One of Toronto’s most beloved public spaces is once again inviting the city’s creative community to leave its mark — this time, on ice. The Bentway has announced a new Call for Expressions of Interest for the return of Transform the Trail, a temporary public art program that reimagines its iconic figure-eight skating trail beneath the Gardiner Expressway.
Set to run from December 2026 through February 2027, the initiative will see a selected artist, designer, or collective create a site-specific commission that responds not only to the Bentway itself, but also to the rhythms, realities, and creative possibilities of a Toronto winter.
Art, winter, and the city — all intersecting on ice
Transform the Trail is about more than visual spectacle. The Bentway Conservancy is seeking work that encourages artistic experimentation in the public realm, enhances the skating experience, and sparks meaningful connections during the coldest months of the year — a time when gathering, movement, and shared experiences matter most.
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The temporary commission will animate both the skating trail and its surrounding footprint, inviting visitors to experience winter through a new creative lens. Past Bentway installations have shown just how powerful art can be when placed directly in the flow of everyday city life — and this program continues that tradition.
Who can apply?
Applications are open to Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA)–based artists, designers, and collectives with an established creative practice and experience presenting work publicly. The program is designed for those interested in working at an urban scale, outdoors, and in direct dialogue with the public.
Whether your work is rooted in visual art, design, architecture, sound, light, or interdisciplinary experimentation, the Bentway is encouraging bold ideas that respond to place, season, and community.
What to know before applying?
To help artists better understand the site and the scope of the opportunity, The Bentway is hosting an information session for prospective applicants:
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- Information session: Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 6:00pm EST
- Registration: Strongly encouraged
- Accessibility support: Available upon request via hello@thebentway.ca
Attending the session is highly recommended, as it offers insight into the practical considerations of working beneath the Gardiner and within this unique public environment.
Key dates at a glance
- Submission deadline: February 6, 2026 at 11:59pm EST
- Public presentation: Mid-December 2026 to February 2027
- Location: The Bentway skating trail, Toronto
Why this matters?
As Toronto continues to rethink how public space can be activated year-round, Transform the Trail stands out as a rare opportunity for local creatives to shape a shared winter experience — one that thousands of skaters and visitors will move through, interact with, and remember.
It’s a reminder that winter in this city isn’t something to endure — it’s something to design for.
For full application details and eligibility requirements, artists are encouraged to visit The Bentway’s official channels or attend the upcoming information session.
If you’re a GTHA-based creative looking to work at the intersection of art, public space, and winter culture, this is one worth circling on your calendar.
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