Sport-inspired sculptures wanted for Kitchener’s landmark recreation facility

KITCHENER, Ont. - September 29, 2025 - The City of Kitchener is inviting artists and artist teams to submit proposals for a bold and interactive public art installation at the new Cowan Recreation Centre, currently under construction at RBJ Schlegel Park.

This call for expressions of interest seeks sports-themed sculptures that are playful, engaging and interactive, designed to reflect the spirit of sport and community connection. The selected artwork will be installed at two prominent exterior entrances of the facility and will be a key visual and experiential element of the site.

“Kitchener is a city that celebrates both creativity and active living,” said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “This public art opportunity brings those values together in a powerful way. We’re looking for sculptures that not only honour the energy and diversity of sport, but also invite people to interact, play and connect. These artworks will be a vibrant part of the experience for the hundreds of thousands of visitors who will come through the facility each year.”

Set to open in late 2026, the Cowan Recreation Centre will be the most energy-efficient, accessible and inclusive recreation facility ever built by the City of Kitchener. It will feature a FIFA-sized indoor turf field, aquatics centre with two pools, quad gymnasium, cricket practice nets and multi-purpose rooms - all designed to support a wide range of recreational and community activities.

“This is a unique opportunity for artists to help shape a space that is all about movement, belonging and creativity,” said Andrea Hallam, Manager of Arts and Creative Industries. “We’re excited to see proposals that reflect the theme of sport in imaginative ways, and that invite people to touch, climb, sit or simply enjoy the artwork as part of their experience at the Cowan Recreation Centre.”

The selected artist or team will receive a $200,000 commission to create sculptures for both identified exterior locations. The artworks must be durable, low-maintenance and suitable for year-round outdoor exposure. Artists from all backgrounds and experiences are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applications are due by December 15, 2025, and can be submitted online, by email or by mail. An information session will be held at Kitchener City Hall on October 14, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Visit our website for full submission guidelines and details.