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VANCOUVER ABORIGINAL FRIENDSHIP CENTRE SOCIETY
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Request for Proposals: Mural

Call to Artists: Request for Proposals (RFP) 

Project: 1015 East Hastings Street

Commission: $35,000 + up to $10,000 for supply costs 

Proposal Submission Deadline: July 30th, 2025



Project Overview


The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS) is seeking proposals from local Indigenous artists to design and create an original outdoor mural on the northwest-facing rear wall of our new supportive housing development at 1015 East Hastings Street. This mural will form part of a cohesive art collection that reflects the core values and work of VAFCS, including themes of healing, community, cultural connection, and support. Artists are encouraged to express their own unique styles while aligning with these guiding themes.


  

Scope of Artwork


The mural will be located on the rear (north- and west-facing) elevations of the building, spanning two adjoining concrete wall surfaces. The north-facing wall measures approximately 15 feet 10 inches wide by 14 feet 4 inches tall, and the west-facing wall measures approximately 124 feet 11 inches wide by 17 feet 5 inches tall. Artists should be prepared to scale their design proposals to fit these large exterior surfaces and consider the visual impact from various distances and sightlines.


The selected artist will be responsible for the full design and execution of the mural, including any preparatory work such as surface priming, outlining, and final painting. VAFCS will provide access to the site and allocate up to $10,000 for supply costs and scaffolding/lift rentals. These funds will be available to the artist through a reimbursement process, subject to prior approval and discussion with VAFCS. All reimbursements must be supported by receipts and/or invoices.


Artists are encouraged to submit a concept sketch and a written description of their vision for the mural, including how it reflects the themes and values of the Friendship Centre. Designs should reflect themes central to the Friendship Centre—such as healing, resilience, community, and the cultural identity of the urban Indigenous population the Centre serves. Proposals must also include examples of past mural work or other relevant projects to demonstrate the artist’s experience, technical skills, and artistic style. The completed mural must be durable and weather-resistant, using high-quality exterior paints and coatings suited for long-term outdoor installation.


We invite proposals that are inclusive, accessible, and rooted in the lived experiences and cultures of Indigenous peoples living in urban Vancouver. The final mural will become a permanent fixture of the site, welcoming visitors and residents while honouring the spirit of the community it serves.

Submission Requirements Artists are required to submit the following by email:


  1. A Concept Sketch or Digital Rendering: A preliminary concept sketch or digital rendering that illustrates the proposed artwork, complete with a description of the sketch and concept. 
  2. Artist Statement (Maximum 500 Words): Describe the concept, cultural significance, and how it connects with the space's themes
  3. Portfolio or Samples of Past Work: Up to 5 images showcasing previous murals or artwork relevant to this project.
  4. Artist Biography (Maximum 250 Words): Highlight your background, artistic journey, and connection to Indigenous communities.
  5. Contact Information: Full name, email, phone number, and mailing address.


Note: larger files can be submitted through google drive links

apply

Project Timeline

The proposal submission deadline is July 30, 2025. The selected artist will be notified by early August. Following selection, the artist will participate in a three-week consultation process to finalize the mural design and plan any necessary site preparations and logistical details.

The mural installation is scheduled for September 7–21, 2025, during which the artist will have two weeks to complete the physical painting of the mural on-site.

North Facing Wall

West Facing Wall

Birds Eye view

image PDf downloads

North_Elevation.jpg (pdf)Download
West_Elevation.jpg (pdf)Download
Birdseyeview (pdf)Download

Selection Criteria

  • Relevance: The proposed mural must meaningfully represent its environment, reflecting the Indigenous urban experience in Vancouver. Designs are encouraged alignment with the projects core themes of community, healing, resilience, and cultural and urban identity, while celebrating the spirit of Ho’-kee-melh Kloshe Lum (“to gather, good spirits”)


  • Artistic Merit: The quality of the proposed design concept and execution will be a primary consideration. Submission applications must also include examples of past mural work or other relevant projects to demonstrate the artist’s experience, technical skills, and artistic style.


  • Feasibility: The artist must demonstrate confidence and technical skill to successfully execute a large-scale mural project of this nature and scope. Proposals should reflect an understanding of the project timeline and the technical requirements for shipping and final installation.


  • Cultural Significance: The artwork should clearly convey the artistis artistic and cultural rationale, providing insight into the symbolism and meaning behind the design. Proposals must respectfully reflect Indigenous themes, history, and values, maintaining cultural integrity and fostering community pride.

Submission Deadline: July 30th, 2025

Apply

Housing Project Background

 The supportive transition housing project will be located in Vancouver, BC, on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Named Ho’-kee-melh Kloshe Lum – meaning “to gather, good spirits” – this new Indigenous-focused housing project will provide nearly 170 homes and 80 shelter beds in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. It will also serve as a vibrant new hub for Indigenous art in the city, creating a unique opportunity for both established and emerging artists to have their work showcased. Through this call for art, we aim to reflect the spirit of the community, emphasizing themes of connection, identity, culture, and healing.

Copyright © 2023 VANCOUVER ABORIGINAL FRIENDSHIP CENTRE SOCIETY - All Rights Reserved.

VAFCS recognizes and acknowledges that their office rests on the traditional and ancestral territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples and supports all Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island. 


 898202833 RR 0001 

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