Artist opportunities: Oakridge Community Centre

Steps to apply

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  Step 1: Learn about the artist opportunities

  We're seeking xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) artists and artist teams for 3 separate public art opportunities at the new Oakridge Community Centre, located within Oakridge Park at 41st Avenue and Cambie Street.

  Three artist opportunities for public art at Oakridge Community Centre

  • Opportunity 1: Atrium and central staircase —  A suspended artwork for the community centre's central atrium, with the option to integrate an accompanying vinyl design on the exterior of the 3-storey staircase.
  • Opportunity 2: Carved cedar ceremonial doors — A Coast Salish design for 3 red cedar veneer entrance door panels to the Indigenous cultural studio space.
  • Opportunity 3: Library interior column — A Coast Salish design for an existing concrete column in the library's Indigenous welcome space.

  Information icon Fabrication and installation will be carried out by the project team, including associated costs where applicable.

  Artist fee

  • Opportunity 1: Atrium and central staircase  —  $35,000
  • Opportunity 2: Carved cedar ceremonial doors — $15,000
  • Opportunity 3: Library interior column — $15,000

  Download application guides

  • Opportunity 1: Atrium and Central Staircase PDF file (802 KB)
  • Opportunity 2: Carved Cedar Ceremonial Doors PDF file (329 KB)
  • Opportunity 3: Library Interior Column PDF file (469 KB)
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  Step 2: Confirm your eligibility 

  Information icon These opportunities are open to xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Indian Band artists and artist teams.

  For the purposes of these opportunities, an artist is defined as a regular practitioner who meets at least 1 of these criteria:

  • Has completed basic academic training in art or an apprenticeship with an accomplished practitioner in the field
  • Maintains an artistic practice and has publicly shared an independent body of their work for at least 2 years
  • Is recognized as an artist by arts and culture peers within their community

  Information icon We will review submitted applications for eligibility and completeness in collaboration with xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Indian Band staff. Qualifying applications will move forward to the selection panel for adjudication.

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  Step 3: Review design specifications for each opportunity

  Opportunity 1: Atrium and central staircase

  Artwork will be suspended from the high-ceiling central atrium and may include an accompanying staircase vinyl design.

  • Location: Level 1, Oakridge Civic Centre
  • Five ceiling anchor points available
  • Structural and weight specifications provided to the selected artist or team
  • Material and fabrication method determined through design development

  Opportunity 2: Carved cedar ceremonial doors

  Artwork will be integrated into 3 red cedar veneer door panels using Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technology.

  • Location: Level 2, Oakridge Civic Centre
  • Three red cedar veneer door panels
  • Dimensions: 3 feet 6 inches wide by 8 feet high (each panel)
  • Integrated using CNC technology

  Opportunity 3: Library interior column

  Artwork will be applied to an existing concrete column through vinyl wrap, concrete etching, or another appropriate application.

  • Location: Level 2, Oakridge Civic Centre Library
  • Existing concrete structural column
  • Potential applications include vinyl wrap, concrete etching, or other suitable treatments
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  Step 4: Review your responsibilities

  Support will be provided by technical advisors from the project team. The selected artist or artist team will complete these stages:

  • Concept proposal: An overview outlining artistic approach, concept, and preliminary sketches or examples
  • Detailed draft design: A draft design that is approximately 75% complete for project team review
  • Final design: Delivery of digital files and technical documentation
  • Physical artwork (Atrium opportunity only): Delivery of fabricated artwork in collaboration with City staff

  Information icon The overall project timeline is linked to construction of Oakridge Community Centre, anticipated to be completed in December 2026. Final designs are expected by December 2026, with fabrication and installation occurring in early 2027.

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  Step 5: Check key dates

  Information icon Dates are subject to change.

  Opportunity 1: Atrium and Central Staircase application dates

  	Date
  Artist call opens	August 2026
  Application deadline	September 7, 2026
  Adjudication panel shortlists artists	September 21, 2026
  Shortlisted artists present draft designs	December 4, 2026
  Selected artist contracted	December 11, 2026
  Final design deadline	December 30, 2026
  Fabrication and installation	January to March 2027
  Blessing ceremony	Spring 2027

  Opportunity 2 and 3: Carved cedar ceremonial doors and library interior column application dates

  	Date
  Artist call opens	August 2026
  Application deadline	September 7, 2026
  Adjudication panel selects artists	September 21, 2026
  Selected artists contracted	September 28, 2026
  Draft designs deadline	December 4, 2026
  Final designs deadline	December 11, 2026
  Fabrication and installation	January to March 2027
  Blessing ceremony	Spring 2027

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  Step 6: Submit your application

  Submit an expression of interest

  Information icon Application deadline: September 7, 2026, at midnight PST

  You may submit 1 expression of interest for each opportunity, either individually or as part of a team. You may apply for more than 1 opportunity. All submissions must include:

  • Contact information: Full name, pronouns, email, and phone number
  • Identity statement: A short statement noting your Nation affiliation and any intersectional identities the applicant wishes to share
  • Artist biography (maximum 2 paragraphs for each person): Summary of artistic practice and training
  • Sample artwork: 4 to 6 images with descriptions. Accepted formats: JPG, PNG, PDF.
  • Statement of intent (300 to 500 words): Preliminary concept, story, design idea, or artistic approach

  Email your submission and use the correct subject line

  Opportunity 1: Atrium and central staircase

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Subject: Oakridge – Opportunity 1: Atrium and central staircase

  Opportunity 2: Carved cedar ceremonial doors

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Subject: Oakridge – Opportunity 2: Carved cedar doors

  Opportunity 3: Library interior column

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Subject: Oakridge – Opportunity 3: Library interior column
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  Step 7: Applications are reviewed and selected

  Artists will be evaluated on:

  • Artistic quality, creativity, and originality demonstrated through past work
  • Experience producing and presenting artwork for diverse audiences
  • Ability and capacity to execute digital designs and built-form artwork to the required technical standards
  • Meaningful connection to the project and its potential community impact