Public art projects are funded in different ways. Many projects are paid for through the Municipal Accommodation Tax (paid by visitors staying at Whitby's hotels and motels), while others are funded through approved Town budgets, grants, sponsorships, or donations. Funding sources vary by project, and information about funding is shared when available.
Public Art
Discover public art in Whitby! Explore recent projects and take a virtual tour of the Town’s public art on Whitby's Art Trail. Learn about our Public Art Policy how public art projects are funded and how you can donate to the public art collection.
Recent Projects
From custom carvings to vibrant murals, explore some of our recent public art projects below.
Whitby’s Art Trail
The Whitby’s Art Trail offers an interactive way to explore the town’s vibrant public art scene. This self-guided tour features over 35 unique cultural sites, including murals, outdoor installations, artisan studios, galleries, and local maker shops. Celebrating creativity and community, it’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in Whitby’s thriving arts and culture.
Are you a local studio, gallery, or maker that's interested in being featured on Whitby's Art Trail? Contact us at publicart@whitby.ca with your expression of interest.
Public Art Policy
The Town of Whitby recognizes and promotes the value of art and culture through the integration of artwork in public places. The purpose of the Public Art Policy is to outline the processes and responsibilities of the Town of Whitby to support new art commissions, art donations and loaned art.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Artwork is selected through a process outlined in the Town's Public Art Policy and Procedure. Depending on the project, this may include review by a selection panel with relevant knowledge, experience, and community perspectives. Selection criteria are established for each project and may consider artistic quality, connection to the location, feasibility, safety, and durability. In some cases, public art may be directly commissioned by the Town to meet specific objectives.
📍 How does the Town decide where public art will go?
Potential locations are reviewed based on factors such as public accessibility, visibility, safety, suitability, and connection to the surrounding community. The Town may also consider site conditions, nearby buildings and infrastructure, maintenance needs, and how the artwork relates to the history or current use of the location.
💬 How can residents provide feedback?
Community engagement opportunities are offered on a project-by-project basis. Depending on the project, residents may be invited to complete a survey, review proposed artwork, and provide input. Engagement opportunities will be posted on the Town's public art webpage and social media channels. For general questions or inquiries related to public art in Whitby, please email publicart@whitby.ca.
🎨 How can I apply for a public art opportunity?
Public art opportunities are posted as Calls for Artists on the Town's public art webpage when they become available. Each call includes its own eligibility requirements, submission instructions, project budget, selection criteria, and deadline. Artists should review the full call before applying.
The Town considers proposed public art donations in accordance with its Public Art Policy and Procedure. Factors such as artistic merit, location, installation requirements, safety, ownership, maintenance, and long-term care may be considered. To discuss a potential donation, contact publicart@whitby.ca.
🔧 How do I report damaged public art?
Please email publicart@whitby.ca with the artwork's location, a description of the damage, and, if possible, a photo. Town staff will review the concern and determine the appropriate next steps. For urgent safety concerns, residents should use the Town's appropriate service or emergency reporting channel
🗺️ Where can I find public art in Whitby?
Residents and visitors can explore works located throughout Whitby using the Town's Arts Trail. The trail provides information about artworks, artists, and locations. The public art webpage also highlights recent projects and current opportunities.
Subscribe Today!
Our online newsroom makes it easy for you to stay informed. Subscribe and get the information you need, when you need it.