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

The Northeast Mental Health and Substance Use Team- Vancouver Community is seeking First Nations framed artwork from Musqueam, Squamish or Tsleil-Waututh Nation members.

The project teams aim to:
(1) honour the Host Nations on whose territories the facilities are located; and

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

Opportunity:

The Northeast MHSU team is seeking hung artwork that reflects health and wellness and connection to the land to install at its Vancouver Community office. 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.

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.