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Call for Submissions of interest: Café Mural
Call to Artists: Submission of Interest
Project: 1015 East Hastings Street
Commission: $16,000 + $2500 for supply costs
Proposal Submission Deadline: August 30th, 2025
Project Overview
The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS) is inviting Submissions of Interest from Indigenous artists for the creation of a custom painted mural to be featured in the café of our new Indigenous housing development building, Ho’-kee-melh Kloshe Lum, located at 1015 East Hastings Street in Vancouver.
Scope of Artwork
The proposed mural will be featured on the wall behind the main counter in our café. The total mural space spans approximately 6.94 metres in length and up to 5.47 metres in height. The complete dimensions are highlighted in the image provided.
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 $2,500 for supply costs.
Artists are encouraged to submit a concept sketch and/or a written description of their vision for the mural, including how it reflects the themes and values of the Friendship Centre. Design concepts should center themes that reflect the Friendship Centre’s values and the urban Indigenous population it 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.
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.
Project Timeline
Submission deadline: August 29th
Access to site for installation: November 1st – 30th
Submission Requirements:
All muralists who are interested in this project will submit a Submission of Interest via email, which includes the following:
1. Concept Sketch and/or Statement: Provide a statement in the form of a sketch and/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.
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.
