VANCOUVER sign artist call

Application guidelines

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  About the opportunity

  This call will select 3 artists representing xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ to create original artwork for the new VANCOUVER Sign, to be installed at 999 Canada Place. Selected artists will collaborate with the project team to integrate their designs into a permanent landmark that celebrates Indigenous heritage and civic pride.

  Artist fee: $25,000 for each artist or artist team
  Sign unveiling: Spring 2026 (anticipated)

  About the commission

  • The sign will include programmable LED lighting and durable, low-maintenance materials. 
  • Three artists, 1 from each local Nation, will be selected by an external adjudication panel for this commissioning opportunity. The jury selection panel will be selected by staff from each of the local Nations. 
  • These stories will inform the development of permanent built-form public artworks, to be installed at 999 Canada Place in downtown Vancouver.
  • Artists will work closely with the design team and other selected artists to help make sure that there is a unified vision and meaningful cultural representation.
  • The design parameters will be shared with the artists once they are selected for the commission.
  • This initiative supports the visibility, awareness, and celebration of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, and səlilwətaɬ cultural heritage across their homelands.
  • The final artworks should reflect each artist’s practice while representing the traditions and values of each Nation.
  • This project is led by the City's Engineering Services department.
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  Key dates

  Information icon Dates are subject to change.

  	Date
  Artist call opens	November 24, 2025
  Submission deadline	January 2, 2026
  Adjudication panel selects artists	January 9, 2026
  Artists notified	January 16, 2026
  Workshop 1	January 30, 2026
  Workshop 2	February 15, 2026
  Technical review of site	January 30, 2026
  Fabrication and installation	Anticipated in late spring

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  Who can apply

  This call is open exclusively to artists who:

  • Self-identify as members of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm , Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, or səlilwətaɬ  Nations
  • Are recognized by their Nation as members

  Applicants belonging to more than one Nation must choose one Nation for this application.

  We strongly encourage applications from artists with intersectional identities, including Two-Spirit, LGBTQIA+, and those living with disabilities.

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  How to apply

  Submit an expression of interest

  All interested artists must submit an expression of interest that includes:

  • Letter of interest: Explain why you’re interested in this project, how it relates to your art practice, and how you propose to approach it. (1 page maximum)
  • Creative resume: Outline your professional experience as an artist, including past public art projects or other relevant experience. If applying as a team, include brief resumes for all members. (In either case, 3 pages maximum for single resume or team resume) 
  • Visual documentation list: A clear list of the images you’re submitting. For large-scale works, include dimensions. For previous public artworks, include the title, date, location, commissioning agent or client, budget, medium, size, and a short description.
  • Images of past work: Up to 10 JPGs of relevant past public artworks or related works (minimum 150dpi). Number each image to match the documentation list. Do not submit images in PDF, PowerPoint, or TIFF format.
  • Contact information: Full name, pronouns, email, and phone number
  • Identity statement: A brief statement about your Nation affiliation and any intersectional identities (such as gender or disability). Share only what you are comfortable with.

  Review the artist call including project background and layout diagram PDF file (275 KB)

  Email your submission and add a subject line

  Email: [email protected]
  Subject line: VANCOUVER sign application

  Application deadline

  January 2, 2026, at 11:59pm PST

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  Selection criteria and process

  What we're looking for

  Artists who:

  • Demonstrate strength and creativity through past work
  • Demonstrate the ability to produce and present artwork
  • Show the capacity to meet the technical demands of built-form artwork
  • Have a meaningful connection to the project and its community impact

  How artists will be selected

  Applications will be reviewed by an adjudication panel comprised solely of  xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, and səlilwətaɬ artists and community members who self-identify as being members of the local Nations.

  Staff from our engineering department will facilitate this process with the support of Indigenous Cultural Liaison staff.