Call for Submission of interest: Mural

Call to Artists: Submission of Interest

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 must submit a statement of interest or a concept statement. Statements of interest and concept statements 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. Submissions 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 of Interest Requirements:

All artists who are interested in this project will submit a Submission of Interest by email, which includes the following:

1. Statement of interest: describe what interests you about this art opportunity and why you are applying. Explain how you plan to incorporate themes that are central to the friendship centre to the space. How can your design have a significant impact on the urban Indigenous community,

Or,

Concept statement: Provide a statement in the form of a sketch or written description (max 500 words) outlining your preliminary ideas including aligning themes, and if possible, materials.

2. Portfolio or Samples of Past Work: provide 4-6 samples of previous completed murals or artwork relevant to this project.

3. Artist Biography (Maximum 250 Words): Highlight your background, artistic journey, and connection to Indigenous communities.

4. Contact Information: Full name, email, phone number, and mailing address.

apply

Selection Criteria

Relevance: Statement of interests or concept statements must meaningfully represent the designated environment, reflecting the Indigenous urban experience in Vancouver. Proposed 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's portfolio and concept 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 proposed design should clearly convey the artistis artistic and cultural rationale, providing insight into the symbolism and meaning behind the design. submission concepts 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.