Request for Qualifications: mistahaya wîkihk Community Recreation Centre Public Art Projects, Edmonton

The Edmonton Arts Council (EAC), on behalf of the City of Edmonton, is seeking six Indigenous artists or artist teams to create artworks for mistahaya wîkihk Community Recreation Centre. This Request for Qualifications includes a two-stage selection process. A shortlist of qualified candidates will be asked to provide further information.

Deadline for Request for Qualifications: Monday, October 5, 2026, 11:59am MT (noon)

Project Description

The Lewis Farms Community Recreation Centre has been gifted the Cree name mistahaya wîkihk (pronounced mist-ah-hi-ya wee-gik) Community Recreation Centre by Elder Bob Cardinal of Enoch Cree Nation. The name translates to ‘The Big One’s at his home/ Grizzly Bear’s Home.’

According to Enoch Cree Nation, “The bear spirit is a protector of our health and well-being, as bears are closely related to us in our worldview. As the keeper of many of our medicines, this Grandfather watches over the space to support our mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health.”

In total, there are six different opportunities for public art at the mistahaya wîkihk Community Recreation Centre, the west-end community hub will serve the recreational, sport, leisure and outdoor park space needs of 75,000 area residents.

The EAC is working with a curator to highlight Enoch Cree Nation’s contributions, history and culture with two prominent public artworks within the recreation centre. These two projects are open to Indigenous artists or Indigenous artist teams who are members of Enoch Cree Nation. In the spirit of reconciliation and Treaty Six, Indigenous artists working across Canada are welcome to apply for the other four public art projects. Enoch artists are eligible to apply for all the opportunities available. For the four other opportunities, artists can indicate in the application if they would like to be considered for any or all eligible projects.

Project Opportunities At-a-glance

Emerging public art artists are strongly encouraged to apply. Enoch artists are eligible to apply for all the opportunities available. If you want to discuss your eligibility, application, or these opportunities, we welcome you to contact us at support@edmontonarts.ca.

Interior Three Storey Wall: $240,000 budget inclusive of artist fees, design, engineering, fabrication, and installation. Open to Indigenous artists or Indigenous artist teams who are members of Enoch Cree Nation.

Twin Arena Interior Glazing: $20,000 design fe. Open to Indigenous artists or Indigenous artist teams who are members of Enoch Cree Nation.

Edmonton Public Library Interior Wall: $200,000 budget inclusive of artist fees, design, engineering, fabrication, and installation. Open to Indigenous artists or Indigenous artist teams residing across Canada.

Monumental Exterior Sculpture: $400,000 budget inclusive of artist fees, design, engineering, fabrication, and installation.

Small Scale Exterior Sculpture: $175,000 budget inclusive of artist fees, design, engineering, fabrication, and installation. Open to Indigenous artists or Indigenous artist teams residing across Canada.

Exterior Wall Sculpture: $175,000 budget inclusive of artist fees, design, engineering, fabrication, and installation. Open to Indigenous artists or Indigenous artist teams residing across Canada.

Overall Project Timeline

• October 5, 2026 at 11:59am MT (noon): Deadline for Request for Qualifications
• October/November 2026: Interviews to select the artists or teams for each project.
• April 2027: Artist concept due
• June – December 2027: Installation of interior artworks.
• Spring 2028: Installation of the exterior artworks.

These dates are preliminary, and subject to change due to weather and construction conditions.

For complete information on this opportunity and to apply, visit edmontonarts.ca.

If you have questions, please email support@edmontonarts.ca.

Edmonton Arts Council
Phone: 780−424−2787 | Email: info@edmontonarts.ca
Prince of Wales Armouries, 2nd Floor (#222)
10440 108 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5H 3Z9