Call for Indigenous Artists: Courtyard Metal Fence Design for 1015 East Hastings, Vancouver

Request for Proposals:
Digital Design for Courtyard Screen
1015 East Hastings, Vancouver – New Build

Project by Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society
Submission Deadline: May 30, 2025

Overview

The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS) is seeking design proposals from Indigenous artists for a unique public art installation. The selected design will be applied onto laminated glass privacy screens along the courtyard of VAFCS’s new supportive transition housing at 1015 East Hastings Street. This highly visible courtyard feature will enhance privacy, safety, and visual storytelling for both shelter guests and the surrounding community.

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.

Compensation: $8000 + GST

Click image to view higher resolution version.

Scope of Artwork

VAFCS is commissioning a custom digital design to be printed onto adhesive vinyl and applied to a series of 23 glass panels, forming privacy screens along the building’s courtyard fence.

The height of the panels ranges from 1855mm to 2055mm (approximately 6 to 6.75 feet), and the total length spanning across all panels is 23,125mm (approximately 75.8 feet). Artists are encouraged to create one continuous design that flows across the full length of the screens. Artwork must be submitted as high-resolution, scalable files (vector format preferred: AI, EPS, or PDF; or raster files at 300+ DPI).

The selected design will be digitally printed onto high-quality exterior-grade vinyl and professionally installed onto the exterior surface of the glass panels. This method provides vibrant color, weather resistance, and privacy while allowing for visual continuity across the panels. The application of vinyl will be handled by professional installers; the artist is responsible for the design only.

Some familiarity with large-scale or printed formats is helpful but not required. Artists will receive guidance from the VAFCS team and fabricators to ensure that their designs translate effectively to vinyl and glass.

The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS) seeks artwork that reflects the diversity and richness of the urban Indigenous community it serves. We welcome inclusive and accessible designs that align with our mission to provide culturally grounded programs and social services to Indigenous peoples from different nations and backgrounds.

Project Timeline

VAFCS will contact the selected artist by ­­­­June 13, 2025.

Selection Criteria

• Relevance: The proposed artwork must meaningfully represent its environment, reflecting the Indigenous urban experience in Vancouver. Designs are encouraged alignment with the projects core themes of community, resilience, and cultural 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. The artist’s portfolio, including the quality and relevance of past projects, will be reviewed to assess their artistic vision and capability.
• Feasibility: The artist must demonstrate confidence and technical skill to successfully execute a large-scale carving 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 carver’s 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 Requirements

Artists are required to submit the following:

1. A Concept Sketch or Digital Rendering: A digital rendering that illustrates the proposed artwork, complete with a description of the sketch and concept. Complimentary colours can be used in the concept sketch.
2. Artist Statement (Maximum 500 Words): Describe the concept, cultural significance, and how it connects with the project themes.
3. Portfolio or Samples of Past Work: Up to 5 images showcasing previous 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.

How to Submit

Please submit all materials via email to Kenzie Littlelight at m.littlelight@vafcs.org with the subject line “Call for Art – [Your Name]”.

The submission deadline is May 30, 2025.

For additional information or questions, please contact:

Kenzie Littlelight, Art Project Coordinator and Communications
m.littlelight@vafcs.org

Sherry Shi, Manager of Housing Development
sherrys@vafcs.org | (236)-330-4663

Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society
1607 East Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC V5L 3P7
(604) 251-4844
vafcs.org
Facebook @VancouverAboriginalFriendshipCentreSociety