Call for Indigenous Artists: Public Artwork at BMO Vancouver Main Branch

Image credit: BMO

STEPS and BMO invite professional Indigenous artists from (or with connections to) the Musqueam, Squamish and/or Tsleil-Waututh Indigenous Nations to create public artwork in Vancouver

Submission Deadline: September 1, 2025 at 11:59pm ET

STEPS Public Art and the Bank of Montreal (BMO) invite professional Indigenous artists from or with connections to the Musqueam, Squamish and/or Tsleil-Waututh Indigenous Nations to submit their Request for Qualifications to the first stage of a public artwork(s) commissioning process that will be installed at one of three locations within the Vancouver Main branch in the City of Vancouver.

There are three locations for artworks, all of which are suitable for 2D work. These works will be selected through an open, two-stage commissioning process. As part of its national mural initiative, BMO aims to engage up to three artists from the following BC First Nations: the Musqueam Indian Band, Squamish Nation, and Tsleil-Waututh Nation. A selection panel will shortlist up to nine artists who will be paid an honorarium of $750 CAD (inclusive of taxes) to create detailed designs.

Visit the website for full opportunity and application details.

Artwork Themes

The artwork should celebrate the cultural richness of the Musqueam, Squamish and/or Tsleil-Waututh Nations, integrate elements inspired by water, and reflect the vibrant atmosphere of Vancouver’s harbourfront location. The design should feature Indigenous principles and ways of knowing while highlighting the unique architectural features of the space, characterized by natural light and distractive geometry and angles.

Shortlisted Artists will be asked to draw inspiration from:

• Location inspiration: the natural beauty and bustling activity of Vancouver and/or capture the dynamic and cosmopolitan energy of downtown, reflecting its status as a vibrant and diverse hub.
• Symbolism of water: incorporate water motifs, textures or patterns that symbolize vitality, renewal and prosperity, in accordance with Indigenous principles and ways of knowing.

Site Information

Located in the prominent Bentall Centre, the current site operates as a street-level “Pavilion” retail space and a “Concourse” level retail and office space. The lower level connects to the Vancouver Metro system, as well as the mall/shopping concourse. Built in the late 1970s, the building features unique architecture with dramatic and sculptural ceilings. The design will both utilize and celebrate these elements as well as enhance the experience, both interior and exterior.

There are three sites identified for artwork:

Pavilion Elevation: North, East and West Walls

• Details: Artwork designed for media wall, and walls surrounding into corridors
• Medium: Digital vinyl
• Artist Fee: $30,000

Pavilion Elevation: ATM Vestibule South Wall

• Details: Artwork designed for glazing above escalators,
• Medium: To be applied as a translucent film on glass
• Artist Fee: $10,000

Concourse Elevation: Workstation, South Elevation Wall

• Details: Artwork designed for media wall
• Medium: Digital vinyl or painted mural
• Artist Fee: $10,000

Two-Stage Commissioning Process

This is a two-stage, open, national call for professional Indigenous artists from or with ties to the Musqueam, Squamish and/or Tsleil-Waututh Indigenous Nation. A specially convened Selection Panel composed of shareholders will be established for this two-stage commissioning process.

• Stage One: Expression of Interest
• Stage Two: Shortlisted Artist Proposal Development

Submissions

Professional artists and artistic teams are invited to respond to this RFQ by submitting a single PDF document. This PDF document must include:

1. Artistic Statement – 1-page maximum. Outline your artistic experience, ability, approach and interest in this project, highlighting relevant experience. Please note any connection to or understanding of the neighbourhood in which the artworks would be installed. Do not include proposals at this stage of the process.

2. Connection to Local Communities – 1-page maximum. Include detailed and specific ways outlining how you are connected to the local communities of the Musqueam, Squamish and/or Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

3. Curriculum Vitae (CV) – 3-page maximum. Detail professional experience as an artist, past public art experience, and other information relevant to this RFQ. If applying as an artist team, please identify all team members and include a CV for each.

4. Artistic Support Material – Maximum of ten (10) images of previous 2D work. For each image, provide a title and image number (see below).

5. Support Material List – A written list that clearly outlines the Artistic Support Material (above) with corresponding titles and numbers. Include the following details in order of: Title, date, location, commissioning agent (if applicable), budget, dimensions, medium/materials and a brief description of the works (maximum 50 words).

How to Apply

View the full opportunity and apply by September 1, 2025 at 11:59pm ET. Incomplete and/or late applications will not be accepted. Applications must be submitted via Google Forms—emailed, faxed or mailed applications will not be accepted. It is your responsibility to ensure the application package is complete and submitted by the posted deadline. Final submissions must not exceed 20 MB in total size.

Questions and requests for clarification will be received by email until August 15, 2025 at 11:59pm ET. Applicants who need accommodations or support applying for this opportunity are encouraged to contact Collin Zipp at collin@stepspublicart.org at least 10 business days before the application deadline to allow STEPS to appropriately accommodate your needs and to discuss alternate formats for submitting your application.

Contact

Collin Zipp, Public Art Manager
P: 1-888-783-7780 ext. 704
E: collin@stepspublicart.org

STEPS Public Art
stepspublicart.org