meet all program criteria but may not be approved for funding as other projects may more effectively meet the criteria.
Artist Inquiry
Are you an artist interested in installing a mural? If so, please email our Art and Culture Consultant Lora atÂ
tourismmuralscapeinitiative@gmail.com  or fill out the artist roster form.
Program Process
Step 1 – Short Form Application
APPLY NOW and submit a short form application to CEDC Tourism Thunder Bay staff who will conduct a preliminary assessment on the project to determine if it will meet all eligibility requirements for this program.
Step 2 – Long Form Application
If the requirements are met in the short form application, CEDC staff will email the applicant the long form application. At this time CEDC staff will also introduce you to the Art and Culture Consultant who will assist you during the duration of your application, selection of your artist, and project management.
Completed long form application will be emailed to CEDC staff.
Eligible Expenses
- Promotional Materials
- Art Supplies
- Artist Fee
- Equipment and equipment rental
- Installation
- Other identified relevant expenses
Ineligible Expenses
- Contingency
- Overhead
- Mural Maintenance after Installation
- Insurance
Step 3 – Funding Decision
When the long form application is considered complete by CEDC staff it will be reviewed and evaluated. Funding decisions will be communicated to the applicant within two weeks.
Applications approved will require the applicant to enter into a legal funding agreement with the Thunder Bay CEDC. The agreement will provide provisions on how funding will be paid out, the reporting requirements, and potential payback of funds once the project is complete.
In all cases, there will be a 50% holdback of funds contingent on a final report and evaluation metrics being met.
Step 4 – Marketing the Project
Approved applicants will have the opportunity to collaborate with Tourism Thunder Bay for additional opportunities to promote the project include website/social media promotion, posting on the tourism event calendar, sharing the Visit Experience Guide and more.
Completed murals will be added to the Tourism Thunder Bay Tour App.
Artist Roster
