Call to Artists Affiliated with B.C. First Nations Languages
Commissions of three original works for Our Living Languages Exhibition:
Background
Under a joint venture partnership agreement with the First Peoples’ Cultural Council, the Royal BC Museum is
engaged in the creation of a new experience highlighting First Nations languages at the entrance to the third floor
galleries. The new presentation will occupy a 269 sq. m. (2900 sq. ft.) area. This exhibition, entitled Our Living
Languages: First Nations’ Voices in British Columbia will honour, bring attention to and disseminate information
on the 34 First Nations languages of B.C. The exhibition will open in June 2014.
This contemporary production will take a cross-cultural learning approach, so the design and content are infused
with the voices of First Nations language and culture experts from around the province. The exhibit will express
the fact that our original ancestral languages are living, complex expressions of our lands, relationships and
cultures.
We are seeking to commission three significant artworks to be central elements of this three-year exhibit. The
artworks will become part of the Royal BC Museum’s permanent collection. After Our Living Languages the Royal
BC Museum will store, exhibit, reproduce, lend and otherwise use the work for programs and display in a manner
consistent with the permanent collection and standard museum practices.
The three selected works will be awarded $10,000 each.
To support the theme and purpose of the Our Living Languages exhibition, submissions will be accepted from
artists with ancestral ties to one of the 34 B.C. Indigenous languages as listed at:
http://maps.fphlcc.ca/language_index
The selected works will address at least one of the following themes, which were prioritized by a community
advisory for this exhibit:
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Our Living Languages – past, present and future
Our languages are rich and complex, and hold our history, laws and values.
Our languages are tied to the land; they hold traditional ecological knowledge.
Our languages are the roots of today’s cultures; they express our spirituality, and offer our unique
perspectives of our relationships to the world.
o Our languages creatively change and adapt.
o Language resurgence is cultural resurgence. We want our children to know our languages.
o Our languages hold answers to global challenges.
Physical Criteria:
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Floor space for each artwork is 2 x 4 feet
Maximum height is 10 feet
Work should be 3-dimensional, free standing and stable – if required, a platform will be provided
Electrical power can be provided to the piece from above
Work should be able to withstand some viewer contact, or be touchable and/or interactive
Materials cannot be toxic, biodegradable or at risk of introducing pests or attracting vermin
If you wish to submit work for consideration please include the following material:
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Relevant samples of up to five previous works
CV and/or biography
Letter of interest
Statement describing the proposed artwork, and the aspects of B.C. Indigenous languages and exhibit
themes the work addresses
o Images, sketches and/or models that clearly illustrate the artwork
Selection Process:
o An adjudication committee comprised of representatives appointed by the First Peoples’ Cultural Council
and the Royal BC Museum will review all submissions. Evaluation will be based on a range of criteria,
including, but not limited to:

artistic excellence
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interpretation of the subject matter and suitability of the work for inclusion in the Our
Living Languages exhibition
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the artist’s record of successful completion of major works
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completeness of the proposal submitted
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suitability of the piece for acceptance into the Royal BC Museum’s permanent collection
o Consideration will also be given to language group and regional representation.
o The Royal BC Museum will acquire the three highest-scoring submissions for display in Our Living
Languages and accession into the permanent collection of the Royal BC Museum, based on the decision
of the Adjudication Committee.
Timeline
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Deadline for submissions is January 13, 2014
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Selection of works will take place by January 17, 2014
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Work will be required for shipping and installation at the Royal BC Museum in Victoria by May 9, 2014.
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Artists are responsible for organizing packing, shipping and delivery of work to the Royal BC Museum. Up
to $300 will be available for shipping if receipts are provided.
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The Royal BC Museum will be responsible for installation of the works and all associated costs.
Submissions should be sent to:
Michelle Washington, Language Exhibition Manager
By mail or courier:
First Peoples’ Cultural Council
1A Boat Ramp Road
Brentwood Bay, B.C.
V8M 1N9
By email: michelle@fpcc.ca
If you have questions or require more information, contact Michelle Washington at: 250-652-5952, ext. 215