Seeking Indigenous Artists - Current Call for Artists and Registration for Future Calls

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is currently seeking First Nations artists from Musqueam, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw or Tsleil-Waututh. Our art opportunities vary a wide range, depending on the facility, and may encompass vinyl wall applications, mural paintings, carvings, glasswork throughout the facility, and much more.

Whether you're an experienced artist with a rich portfolio or just beginning your creative journey, we invite you to submit your expression of interest for our open Calls for Artists (using a computer, located on the menu to the right or using mobile device scroll down past the registration button). To stay updated on upcoming Calls for Indigenous Artists, please register below.

BACKGROUND

Creating safer spaces is an integral part of the work we do to support Indigenous clients, patients and families to feel comfortable, seen and valued. In order to contribute to a welcoming and culturally safe environment for those seeking our services, and in furtherance of recommendation 10 from the In Plain Sight Report, Vancouver Coastal Health is actively promoting call for artists from the Host Nations on where our services and facilities are located within the traditional territories of the Heiltsuk, Kitasoo-Xai'xais, Lil'wat, Musqueam, N'Quatqua, Nuxalk, Samahquam, Shíshálh, Skatin, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, Tla'amin, Tsleil-Waututh, Wuikinuxv, and Xa'xtsa to design artwork throughout VCH facilities.

If you have any questions, please contact ce@vch.ca

We wish to acknowledge that the land on which we gather is the traditional and unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the Musqueam, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

Vancouver Coastal Health is committed to delivering exceptional care to 1.25 million people, including the First Nations, Métis and Inuit, within the traditional territories of the Heiltsuk, Kitasoo-Xai'xais, Lil'wat, Musqueam, N'Quatqua, Nuxalk, Samahquam, shíshálh, Skatin, Squamish, Tla'amin, Tsleil-Waututh, Wuikinuxv, and Xa'xtsa.

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is currently seeking First Nations artists from Musqueam, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw or Tsleil-Waututh. Our art opportunities vary a wide range, depending on the facility, and may encompass vinyl wall applications, mural paintings, carvings, glasswork throughout the facility, and much more.

Whether you're an experienced artist with a rich portfolio or just beginning your creative journey, we invite you to submit your expression of interest for our open Calls for Artists (using a computer, located on the menu to the right or using mobile device scroll down past the registration button). To stay updated on upcoming Calls for Indigenous Artists, please register below.

BACKGROUND

Creating safer spaces is an integral part of the work we do to support Indigenous clients, patients and families to feel comfortable, seen and valued. In order to contribute to a welcoming and culturally safe environment for those seeking our services, and in furtherance of recommendation 10 from the In Plain Sight Report, Vancouver Coastal Health is actively promoting call for artists from the Host Nations on where our services and facilities are located within the traditional territories of the Heiltsuk, Kitasoo-Xai'xais, Lil'wat, Musqueam, N'Quatqua, Nuxalk, Samahquam, Shíshálh, Skatin, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, Tla'amin, Tsleil-Waututh, Wuikinuxv, and Xa'xtsa to design artwork throughout VCH facilities.

If you have any questions, please contact ce@vch.ca

We wish to acknowledge that the land on which we gather is the traditional and unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the Musqueam, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

Vancouver Coastal Health is committed to delivering exceptional care to 1.25 million people, including the First Nations, Métis and Inuit, within the traditional territories of the Heiltsuk, Kitasoo-Xai'xais, Lil'wat, Musqueam, N'Quatqua, Nuxalk, Samahquam, shíshálh, Skatin, Squamish, Tla'amin, Tsleil-Waututh, Wuikinuxv, and Xa'xtsa.

  • A Mural at a Whistler Clinic

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    PROJECT

    Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is seeking an Indigenous artist from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) or Líl̓wat Nation to design digital artwork to be printed and displayed at a clinic in Whistler.


    The project team aims to:
    (1) Honour the Nations on whose territory the facility is located; and

    (2) Create a welcoming and inclusive space for Indigenous clients seeking services at the site.


    ARTIST ELGIBILITY CRITERIA

    Nations

    Identify as Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw or Líl̓wat Nation


    OPPORTUNITY

    Opportunity is to incorporate Indigenous artwork at a clinic in Whistler to help create a welcoming and culturally safe space for clients seeking services at this location. This initiative aligns with Recommendation 10 from the In Plain Sight Report, emphasizing the inclusion of Indigenous artwork, signage and territorial acknowledgment.

    The timeline, project milestones and payment schedule will be determined according to the selected project and agreed upon in a contract to be finalized upon the selection of the Indigenous artist.

    Note: The selected artist will be invited to meet with the VCH team to learn more about the site and its services. The selected artist will be asked to develop a concept that would create a welcoming and inclusive space for clients seeking services at the site.


    CONTACT

    Natasha Mayer, Coordinator, Community Engagement, VCH

    Natasha.Mayer@vch.ca


    SPACE AND ARTWORK SPECIFICATIONS

    Description of location

    Opportunities for Artwork

    A Clinic in Whistler

    • Vancouver Coastal Health is opening a clinic in Whistler.
    • The artwork opportunity is to create a vinyl banner to be printed and displayed within the reception area at the clinic. The project aims to create a welcoming and inclusive space for clients seeking services at the site.

    To design digital artwork for installation in the reception/waiting area of the clinic, expected in early 2026, with VCH responsible for installation.


    Dimensions of space: 10' 10" x 4' 9 3/4".


    Artist design fee: Up to $2,400

    This fee includes wall mural design and print-ready digital file.


    Application Deadline: January 9, 2026

    SUBMISSION PROCESS

    1. Expression of Interest


    • Contact information: Full name, email and phone number
    • Nation affiliation
    • Biography about you, your digital design experience and your interest in this artwork opportunity
    1. Submission Guidelines

    Provide 4 – 5 samples of previous digital work that has been completed. Include at least two Coast Salish traditional designs.

    • Include details of the samples provided (e.g., size, location, software used)
    • At least two Coast Salish traditional design(s)
    • Artist must identify as a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw or Líl̓wat Nation members

    Submission

    Please send an email containing the information above to: Natasha.Mayer@vch.ca

    SELECTION CRITERIA

    The artist will be selected by a panel including VCH staff and representatives of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw and Líl̓wat Nation. The panel will review the submissions and select the artist. The artist will then be notified and scheduled to meet with the team to discuss the artwork. Note: Preference may be given to applicants who have not been awarded a VCH artwork project contract previously or in the last six months.

    Artistic knowledge based on samples provided

    Coast Salish art design

    DEADLINE

    Application Deadline: January 9, 2026

    Estimated Decision: January 2026


    APPENDIX 1 – Artwork Placement:


Page last updated: 22 Dec 2025, 03:41 PM