SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS JUNE 19
Calgary Public Library invites Artists from the TsuuT’ina Nation, the Blackfoot Nations (Piikani, Kainai and Siksika), Stoney Nations (Chiniki, Wesley and Bearspaw), and Métis Nation Region (MNA) 3 who reside within Treaty 7 territory (this includes the Calgary area) to work on and design artwork/installations that will activate Indigenous Place Making in New Central Library. This project is in partnership with the Indigenous Place Making Council of Canada (IPMC).
Project Objectives
In January 2018 IPMC with the Library visited the Stoney Nation, Siksika Nation, Tsuut’ina Nation, MNA and the Aboriginal Friendship Centre. These meetings were advertised with an open invitation to receive input and guidance on the Place Making process. From these meetings the communities advised the Library that artwork should be collaborative pieces that include the vast cultures and communities in Treaty 7 territory.
The main objectives for the Library’s Indigenous Place Making Commissions are:
- To develop artworks that will promote an educational understanding of the TsuuT’ina Nation, the Blackfoot Nations, Stoney Nations, and Métis Nation Region 3’s history, both past, present, and future through the use of visual and oral storytelling;
- To create a safe and inclusive place for sharing and gathering of all Nations and communities within the Treaty 7 area;
- Promote collaboration amongst artists of all disciplines, backgrounds and stages of careers.
The commissioned Artist or Artist Team will be required to design, fabricate and install a public art feature that will create a strong and recognizable link to themes of diversity, inclusion and identity. Artists and/or Artist Teams must source their own working studios, materials and fabrication companies in this creative process.
Upon completion, the Library will assume ownership of the artwork. The artist retains intellectual property rights to the artwork including, without limitation, copyright. The Library shall have the right to use images of the artwork for any non-commercial promotional use (example: social media, website, pamphlets, etc.). Images of the artwork will not be used for purposes of commercial or monetary profit by the Library without prior consent by the artist.
Who is eligible?
The Library seeks to commission qualified Indigenous artists, or Indigenous collaborative teams, to create permanent installations in New Central Library. Partnerships and collaborations are encouraged, including between established and emerging artists. Artists should be knowledgeable about Indigenous contemporary practices. All Indigenous artists with connection to Calgary, including the TsuuT’ina Nation, the Blackfoot Nations, Stoney Nations, and Métis Nation Region 3 are encouraged to apply. Only one application per artist or team will be accepted, however an artist may apply individually and also as part of a team. The parameters of this project ensure that the public art featured in the Library should remain diverse with regards to artistic mediums, disciplines and methods, and that a varied group of artists are engaged.
Application Process
Artist or Artist teams interested in this project must prepare and submit the following Submission Package in their Request for Proposal (RFP):
Please include one digital copy of the following in the proposal:
- A Letter of Interest – (no more than one page) identifying the public art opportunity proposed including a summary of the idea you are interested in developing for the artwork.
- Current resume – if applying as an artist team please provide one for each artist.
- Images – up to five images of past work and a brief description (50 words max) of the artwork, title of artwork, medium, date of artwork, dimensions, budget. Submit only quality images.
- Two professional references – from people you have worked with on past commission projects and are familiar with your art and practice. Include complete addresses and telephone numbers.
- A brief concept proposal drawing or description of initial thoughts – include anticipated budget breakdown and project timeline complete.
- A brief explanation of how the artwork will be collaborative, reflective and inclusive with the eight communities in Treaty 7 (TsuuT’ina Nation, Piikani, Kainai, Siksika, Chiniki, Wesley, Bearspaw and Métis Nation Region 3)
The selection committee will meet as a group to select the final artist/artist team. After thoughtful review and discussion of the proposals submitted, the final artist(s)/artist team(s) will be selected. The final artist or artist team selected will enter a Contract Agreement with the Library to complete the proposed artwork on time and budget.
Questions about the Indigenous Place Making project and/or the Application process can be directed to:
Teneya Gwin
Indigenous Services Design Lead
Calgary Public Library
403.221.2073
teneya.gwin@calgarylibrary.ca
To Apply
Please send the Submission Package hard copy to:
Central Library Indigenous Service Design Lead
CC: Artist Consultant
616 Macleod Trail SE,
Calgary, AB T2G 2M2
and the digital copy to:
