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.

  • Squamish General Hospital

    2025 - Call for Indigenous Artist

    PROJECT

    Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is seeking an Indigenous artist from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw to design digital artwork to be printed and displayed at the Squamish General Hospital, including but not limited to the five locations indicated below, in and around the maternity ward.
    The project team aims to:
    (1) Honour the Host Nation on whose territory the facility is located; and

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


    ARTIST ELGIBILITY CRITERIA

    Host Nation

    Identify as Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw


    OPPORTUNITY

    Opportunity is to incorporate Indigenous artwork for the five locations below, in and around the maternity ward of the Squamish General Hospital, to 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 reflects themes that are based on previous engagement with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw elders, mothers, fathers and the Squamish Primary Care Team.


    CONTACT

    Abbey-Jane McGrath, Leader, Community Engagement, VCH

    abbeyjane.mcgrath@vch.ca


    2025 Artwork Projects for Vancouver Area

    Description of location / services

    Opportunities for Artwork

    Squamish General Hospital

    • The artwork opportunity is to create five independent digital art pieces to be printed and displayed at locations throughout the Squamish General Hospital, including but not limited to the five locations indicated below, in and around the maternity ward. The project aims to create a welcoming and inclusive space for clients seeking services at the site.
    • The artist that is selected will meet with the project team to discuss the themes for the artwork, which were arrived at through engagement with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw elders, mothers, fathers and the Squamish Primary Care Team.

    To design five artworks for installation throughout the Squamish General Hospital (please see appendix 1), with VCH responsible for installation.

    Artist design fee: Up to $12,000.

    This fee includes wall mural designs, and reproduction rights for all five artworks. Reproduction rights include rights to print any and all of the five digital wall mural designs and display at the Squamish General Hospital indefinitely. This includes reprinting of the designs to replace original versions should they become damaged, and printing of the designs to display at locations throughout the hospital, as may be identified in the future.

    Application Deadline: November 15, 2025

    SUBMISSION PROCESS

    1. Expression of Interest


    • Contact information: Full name, email and phone number
    • Nation Affiliation: Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw
    • Biography about you, your digital design experience and your interest in this artwork opportunity.
    1. Submission Guidelines

    Provide 4 – 6 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 member

    Submission

    Please send an email containing the information above to: abbeyjane.mcgrath@vch.ca

    SELECTION CRITERIA

    The artist will be selected by a panel including representatives that Identify as Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw and VCH. 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 in the last six months.

    Artistic knowledge based on samples provided

    Coast Salish art design

    DEADLINE

    Application Deadline: November 15

    Estimated Decision: January 19


    APPENDIX 1 – Artwork Placements

    Case Room 1:

    Case Room 2:
    Note: Outcropping not included in artwork

    Obstetrics Clinic Room 108:

    Assessment Room 119:

    Operating Room Hallway:



Page last updated: 21 Oct 2025, 02:31 PM