Call for Expressions of Interest: Indigenous Writers to Develop a Language and Culture Public Art Project

About this call

The City of Oshawa, Canada, invites Expressions of Interest for an Indigenous language and culture public art project at Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park, 169 Harbour Rd, Oshawa. The selected writer will be commissioned to develop a text-based artwork to be installed near the park's Garden of Human Rights, as a long-term installation that spotlights an Indigenous voice in a public space. Two installation approaches are being considered: interlocking brick at grade level with engraved stone elements, or engraved boulders along the pathways; writers may also propose an alternative in Stage 2. This is a two-stage competition: a Public Art Jury of Indigenous community members from the seven Williams Treaties First Nations shortlists three writers from the Stage 1 submissions, meets with them, and recommends one to the City. Fabrication and installation are carried out by a contractor hired by the City, paid separately from the writer's fee.

Who can apply

• Open to applicants of any nationality
• Medium: Writing / Installation
• Entry fee: See official site
• Open to Indigenous creative writers, poets, artists, Knowledge Holders or storytellers connected to or from the Williams Treaties First Nations (the Mississaugas of Scugog Island, Hiawatha, Curve Lake and Alderville First Nations, and the Chippewas of Georgina Island, Rama and Beausoleil First Nations). The lead applicant must be 18 years of age or older. Stage 1 submissions, through the online form: a biography or artist statement (maximum one page); a CV or resume; up to five examples of previous work; and a letter (maximum one page) describing the applicant's connection to the traditional and treaty territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Anishinaabeg and the Williams Treaties signatories, with an example of past work that has taken place within the community. Stage 1 is scored on artistic excellence of previous work (35 points) and demonstrated commitment to sharing Indigenous culture and language (65 points). Files over 20 MB go by an external file share program and email to culturecounts@oshawa.ca. Late submissions are not accepted. Stage 1 submissions are prepared at the applicant's own expense. The three shortlisted writers meet the Public Art Jury in Stage 2 to discuss their vision and the installation options; a writer proposing an alternative installation must provide a visual design. The text must follow the City's content guidelines: suitable for audiences of all ages, politically neutral, original and not infringing third-party rights. The selected writer signs an agreement with the City, meets a Knowledge Holder hired by the City and City staff at the park, provides a preliminary copy of the text with design recommendations (such as font type and size) for review, incorporates the Public Art Jury's recommended revisions and finalizes the text, and signs a waiver assuming all risk of site visits in lieu of insurance. The application pages do not mention an application fee.