The Downtown Ontario Improvement Association, in partnership with the City of Ontario’s Museum, Arts & Culture Department, are launching “The People’s Storefront,” a new temporary public art initiative celebrating creativity, local history, and the continued revitalization of Downtown’s historic core.
“The People’s Storefront” is a paid opportunity that invites artists to showcase their original works of art printed on vinyl for glass storefronts along the historic Euclid Avenue corridor. The Downtown Ontario Improvement Association, with support from the City of Ontario’s Museum, Arts & Culture Department, seek to select up to four artists or artist teams to create site-specific vinyl installations for local businesses in the Downtown cultural core.
The project title pays tribute to the city’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. Inspired by this legacy, “The People’s Storefront” a temporary public art initiative, reimagines storefronts as spaces for community expression, creativity, and cultural engagement.
“This project is about honoring Downtown’s history while creating new opportunities for artists and businesses to collaborate in meaningful ways,” said Ish Arias, Downtown Improvement Association executive director. “Public art has the power to transform everyday spaces into experiences that inspire curiosity, encourage exploration, and foster civic pride.”
The temporary public art installations are anticipated to be unveiled in early October 2026. This timing aligns with the city’s eighth annual Ontario Arts Festival taking place on Saturday, Oct. 17 and the O-Town Walls MuralFest project making fall season for the arts in Ontario.
The deadline to apply is June 30, by 4 p.m.. Visit the City’s Public Art Program website for more information about artist eligibility and submission guidelines.
