Fort St. John Community Arts Council
Artist Call-Out: From Hate to Hope
Project Overview
The Fort St. John Community Arts Council has partnered with BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner to create an exciting arts project here in Treaty 8 territory on the traditional lands of the Dane-zaa peoples of the Doig River First Nation, Blueberry River First Nation, and Halfway River First Nation. Fort St. John will be the location for one of four community murals depicting the theme of From Hate to Hope.
Every 12-18 months, British Columbia’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner develops a public campaign to highlight systemic human rights issues through the lens of one of the identities protected under BC’s Human Rights Code. Past campaigns include Be Anti-Racist and Rewrite the Rules, which was shared through bus shelter ads, digital online ads, billboards, banners, posters, and video ads. BCOHRC is committed to exploring different mediums to reach the public in BC. This year, the campaign will use public art in the form of wall murals in four communities around the province.
This year’s campaign builds on the report from BCOHRC’s Inquiry into Hate in the COVID-19 Pandemic and explores the theme of Hate to Hope.
Please note:
- Painting will commence in September and must be completed by early October.
- Artist fees will be in accordance with CARFAC rates.
- See below for submission details and deadlines.
Location and Theme
These murals are intended to reach general audiences with varied understandings and comfort with the topic of hate to:
- step into conversations on hate
- to be moved to be an active changemaker
- to learn more about the work of the Inquiry
- to continue their commitment to nurture communities that are free of discrimination
- to share the message with their communities
The mural is also meant to hold importance for and empower communities that continue to experience hate and for those who continue to be committed to seeing change. Once completed, the four murals will be part of a broader educational campaign across the province.
The mural artist must include a sports and recreation theme within the final product. The size of the space 13 feet high and 16 feet wide
Artist Selection and Submission Requirements
The artist will be chosen via an impartial selection committee. Artist submission will be accepted via e-mail until end of day August 28th. Please include the below:
- Portfolio including social media and recent work.
- E-mail including a written statement of interest and your commitment to anti-hate work.
- Preference will be given to:
- Artists who have experienced or lived with hate.
- Artists who live and work in the North Peace
- Artists who have experience creating murals
- Successful artist will be required to have liability insurance and be willing to complete any safety training to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, and all applicable policies and procedures attached to the installation site.
Mural Development Process
The artist must work through a community engaged process to develop the design for the mural. This will include a minimum of 1 in-person community design session. The artist must also be willing to provide 2 drafts, and 1 final draft to a Selection Committee.
Submission Process and Deadlines
- Please submit your proposal to info@fsjarts.org by end of day August 28, 2023
- Successful artist will be contacted September 6, 2023
Established in 1967, the Fort St John Community Arts Council is a nonprofit, volunteer organization, dedicated to the support and development of the arts, culture, and heritage in Fort St John and area. For over 55 years, the Community Arts Council has been conducting arts programs and activities, supporting member groups, encouraging individual creative growth, and sharing information about arts, culture, and heritage in the community. We are 29 member groups growing stronger together and are thrilled to partner with the BCOHRC on this mural project themed From Hate to Hope.
If you have questions, please contact: info@fsjarts.org
