Overview
Cool Gardens 2025 invites proposals from individual artists, designers, or teams for temporary garden installations to be open to the public from July 5th to September 28th.
Presented by Storefront Manitoba, Cool Gardens is a design competition and curated public exhibition of contemporary garden installations taking place across Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, within Treaty 1 Territory and the homeland of the Red River Métis.
For over 10 years, Cool Gardens has commissioned temporary installations by architects, landscape architects, designers, and artists that spark curiosity and play, while fostering public engagement with designed landscapes. These installations demonstrate how meaningful interventions in public spaces can significantly impact people’s experiences of urban environments.
Why You Should Participate
- Showcase your creativity on an international stage.
- Contribute to enhancing public spaces in Winnipeg.
- Gain exposure through public exhibitions and media events.
- Work with a variety of partners and new competition sites.
Key Highlights
Location
The installations will be presented at various sites across Winnipeg, Manitoba, including the Assiniboine Park Conservancy, the City of Winnipeg, and the Osborne Village Biz, offering diverse and exciting locations for the competition.
Eligibility
- Open to local, national, and international teams and individuals, including designers, architects, landscape architects, and visual artists.
- Participants can be students, interns, or practitioners.
- Multiple submissions are allowed.
Diversity Commitment
Storefront Manitoba welcomes submissions from underrepresented groups, including Indigenous Peoples, Women, Racialized Peoples, Persons Living with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples, and Newcomers.
Prizes and Recognition
| Award | Prize |
|---|---|
| Winning Entries | Up to five (5) new temporary garden installations selected. |
| Honorarium | $2,000 CAD per team |
| Materials/Fabrication | Up to $10,000 CAD for materials, fabrication, and installation. |
Winning projects will receive significant exposure through media events and curated exhibitions.
Submission Details
Participants must submit:
- Concept boards showcasing design vision and spatial strategies.
- Detailed architectural drawings (plans, sections, elevations).
- 3D renderings to illustrate the project’s integration with its surroundings.
- A design statement explaining the concept, materials, and approach.
All submissions must be made digitally before the deadline.
Important Dates
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Call for Proposals Released | January 28, 2025 |
| Deadline for Submissions | March 9, 2025 |
| Contacting Winners | March 24-30, 2025 |
| Detailed Design Submission + Review | April 15, 2025 |
| Fabrication Period | May 2025 |
| Installation Period | June 2025 |
| Media Event and Launch Party | July 5, 2025 |
| Decommissioning The Leaf Indoor Garden | September 8, 2025 |
| Closing and Decommissioning | October 2025 |
How to Join
- Visit the competition website to access all details.
- Complete the registration form and choose the appropriate registration phase.
- Make the payment to confirm participation.
- Download the competition materials, including the location map and site plan.
- Develop your design proposal according to the competition guidelines.
- Submit your project before the deadline.
Judging Criteria
| Criteria | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Concept & Innovation | 30% |
| Integration with Nature | 25% |
| Functionality & Spatial Quality | 25% |
| Presentation & Visual Impact | 20% |
Why You Should Participate
- Explore innovative ideas for creating dynamic and engaging public spaces.
- Contribute to the city’s cultural landscape by creating temporary installations.
- Gain recognition and visibility on local and international platforms.
