CALL FOR ART 

The People’s Storefront: Temporary Public Art 

Where community, creativity, and connection thrive. 

“The People ‘s Storefront” is a paid opportunity that invites artists to showcase their original works of art on glass storefronts along the historic Euclid Avenue corridor. The Downtown Ontario Improvement Association (DOIA), with support from the City of Ontario’s Museum, Arts & Culture Department, seeks to select up to four artists or artist teams to create site-specific vinyl installations for local businesses in Downtown Ontario’s cultural core. Selected artists will transform storefronts into vibrant temporary public art displays that highlight local talent, activate the streetscape, and draw visitors to downtown businesses.

The project title pays tribute to Ontario’s historic “People’s Store,” founded in 1888 by Hickman “Mike” Phillips. The store became the city’s largest mercantile business and a beloved downtown destination rooted in supporting local businesses and community connections.  

Applicant Eligibility

• Be an artist based in Southern California within a 40-mile radius of the City of Ontario, with a strong encouragement for local Ontario-based artists and artists residing in San Bernardino County to apply. 
• Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application. 
• City of Ontario employees, elected officials, appointed officials and their family members cannot apply. 

Project Goals 

This project aims to: 

• Increase visibility of local and regional artists
• Foster a sense of place and celebrate Ontario’s historic downtown
• Use art as an economic driver for local businesses
• Create engaging visual experiences that attract residents and visitors, encouraging them to spend time downtown.

Project Details

• Each artist selected will be paid $3,500 for use of their artwork and participation. 
• Artists should interpret the themes with innovation and creativity.
• Artists should keep in mind that the context of Artwork submitted must be of a non-political nature, and in accordance with the City’s Public Art Ordinance (Ontario Municipal Code Chapter 5-33).
• Artists are required to submit a high-resolution image file. Files will be printed on commercial vinyl and installed by a professional company.
• Artworks can be existing or new but must be complete and final upon submission.
• Artworks can be photographs or reproductions of the artist’s paintings, drawings, installations, etc. All images and words must be the artist’s original creation.
• Projects deemed ineligible will not be funded. Examples of ineligible projects include but are not limited to: (1) projects incorporating discriminatory signs or language, (2) projects that are obscene or harmful to minors, and (3) projects with solely religious purposes. 

Project Budget

• If design is selected: $3,500
• Artists may be asked to work directly with the Downtown Ontario Improvement Association and the City to refine design(s) based on feedback from business owners or from the project team. 
• Also, artists may be invited to participate in short videos for social media or public speaking engagements during unveiling or local events.