The City of Grande Prairie is seeking an artist to be tasked with the creation of a monument celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Treaty Eight signing.
The anniversary takes place on June 21st of this year and Mayor Jackie Clayton says the event serves as a significant reminder, commemorating the First Nation’s land the city is located in and the collaboration between the municipal government and First Nations leaders.
“Creation of a monument for the 125 anniversary of the Treaty 8 signing is a time for us to recognize and honour our past, in the present, as we build the future together,” she says.
The monument will be placed in an area of high traffic, visibility, and accessibility for residents.
Interested artists are encouraged to submit expressions of interest to the city that include examples of their experience with designing public art surrounding Indigenous themes.
Artists will be allowed to provide up to three concept sketches and photos of previous work, and there are no restrictions on the type of materials that can be used for the monument; however, the sculpture must be able to withstand Grande Prairie’s climate.
Additionally, respondents are asked to focus on five key points when designing mock-ups for the monument including- historical significance, community and unity, natural environment, resilience and future aspirations, and educational value.
According to the city, responses will be considered based on their relevance to Treaty Eight, skill in sculpture, cultural awareness, feasibility and planning, and connection to Treaty Eight territory.
Interested artists can submit their expressions of interest on the City of Grande Prairie’s website until May 29th at 2:00 p.m.
