Downtown Van is excited to announce a new opportunity tailored towards Indigenous Artists.
We seek Indigenous artists, working in design forms from all territories, to be a part of our prequalified Indigenous Artist Roster for various projects in downtown Vancouver from April 2025 to March 2027. This initiative aims to enhance our urban landscape by connecting Indigenous artists with businesses, organizations, and city projects where their artwork can be featured. Learn more about our Artist Roster.
OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW
We invite Indigenous artists in British Columbia to apply for inclusion in the prequalified Artist Roster. Selected artists will have the chance to be considered for various street beautification and public art opportunities in downtown Vancouver. This could include street banners, murals, sculptures, street infrastructure, furniture, vinyl wraps, and more. These projects support Downtown Van’s Five-Year Strategic Plan and priorities in the realm of vibrant placemaking practices.
CO-SALISH FOCUS
Whilst we are invested in holding up all Indigenous artists, we have a specific goal of engaging with Co-Salish artists. Given the geographical location of Downtown Van, certain projects might also focus on Musqueam, Squamish, or Tsleil–Waututh peoples.
INTAKE AND PROJECT TIMELINE
Application Deadline: June 30, 2025 at 5 PM PST.
Work May Begin: April 28, 2025 to March 1, 2027.
ARTIST ELIGIBILITY
Open to Indigenous artists residing in British Columbia, we encourage applications from all artistic mediums. Artwork must be suitable for public spaces, aligning with our commitment to inclusivity and respect for all. Artists selected will generally have examples of past work within the public art field.
PROJECT SCOPE
Project scope and requirements will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may be design-only or inclusive of construction. Where required, artists will be requested to provide proof of insurance.
Projects may be of a “pop-up” nature, semi-permanent, or permanent, and will be reflective of site-specific criteria, the nature of the space, design guidelines from Downtown Van and/or property owners and management.
PORTFOLIO DIRECTIONS
Artists are required to submit a digital portfolio with maximum ten images of their recent work. Images will be reviewed by a selection panel. If added to the roster, you may be contacted by the Downtown Van team to initiate work on public art projects
SELECTION CRITERIA
A selection committee will review all applications and select artists for the roster. The artists selected will be contacted on a case-by-case basis as art opportunities arise. Fees will vary for each project. Submissions will be assessed based on the project context, diversity of experience, collaboration skills, artistic style, concept and execution, and appropriateness for the public realm.
APPLICATION SUBMISSION DETAILS
Please complete the application form and submit it along with your portfolio electronically until June 30, 2025 at 5 PM PST. Ensure all documents adhere to the specified guidelines.
PORTFOLIO SUBMISSION
Please submit a digital portfolio with up to ten images of your recent. Title your images in the following order: 01_LASTNAME_firstname, 02_LASTNAME_firstname up to 05_LASTNAME_firstname. Please ensure each individual file size does not exceed 4 MB.
Submission image files formats accepted: JPEG Format, PDF Format
APPLY HERE
CONTACT PERSON
Claire Leonard, Manager, Placemaking & Public Spaces at clairel@dtvan.ca