Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nation artist call for Truth and Reconciliation public art project

The District of Squamish Public Art Committee has launched part one of a two-part public art project on Truth and Reconciliation for Indigenous artists that will honour Squamish’s rich cultural history and celebrate the creativity of Squamish’s Indigenous artist community. A public call for artists was launched today.

“This project provides an opportunity for First Nations artists to further weave artistic expression, creativity and storytelling into the cultural fabric of our community as we realize a collaborative future,” says District of Squamish Mayor Patricia Heintzman. “It is our hope that this project inspires thoughtful dialogue around what reconciliation means to our community, and further enriches the cultural experience for all of Squamish. We look forward to seeing the range of submissions from our Indigenous artist community.”

Applications for part one of the project are open to Indigenous artists working in a range of media including sculpture, infrastructure and multi-media installation. Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh artists are strongly encouraged to apply; collaborations and partnerships between established and emerging artists are welcome.  All public artworks will be located in or within close proximity to Downtown Squamish.  Part two of the project will be a collaborative project that speaks to the theme of Truth and Reconciliation open to all artists and is expected to launch later this summer.

Submissions will be reviewed by members of the District’s Public Art Select Committee, a committee comprised of local artists and residents, as well as the Mayor and District staff. This is the fifth project launched by the Committee that was formed to help guide the Public Art Policy, make recommendations for future public art funding and adjudicate or select public art competitions and commissions. 

The deadline for Truth and Reconciliation public art project submissions is Friday, June 15, 2018 at 4 p.m. The installation of the chosen artworks is expected to be completed by February 2019.  For more information about the project and to view the call for artists in detail visit our Public Art page. 

May 24, 2018