Laurier Library Indigenous Mural Project Expand All + Collapse All - This mural project is a multi-disciplinary collaboration between the Wilfrid Laurier University Library/Robert Langen Art Gallery, Laurier’s Office of Indigenous Initiatives, Laurier’s internal stakeholders and external community groups. We would like to acknowledge that Wilfrid Laurier University and its campuses are located on the Haldimand tract, traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabe (Anish-nah-bay) and Haudenosaunee (Hoe-den-no-show-nee) peoples. This land is part of the Dish with One Spoon Treaty between the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples and symbolizes the agreement to share, protect our resources and not to engage in conflict.Project DescriptionThis mural project is a multi-disciplinary collaboration between the Wilfrid Laurier University Library/Robert Langen Art Gallery, Laurier’s Office of Indigenous Initiatives, Laurier’s internal stakeholders and external community groups.Its goal is to celebrate Indigenous art and culture, the different ways of knowing and storytelling in our region, to encourage and support cross cultural awareness and to amplify Laurier’s strong commitment to reconciliation and decolonization.The public-facing mural will make a powerful statement of Laurier’s commitment to serve as a catalyst for internal and external community engagement, creative, cultural, and educational interactions in Waterloo Region and beyond.ContextThe cultural and reputational impact and significance of this project will extend upon its completion and will trigger new avenues for learning, teaching, and discovery, empowering everyone with knowledge of Indigenous presence and history in the Waterloo Region.The manifestation of Indigenous art on Laurier’s Waterloo campus signifies our collective commitment to promoting Indigenous cultural expression beyond the walls of Laurier. The University itself will serve as a vehicle for transmission and promotion of inter-cultural and inter-generational learning and creative achievement that will elicit recognition from peer institutions and media regionally, provincially, and internationally.GoalsThe primary objective of this project is to strengthen the relationship between Wilfrid Laurier University, local Indigenous communities (urban and on-reserve), as well as the public at large.By initiating such a large-scale project, the University is demonstrating its leadership role as an institution that recognizes the importance of magnifying First Nations, Inuit, and Metis knowledge, the value of artists in our community and the importance of intercultural exchange.EligibilityLaurier’s goal with this art installation is to center Indigenous placemaking, as such the artist(s) must be Indigenous and be confirmed members from the Dish with One Spoon Treaty Territory. This is inclusive of members of either the Three Fires Confederacy or the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Laurier has committed to ensure that all opportunities established for Indigenous members ensure that they are awarded to Individuals that have their expressed Indigenous identities confirmed through Laurier’s Indigenous Identity verification process.It is recommended that interested artists have:the ability to create permanent, maintainable, and sustainable outdoor artworka demonstrated strong sense of scale demonstrated through past worka proven track record to complete projects on time and within budgetthe ability to work within a team environment, with a generosity of spirit and patienceProfessional standing by peers or arts related experts - references will be taken into consideration.AccessibilityWilfrid Laurier University supports equity, inclusion and accessibility. If you have questions or concerns about accessibility around this project please contact libindigenousmural@wlu.caCall To ArtistsWilfrid Laurier University invites Indigenous artists or Indigenous artist teams to submit qualifications for the design and execution of a mural on the south-west wall of the Laurier Library building.Artists with experience creating outdoor murals are encouraged to apply. Only artists that consent to Laurier’s Indigenous identity verification process to have their expressed Indigenous identity confirmed will be accepted. Email submissions to libindigenousmural@wlu.ca with the subject line: Laurier Mural Project Submission and attach all the required documents in a single email (see details below).Artist Fee $20,000 CADIncludes: artist design fees, administration and travelExclusive of all applicable taxes.Materials and Productionup to $50,000Includes: materials supplies, fabrication, insurance, delivery, and installation, engineering and structural/foundation elements, fastening and attachment provisions. Selected artist(s) will work with the mural committee to develop final project and budget.CompensationThe successful Artist/Artist team is paid based on deliverables as per their artist contract and is responsible for managing their project budget.The total budget includes (but is not limited to):Artist feesConsultationArtist time spent on public engagementTravel if applicableMaterial SuppliesSpecialized Equipment or CrewInsuranceEquipment Licenses/CertificatesStudio feesKey DatesSubmission Deadline:Monday, November 14, 2022, 6pm ESTLate submissions will not be consideredShortlist and Jury review:Late November 2022Shortlisted Artist Presentations:Early December 2022Artist Selection:Mid December 2022Public Engagement & Concept Development Consultations:January to April 2023Mural Installation:May 2023Project completion:June 7, 2023Community Unveiling:Wednesday, June 21, 2023Mural Location / Technical ConsiderationsThe artist or artist team are required to work within the healthy and safety procedures and technical constraints as outlined by Wilfrid Laurier University and the Artist contract.Providing proof of site specific health and safety plans, licenses for any specialized equipment (e.g. boom lifts, skyjacks etc.), general liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage of $2M are required by the University. Artist teams will be required to submit WSIB insurance.Mural LocationThe Laurier Library building is located on Albert Street, and faces south towards Seagram Drive and Bricker Avenue. Figure 1 - Aerial view of the Laurier Library Building​​​​​ Figure 2 - Laurier Library South West Wall Figure 3 - Mural site dimensions: 22'w x 40'h x 9'd Figure 4 - Designated work area: 25' x 40' How to ApplyEligible submissions must include:Letter of interest (250-500 words)Refer to the criteria for suggested topicsCurriculum VitaeArtist statementImages (maximum of 10)Up to 10 images of current or past work (mural or non-mural), acceptable digital formats .jpg with a maximum size of 4MB per image. Do not use accents or special characters in your file names as they may cause application submission errorsImages list (title, medium, date), with a brief description of the commission/mural and information on the project partners if applicablePlease Note: artwork concepts are NOT required as part of this application. The successful artist will develop the concept after completing community engagement.Questions and clarificationsSubmit questions in writing to libindigenousmural@wlu.ca with the subject line: Laurier Library Mural Project Question prior to 4:30pm EST on Monday, November 7, 2022.How to SubmitEmail submissions to libindigenousmural@wlu.ca with the subject line: Laurier Mural Project Submission and attach all the required documents in a single email.Please Note:Submissions are accepted in electronic formmaximum attachment size for an email is 50MBincomplete or late submission will not be consideredReferencesThree references will be requested for short-listed artists. References should include company name, current contact name including current telephone number, address and e-mail address.Wilfrid Laurier University reserves the right to contact references without prior notification.Artist teamsIf applying as a team:Identify the project lead and team membersProject lead will be the primary contact with the UniversityDescribe how the team will be structured including the role of each team memberProvide the percentage of time dedicated by each team memberindicate the location where staff will be basedSelection ProcessPhase 1: ShortlistingArtist submits applications by the posted deadline. Following the review of eligible submission packages, the Jury Committee will then shortlist artists based on the evaluation criteria. Eligible submissions will be reviewed by the Jury Committee, consisting of:Darren Thomas, Assoc. Vice-President Indigenous InitiativesGohar Ashoughian, University LibrarianBonnie Whitlow, Indigenous Special Projects OfficerSuzanne Luke, Curator Robert Langen Art GalleryMadison Cox, Acting Chief of Staff, Office of the PresidentLianne Leddy, Associate Professor, HistoryShelley Niro, Community ArtistFollowing the review of artist submission packages, the Jury will then shortlist artists based on the evaluation criteria.Phase 2: Finalist PresentationsThe shortlisted artists will be provided with an honorarium of $500 in Canadian funds to present a mural concept proposal to the jury committee in the next stage of the competition. Once the presentations are completed the Jury Committee will select the successful artist. The awarded finalist will be provided with a budget to develop and implement the Mural.Evaluation CriteriaUnderstanding of the ProjectWhy this opportunity appeals to the artistHow the artist’s background and practice will contribute to the execution of this projectKnowledge of or connection to the project’s placeProject ExperienceExperience to deliver a project on timeDemonstrated ability to deliver a project on budgetAbility to collaborate with project teams, stakeholdersDemonstrated ability to engage with the publicArtistic PracticeDemonstrated artistic excellence in contemporary art practiceDemonstrated flexibility of practice; responsiveness to contextual opportunitiesPublic Art ExperienceDemonstrated, relevant experience in completing public art projects of a similar scopeResponsiveness to community engagementUnderstanding of the project’s context within the community.