Call for Indigenous Carvers: Building Exterior Paddles for 1015 East Hastings, Vancouver

View of Café facing south on East Hastings Street

Call for Submissions:
Public Art Building Exterior Paddles Design
1015 East Hastings, Vancouver – New Build

Project by Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society

Submission Extended Deadline: February 17, 2024

Overview

The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS) is seeking design proposals from Indigenous carvers of diverse backgrounds and art styles for a unique public art installation. This is a great opportunity to showcase your carvings as part of a large-scale installation of 10-foot, double-sided paddles on the exterior of a new supportive transition housing building. These paddles will be prominently displayed on the front windows of the building’s café, adding a powerful and cultural visual element to this community space and celebrating the Vancouver urban Indigenous 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: $17,000.00 + GST

Scope of Artwork

The selected artist will carve one cedar wood paddle, provided by the VAFCS, with their custom design. Each paddle will measure approximately 350 x 3000 x 100 mm. Due to the installation method, the paddle will be carved as separate pieces (front and back), joined together with a central connecting piece.

Once completed, the paddle (both sides) will be shipped from the artist’s location to the construction site, where the VAFCS construction team will handle assemblage and the final installation. VAFCS will cover all shipping costs for transporting the raw materials to the artist and the finished paddle to the site. However, the artist must collaborate with VAFCS staff to coordinate and prepare the shipping process.

The completed paddle will be installed over a series of wood-grain fins, complementing the curved windows of the building’s café facade.

Architectural rendering of paddle installment (click image to view high resolution version)

Base building colour palette

Project Timeline

VAFCS will award the contract to the selected artist by February 14, 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 rough sketch or digital rendering that illustrates the proposed artwork, complete with a description of the sketch and concept. Please use the colour palette provided in this RPF as guide and basis of design, additional 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 extended deadline is February 17, 2025.

For additional information or questions, please contact:

Kenzie Littlelight, Art Project Coordinator and Communications
m.littlelight@vafcs.org | (403)-540-0949

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