Aug. 10, 2021
Launching the Indigenous Mural Project
The Calgary Arts Development Authority, City of Calgary and the Indigenous, Local and Global Health Office at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary have come together to fund an Indigenous arts initiative. Driving this initiative is the desire to showcase more visual arts pieces which reflect Indigenous culture, tradition and storytelling which could influence policy and decision making by challenging us to think differently.
This is an opportunity for an Indigenous artist mentor and artist mentees to create a large mural for display above the Feasby Student Lounge in the Cumming School of Medicine. This mural will give Indigenous artists residing within the Treaty 7 region (Blackfoot Confederacy, Tsuut’tina, Stoney Nakoda, and Métis) a space to express their perspectives on inclusion, health and healing. And to create a space that is welcoming to and inclusive of Indigenous peoples.
Art can function as a basic form of communication regardless of language and background to influence the health of individuals and society. It holds a transformative power that extends beyond the visual aspect of an art piece and can offer connection and insight into larger societal questions and concerns. This is an opportunity for everyone to learn through artistic expression every time they pass the mural. This initiative will inspire us to challenge our preconceived notions of history and memory, and generate conversations around new ways of thinking and feeling.
This art initiative is in alignment with the Cumming School of Medicine’s Indigenous Health Dialogue recommendations for appropriate engagement and inclusion, and with principles of ii’ taa’poh’to’p, the University of Calgary’s Indigenous Strategy. We look forward to engaging with the Indigenous community, academic community and arts community throughout this process.
If you are interested in applying for the role of Indigenous Artist Mentor, details can be found in the Public Art Call for Indigenous Artist Mentor.
If you are interested in applying for the role of Indigenous Artist Mentee, details can be found in the Public Art Call for Indigenous Artist Mentee.
Questions about the project can be directed to the Project Coordinator, Dawn Saunders Dahl.
Sincerely,
The Indigenous Mural Project Team
The Indigenous, Local and Global Health Office