Call for Submissions: Red Deer Polytechnic Ceremonial Object and Display Stand

Aerial view of Red Deer Polytechnic campus. Credit: RDP Marketing and Communications, 2024.

Call for Submissions: Red Deer Polytechnic Ceremonial Object and Display Stand

Submission Deadline: November 14, 2025, 11:59pm MT

Red Deer Polytechnic is seeking to commission an art concept for a ceremonial object and display stand to be used at the annual Convocation Ceremony and other special events.

Red Deer Polytechnic is located in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada and is situated on Treaty 7, Treaty 6 and Métis ancestral lands, the gathering place of many Indigenous peoples. Additional information about Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) can be found on the website under Publications and Reports.

Project Summary

To create a symbol (object and display stand), such as a ceremonial mace, that will be used at annual convocation ceremonies and special events for decades to come. The object and display stand will reinforce our designation as a Polytechnic and our connection to Treaty and Metis ancestral Lands, industry, teaching, learning, applied research and community. The timing for the new object is reflective of RDP’s 62nd anniversary and will be used at the June 5, 2026 Convocation Ceremony.

Project Requirements

Theme/Inspiration

The inspiration for the object should include natural elements representative of the communities and region which RDP serves. Elements might include the flora and fauna of the region, Red Deer River, Indigenous elements, industrious nature of our communities and the pursuit of higher education. Elements of the Coat of Arms in the design could be considered. Examples of Maces can be found at Lethbridge Polytechnic, Coast Mountain College, Vancouver Island University, Thompson Rivers University and Yukon University.

Technical Specifications

The object must be light weight (10 to 15 lbs) and easily carried during a convocation procession and recession. The object must also have a display stand to be placed on a stage during the convocation ceremony or special event. The object must be no more than 4 to 5 feet in length with a width that can be comfortably carried by an individual. The types of materials for the object, such as wood, metal, and stone, are open for consideration by the artist.

Community Engagement

RDP will provide the feedback gathered to date and will facilitate engagement with Indigenous communities once the artist is selected.

Safety/Durability

The object will be used year after year and on display throughout the year. Material used must be durable such as wood, metal, stone and not include materials that will deteriorate, degrade, or easily break.

Eligibility

Eligibility Criteria: Open to all

RDP Art Centre and Gymnasium Buildings. Credit: RDP Marketing and Communications, 2024.

Compensation

Budget/Compensation:

• Artist(s) proposed concept/design – $1000 x 3 artist’s or 3 groups of artists = $3000.
• Artist(s) fees, materials, fabrication, and travel (if applicable): To be negotiated.
• Costs associated with consultation with Indigenous communities will be covered by RDP.

Selection Process

• Three artists will be selected based on submission of the required documents to deliver a proposed concept/design.
• The proposed concept/design will be selected based on the proposed budget, timeline, sketches, and incorporation of natural or Indigenous elements.
• RDP will review and select one of the three proposed concepts/designs.
• RDP will engage the selected artist(s) by December 15, 2025.

Submission Requirements

Required Documents:

• Expression of Interest Statement: A letter or statement outlining the artist’s or artists interest and proposed approach to the concept or design (500 to 1000 words)
• CV/Resume/Bio: Professional history and experience
• Artwork Samples: A portfolio of past work (up to 5 images)
• Budget and Timeline: A brief project timeline and estimated budget.
• Contact Information: Name, address, phone number, email, and website if applicable.

How to Submit

Submit via email, as a single PDF document with artist’s name as the file name, to Robin Lambert, Trish Nuyten and Lloyd Desjarlais. Subject of the email should be “RDP Ceremonial Object and Display Stand”

Submission Deadline: November 14, 2025

For additional information or questions, please contact:
Dr. Trish Nuyten, Dean of Enrolment Management and Registrar
Trish.Nuyten@rdpolytech.ca | 403.342.3448

Red Deer Polytechnic
100 Donald Boulevard
Red Deer, AB T4R 0V5
rdpolytech.ca
Toll Free | 1.888.732.4630

Accessibility:
Red Deer Polytechnic is fully accessible.