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

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is seeking First Nations artists from Musqueam to design artwork for a new community health care centre in Vancouver. Download the call here.

The project teams aim 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 sites.

ARTIST ELGIBILITY CRITERIA

Host Nation - Artist must be a Musqueam member.

OPPORTUNITY

This opportunity involves incorporating Indigenous artwork throughout the new facility to help create a welcoming and culturally safe space for clients seeking services at the location. The initiative aligns with Recommendation 10 of the In Plain Sight report, emphasizing the inclusion of Indigenous artwork, signage, and territorial acknowledgment.

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

Note: The selected artist will be asked to develop a concept that reflects the overarching themes and will be invited to meet with the VCH team to learn more about the facility and its services.

DESCRIPTION OF OPPORTUNITY

Artwork opportunities include the reception area, care team station, and exterior windows. To support the integration of these various pieces, an overarching curatorial theme will be developed in collaboration with the selected artist. The project aims to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all clients accessing services at the site.

To design digital artworks for installation throughout the facility (please see appendix 1), with VCH responsible for printing and vinyl installation.

Compensation: Up to $16,000

Submission deadline: July 30, 2025

SUBMISSION PROCESS

1. Expression of Interest

• Contact information: Full name, email and phone number
• Biography about your work, digital design experience, incorporating Coast Salish design and your interest in this artwork.

2. Submission Guidelines

• Provide 4 to 6 samples of previous digital work that has been completed. At least two Coast Salish traditional design(s).
• Include details of the samples provided (e.g., size, location, software).
• Artist must be a Musqueam member.
• New and emerging artists are encouraged to apply.

Please send an email containing the information above to daniela.segatto@vch.ca and susan.richardson@vch.ca

SELECTION CRITERIA

The artist will be selected by a panel including representatives from the Host Nation 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 and visit the facility.

If you have been awarded a contract for an art project with VCH in the last six months, please note we may give preference to new applicants.

DEADLINE

Application deadline: July 30, 2025
Estimated decision: by August 4, 2025

DOWNOAD THE CALL FOR ARTISTS.

Lookout Society is seeking First Nations framed artwork and small carvings from Musqueam members to install at the ACORN (Lookout Housing & Society) location.

Description of opportunity:

Acorn is seeking hung artwork for multiple locations that reflects health and wellness and connection to the land to install in the Acorn House facility. The artwork is intended to help create a welcoming, inclusive space for clients seeking services at the site and to enhance the healing environment of the centre.

APPENDIX 1 – Artwork Placements

ACORN is seeking hung artwork and wood carvings that reflects health and wellness and connection to the land to install in the ACORN House facility. The proposed location is in the hallway space, and common room.

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is seeking a First Nations artist from Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw or Tsleil-Waututh Nation to design artwork for Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver.

Description of opportunity:

VCH has identified a free-standing wall along a pedestrian pathway on the Lions Gate Hospital campus to feature an Indigenous artwork mural created by an artist from the Host Nations. This initiative aims to foster culturally vibrant and inclusive spaces for all clients seeking services at the site. The primary goal is to enrich the environment through the integration of Indigenous art, in line with the recommendations of the In Plain Sight report emphasizing the inclusion of Indigenous artwork, signage, and territorial acknowledgment.

The opportunity is to create a digital design (print ready) for the following dimensions: 9m wide and 5m tall (please see photo), with VCH responsible for printing and vinyl installation.

Artist design fee: $5,000

Application deadline: June 20, 2025

Artwork draft due: June 2025

Artwork final design due: July 2025

Location:

The particular space of interest is an outdoor free-standing concrete wall along a pedestrian pathway at LGH. The dimensions of the ‘Blast Wall’ are 9m wide and 5m tall.

Theme:

The selected artist will be asked to develop a concept that reflects the themes developed in collaboration with VCH staff and long-term care residents at a few engagement sessions. The artist will be invited to and encouraged to attend the engagement sessions to help guide the development of themes for the new art piece.

Expression of interest:

To submit your expression of interest, please email shannon.sahota@vch.ca:

• Contact information: your email and phone number
• Nation Affiliation: Squamish or Tsleil-Waututh
• Brief statement about your work and your interest in this artwork
• Previous art experience: if available, four to six samples of previous completed work and include details of the samples provided (e.g., size, location, materials); at least two should be Coast Salish traditional design(s).

Additional Photo:

View of Evergreen Long-term Care Home