Deadline fast approaching for an all-new artist in residence program
- Kaitlynn Nordal | June 22, 2022
The City of Regina is looking for an artist to help expand its civic art collection with its all-new Indigenous Artist in Residence program.
“(It) will strengthen the Indigenous community’s artistic and cultural presence in Regina,” said Mark Sylvestre coordinator of cultural development for the city.
Approved in December, the program will provide up to $60,000 and a part-time residency to an Indigenous artist to practice their medium, interact with the Regina community and create art for the city's existing collection.
The theme for the project is Urban Indigeneity.
It's open to any First Nation, Métis or Inuit artist of any medium who is able to work in a part-time contract position for 500 hours between July and December.
The artist must also complete a minimum of three public engagement opportunities including an artist talk at the end of their residency. Other opportunities may include classes, workshops, or open office hours.
The successful candidate will receive an artist fee of $30,000, studio space along with additional funding of up to $30,000 to be used towards materials, specialized equipment, studio space outside city limits, cultural supports and other activities relating to the residency.
According to the city, the hope is this will help support Regina’s cultural plan goals of strengthening the Indigenous communities’ cultural presence in Regina and support artists and the arts. It also aims to demonstrate Regina’s ongoing commitment to representation and visibility of Indigenous artists, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
“The response and support from the Indigenous artistic community has been tremendous and we look forward to the response to the call for artists,” said Sylvestre. “The residency is also an opportunity to amplify the voices of Indigenous artists and their artistic and cultural presence through free and accessible community engagement including projects, programs, workshops, and artist talks.”
Interested applicants must submit either a maximum 1200-word letter of intent or a video of intent no longer than 15 minutes.
Applications should include:
a. an introduction and explanation of Indigenous identity and connection to the community,
b. how the applicant will apply the theme
c. what medium will be used
d. types of public engagement opportunities and to whom the applicant would like to reach through this residency
e. In addition to the letter or video of intent, please also submit a projected budget, timeline, and CV.
If you also belong to another equity-seeking group (i.e., 2SLGBTQ+, disability) who have experienced oppression and/or exclusion that you would like to indicate, please do so.
Only the top applicants will be selected for an interview with an expert panel.
Deadline to apply is Tuesday June 28 at 4 p.m.
For assistance contact Mark Sylvestre prior to the deadline at 306-535-2758 or indigenousair@regina.ca