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Call For Submissions of Interest: Multi-floor Vinyl Mural
Call to Artists: Submission of Interest
Project: 1015 East Hastings Street
Commission: $35,000
Proposal Submission Deadline: September 10th, 2025
Project Overview:
The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS) is inviting submissions from Indigenous artists for the creation of ten custom-designed murals. These vinyl murals will be printed and installed on floors 5 through 14 of our new Indigenous housing development, Ho’-kee-melh Kloshe Lum, located at 1015 East Hastings Street in Vancouver. Positioned directly across from the elevators, each mural will be the first visual focal point seen as residents arrive on their floor. Each mural will also be paired with a corresponding window vinyl installation, creating a unified and cohesive visual experience on every level.
Scope of Artwork
We invite Indigenous artists to submit ten concept sketches or written design descriptions to be digitally reproduced, printed, and installed on the welcoming wall and window of each floor. The wall surface measures approximately 4.93 m and will feature an opaque print. The adjacent window measures approximately 2.15 m by 1.6 m and will be printed using a translucent adhesive film. While artwork may be created in any medium, selected artists must provide high-resolution digital files suitable for large-format printing.
Each mural should feature unique design elements (plants, animals, city, nature, etc) that visually distinguish each floor, while maintaining a consistent artistic style that connects the series as a cohesive whole. Selected artists will collaborate with project management to finalize their design Design concepts should thoughtfully and respectfully reflect the environment and 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 include examples of past mural work or other relevant projects to demonstrate the artist’s experience, technical skills, and visual approach. We welcome proposals that are inclusive, accessible, and rooted in the lived experiences, cultures, and perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in urban Vancouver.
Project Timeline:
submission deadline: September 10, 2025
Artist selection: end of setptember
Finalized 10 Digital Designs: end of November
Installation date: end of January
Submission Requirements:
All artists 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 sketches and/or written descriptions (max 500 words) outlining your preliminary ideas and vision for all ten floors, including aligning themes, colours, and imagery.
2. Portfolio or Samples of Past Work: provide 4-6 samples of previous completed digital work, printed 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.
