Winter Stations

Winter Stations 2019 is now embarking on its fifth year, and the theme is Migration. 

Winter Stations 2019 brings public art installations to The Beaches for an exhibition celebrating Toronto’s winter waterfront landscape. This international design competition will include up to six lifeguard stands located along Toronto’s waterfront between Woodbine Beach at the western end, bordering Lake Ontario into the Beach Community, including two invited post-secondary institutions and four juried submissions. 

The exhibition will run February 18 to April 1, 2019. The single-stage competition is open to everyone. We welcome artists, designers, architects, thinkers, doers, idealists, realists, professionals and novices alike. Designs, ideations, specifications and materials are to be submitted for a juried selection process. Selected installations will be fabricated by general contractors under the direction of Winter Stations. The lifeguard stands are to be used as the armature for temporary installations, which must be able to withstand the rigorous demands of Toronto’s winter weather. 

Submissions are open from October 5 to November 4, 2018 and must be made through the website: winterstations.com. 

Theme: Migration 

What is migration? Who migrates? Where do they migrate? 

A simple definition of migration is the movement from one location to another with the intent of permanent or temporary settlement. But, of course, the concept and practice of migration is much more complex and layered than a simple definition. 

Human migration involves the dispersal of populations across the globe. This has led to the development of civilizations and their cultures, reflected in historical narratives and traditions passed on through generations as cultural landscapes shift and evolve. Migration is carried out by other animal species, including our own Canadian Geese, seeking out ideal habitats. Non-creatures also migrate: sand and water, thoughts, trends, music, film and fashion. The theme of migration may explore many facets of migration, including the complex social issues that surround humanity's shaping of our global society or the flight of animals or the exchange of ideas. Ultimately, migration is a story, much of it yet to be told. 

Compensation: 

The budget for the installations is as follows: 

• $5,000.00 CAD for materials 

• $10,000.00 CAD for labour 

An honorarium will be provided to winners and allocated as follows: 

• Design Fee - $3,500.00 CAD 

• Artist Travel and Expenses - $1,500.00 CAD (if applicable) 

winterstations.com