CITY OF KELOWNA ACTIVE LIVING & CULTURE DIVISION 

CORE PRINCIPLES: 

The City of Kelowna’s Active Living & Culture Division administers a number of grant programs and services for the community which: 

• encourage active healthy lifestyles 

• build strong neighbourhoods 

• nurture lifelong participation in sport 

• enhance cultural vibrancy 

• facilitate development of events 

• enhance social sustainability 

• support effective management and operation of sport, recreation and cultural facilities 

 
Organizations seeking funding support from the City of Kelowna through any of the grant programs administered by the Active Living & Culture Division should be aware of and aligned with one or more of these core principles. 

VALUES: 

Any organization supported by the City of Kelowna will commit to the following values: 

• accessibility, diversity and inclusion: the organization will not unreasonably exclude anyone by reason of religion, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, language, income 

• accountability and fiscal responsibility: using resources effectively and efficiently 

• innovation: being leaders in finding new solutions 

• optimizing value: generating more value and impact from existing resources 

• partnerships and collaboration: working with others to leverage energy, talent and resources 

The Major Event Artist Grant is one of many grant programs provided by the City of Kelowna. Information about other grant opportunities is available on the City’s website: kelowna.ca/grants 

1.0MAJOR EVENT ARTIST GRANT OBJECTIVES AND DESCRIPTION 

1. Program Description 

    

   The Rutland Transit Exchange has had a major upgrade!  

   As part of this transformation, the City is inviting artists to create artwork on the 6 mural panels at the transit exchange.  

   Location: The Rutland Transit Exchange, located at Shephard Road and Asher Road.  

   This opportunity invites artists to interpret and celebrate Rutland’s unique character and agricultural legacy, orchards, irrigation, farm life, harvest cycles, community gatherings, and the evolution from farmland to a vibrant diverse urban neighbourhood. The objectives of this project are to reinforce neighbourhood identity, create a welcoming and safe environment, make transit spaces feel human, vibrant, and connected, encourage pride and community ownership, and celebrate local history.  

   One artist will be chosen for the entire project. The selected artist will receive payment of $5,500 (plus GST if applicable) for all aspects of creation, including design, site prep, materials, painting, and application of protective sealant and graffiti protection. 

   Design Specifications  

   Panels Dimensions 
   The panels are wood surfaces arranged from left to right, with panels 1, 3, 5, and 6 each measuring 117” wide by 47” high, while panels 2 and 4 are larger, each measuring 200” wide by 47” high. 

   Mural Design  

   The artwork should complement existing placemaking elements that reflect Rutland’s deep agricultural roots. Current design features at the site include repurposed tractor seats, agricultural‑inspired metalwork, and water spouts referencing irrigation systems. Overall, the artwork should embody both heritage and growth, honouring Rutland’s past while acknowledging its evolving future. The proposal should show a strong visual continuity and a cohesive narrative flow across the installation. 

   Eligibility 

   To participate in this program, artists must: 

   • Be a professional or emerging artist or a group or collective of professional practicing or emerging artists, who are legally entitled to work in Canada; 

   • Reside in the Central Okanagan; 

   • Either solely, or in partnership with others, propose an initiative which is consistent with the guidelines of this program; 

   • Be committed to carrying out the initiative for the benefit of Kelowna residents without exclusion of anyone by reason of religion, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, language, disability, or income; 

   • Have the legal authority to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Kelowna. 

2.  Ineligible Content 

   To be considered as the selected artist for this program, artwork must not: 

   • Contradict any bylaw or policy of the City in any way; 

   • Compromise the reputation of the City’s public image; 

   • Cause deep or widespread offence; 

   • Incorporate logos;  

   • Be commercial in theme. 

3. Application Process 

   The application process is online and can be found on the City’s website. 

   Artists considering submission of an application are encouraged to do the following prior to completing an application form: 

   • Review these guidelines; 

   • Contact City staff to discuss your project idea:  

   • Sara Thirnbeck, sthirnbeck@kelowna.ca, (250) 469-8474 

4. Confidentiality 

   Any personal information you provide to us is collected, used and disclosed in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA).The information we collect from you will only be used for the purpose for which it was collected or to obtain feedback regarding the delivery of the service. 

   If you have any questions about the collection, use or disclosure of your personal information, please call 250-469-8645 and ask for the City Clerk. 

   Assessment Criteria 

   Designs are reviewed based on the following criteria (order listed does not indicate the order of importance):  

   • Originality and creativity  

   • Quality and effectiveness of design 

   • Uniqueness of style  

   • Degree to which the design reflects the theme  

5. Review Process 

   Applications will be viewed by a panel committee. The decision of the reviewers is considered final.  

    

   Notification 

   One artist will be selected to provide the mural design(s). All artists who apply will receive email notification of the results.  If your project is not selected, Cultural Services staff may contact you for the opportunity to use your project for other relevant City initiatives. 

    

   Selected Design(s): Next Steps  

   The selected artist will have from June 22nd until end of June 2026 to develop work into the final product. Final designs will require approval from City Staff.  

    

   Aftercare & Preservation 

   To ensure the long-term durability of the artwork, the artist will need to include a UV- protective clear coat, an anti-graffiti sealant applied by the selected applicant. 

   The memorandum of understanding (MOU) will state that the artwork becomes the property of the City of Kelowna, and the City may remove the artwork at any time. 

   Timeline 

   Applications Open	Applications Close	Selection Period	Artist Notification	Site Preparation	Painting Completed between
   May 8, 2026	June 8, 2026	June 8- 19 2026	June 22, 2026	End of June	July 1st - August 15, 2026

    The timeline is subject to change. 

    

   Contact Information 

   Staff:Sara Thirnbeck, Community Development Coordinator, Cultural Services   

   Phone:(250) 470-8474 

   Email:sthirnbeck@kelowna.ca