City looking for Indigenous artist to create something special at west-end arena

The City of Sault Ste. Marie is looking for an Indigenous artist or artist team connected to Bawaating for a public art installation at the Northern Community Centre.

This project aims to celebrate the rich cultural heritage, history and artistic traditions of the Anishinaabe people, who have called this region home since time immemorial.

This opportunity is open to local, national and international new and professional artists of all disciplines with connections to the region. Artists must be from a verifiable Indigenous nation.

Anyone interested in applying for this project can do so here. 

Applications are due by Oct. 11 at 4:30 p.m. 

For more information, click here. The full press release from the City of Sault Ste. Marie is below: 

The City of Sault Ste. Marie invites Indigenous artists or artist teams connected to Bawaating to submit their application for a public art installation at the Northern Community Centre, located at 556 Goulais Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. This project aims to celebrate the rich cultural heritage, history, and artistic traditions of the Anishinaabe people, who have called this region home since time immemorial.

This opportunity is open to local, national, and international, new and professional artists of all disciplines with connections to the region. Artists must be from a verifiable Indigenous nation.

The goals of this project are to:

• Highlight Indigenous Artists with ties to Bawaating
• Showcase Indigenous art as an integral part of community recreation and gathering spaces
• Honour the spirit and intent of the Robinson Huron Treaty
• Educate and remind viewers that we are all Treaty people

"This facility serves a diverse community with programs and events for all ages. The art installation will enhance the visual appeal of the space and contribute to the invaluable process of placemaking," said Virginia McLeod, Manager of Recreation and Culture.   

This two-dimensional artwork is open to artistic interpretation. The total project budget of $10,000 covers all costs related to creation, materials, installation, and artist fees, as well as purchase, delivery, and installation. Also included within this amount are the artist's fees, materials, fabrication, installation, and engineering, if required. 
 
A working group, including representatives from Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig (SKG), City staff, and members of the Cultural Vitality Committee, will review submissions. Short-listed artists will be invited to a 30-minute interview (in person or via Zoom) and paid $500 to develop a detailed design proposal using a terms of reference to guide them. The final selection will be based on the interview and the proposal that best embodies the celebration of the region’s First Peoples and aligns with the City of Sault Ste. Marie’s Public Art Policy. 

The application deadline is Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. For submission guidelines and application details, visit www.saultstemarie.ca/indigenousartists2024.

All inquiries regarding this project may be directed to Aliesha Moore, Arts and Culture Lead at [email protected] or by phone at 705-989-8240.