Call for Expressions of Interest: Wabanaki Ornamental Doorway, Mount Allison University

Call for Expressions of Interest
Wabanaki Ornamental Doorway

Mount Allison University, Sackville, New Brunswick
Public Art Opportunity

Submission Deadline: October 7, 2026, 4:00pm AT
Budget (All-Inclusive): $100,000 CAD

Mount Allison University invites Wabanaki artists and Wabanaki-led teams to submit Expressions of Interest for the creation of a permanent public artwork for an ornamental doorway portico at the RP Bell Library Centre for Innovation and Learning.

This opportunity seeks to honour Wabanaki systems of knowledge, language, communication, and artistic expression through a contemporary public artwork grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems and guided by Wabanaki artistic practices.

The project is intended to create a visible and enduring acknowledgement of Indigenous presence, histories, intellectual traditions, and living cultures within the University’s built environment.

Mount Allison University is located within Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq. This project uses the term Wabanaki to acknowledge the broader relationships, histories, and knowledge systems of Wabanaki peoples, including Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqiyik, Peskotomuhkati, Penobscot and Abenaki. The university recognizes the importance of ensuring that this broader framing remains grounded in meaningful relationships with the Indigenous communities connected to this territory.

Project Context

The R.P. Bell Library Centre for Innovation and Learning is the academic heart of Mount Allison University, welcoming students, faculty, staff, researchers, and community members. As a place dedicated to learning, research, creativity, and collaboration, the library provides an ideal setting for a permanent artwork that reflects the university’s commitment to reconciliation, Indigenous knowledge, and respectful relationships.

The proposed artwork will be located at the Café Commons, a vibrant gathering space within the RP Bell Library Centre for Innovation and Learning. The artwork will be incorporated into an ornamental doorway portico that serves as a gateway to the building and will be experienced daily by students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

The doorway represents an opportunity to create a welcoming threshold that reflects Indigenous presence, knowledge, and relationship. The artwork should invite reflection, learning, and connection while honouring Wabanaki intellectual traditions and artistic

Project Development and Community Guidance

This concept was proposed through an Indigenous Talking Circle composed of Elders, various First Nation community members, Indigenous students, and Indigenous faculty.

The conceptual approach was developed to support a meaningful representation of Indigenous knowledge and presence within the university landscape. The successful artist(s) will have the opportunity to further develop the artistic vision through their own practice and through appropriate consultation and relationship-building.

The following conceptual architectural rendering prepared by Two Row and EXP Architects is provided for reference purposes only. It is intended to demonstrate the location and architectural context of the project and is not intended to prescribe the final artistic interpretation.

Additional details on the construction project can be viewed on the website.

Project Requirements

Artwork proposals are not required at this stage. The final artwork concept will be developed with the successful proponent.

The university is seeking artistic design services for fabrication by others; however, proposals that include fabrication services will also be considered.

The successful artwork must:

• Be suitable for permanent installation within an interior portico;
• Reflect Wabanaki knowledge systems and artistic practices;
• Demonstrate respect for Indigenous cultural protocols and intellectual sovereignty;
• Consider sustainability, durability, and long-term maintenance;
• Be designed for a minimum lifespan of 30 years;
• Consider the architectural context and public nature of the space.

The University is open to a variety of materials, mediums, and approaches. While stone etching has been identified as one possible method, artists are encouraged to propose approaches that are appropriate to their artistic practice and the intentions of the work.

Project Schedule

The RP Bell Library Centre for Innovation and Learning renovation is scheduled to occur from May 2027 to January 2030.

The artistic concept development period is anticipated to occur between October 1, 2026 and April 30, 2027, with fabrication occurring later in the construction process (anticipated in 2029).

The successful proponent must be available to remain engaged with the project through completion in 2030.

Eligibility

Artists must be eligible to work in Canada.

Employees of Mount Allison University are not eligible to apply.

Proponent teams must be Wabanaki-led and demonstrate meaningful relationships, consultation, or collaboration with Wabanaki communities as part of their project approach.

Compensation

The total project budget is $100,000 CAD (all-inclusive) and will cover all costs associated with the project, including artist fees, supplies or materials, travel, and applicable taxes.

No fees will be paid for preparation of Expressions of Interest. Only the successful proponent will receive compensation.

Selection Process

Expressions of Interest will be reviewed by a selection committee including the project Indigenous Talking Circle and members of the project team.

Selection will be based on:

• Artistic excellence
• Demonstrated experience
• Experience working with Indigenous knowledge systems and community-based projects;
• Ability to realize a permanent public artwork
• Alignment with the goals of the project

Submission Requirements

Expressions of Interest must include:

• Artist résumé or curriculum vitae;
• Expression of interest outlining artistic approach and connection to Wabanaki knowledge systems;
• Images of relevant past work with image list;
• Two professional references.

Submissions must not exceed 25 pages total.

How to Submit

Expressions of Interest must be submitted electronically to a secure link. Please contact rterrio@mta.ca for access to upload your submission.

Ruth Terrio
Manager of Procurement Services
Mount Allison University

Submission Deadline: October 7, 2026, 4:00pm AT

For additional information or questions, please contact:

Ruth Terrio
Manager of Procurement Services
Mount Allison University
purchasing@mta.ca
www.mta.ca

Territorial Acknowledgement

Mount Allison University is located within the traditional territory of Mi’kma’ki, the unceded ancestral homelands of the Mi’kmaq. Our relationship and our privilege to live on this territory was agreed upon in the Peace and Friendship Treaties of 1752. Because of this treaty relationship, it is to be acknowledged that we are all Treaty People and have a responsibility to respect this territory.