Call for Indigenous artists for Niagara Health artwork commissions

June 20, 2024 – Niagara Health is seeking Indigenous artists to apply for three commissions to create art pieces that will be displayed in our Outpatient Mental Health Units in St. Catharines, Niagara Falls and Welland. These art pieces will be designed to support clients who seek mental health care at our hospitals, creating a welcoming and culturally safer environment where every client feels seen and heard.

Working closely with Niagara Health’s Indigenous Health Services and Reconciliation team, the successful artists will create art pieces that represent the community we serve and the concept of ‘two eyed seeing’ – acknowledging traditional Indigenous and western healing methods. They will be displayed in our outpatient mental health waiting rooms.

One mural will be placed directly on the wall at the Marotta Family Hospital in St. Catharines, while the Niagara Falls and Welland Hospital will feature moveable displays.

“Art is a powerful form of healing and we believe that these murals will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those seeking mental health support,” says Charity Beland, Manager, Indigenous Health Services and Reconciliation. “We’re excited to see what talented Indigenous artists will bring to this project.”

Indigenous artists interested in the commissions can apply on Niagara Health’s website. Please submit your concept proposal by August 2 at 4 p.m. An optional virtual information session will be held on July 4 at 3 p.m. to provide more information about the projects and answer questions from potential applicants.

Virtual Information Session: July 4 from 3 to 3:30 p.m.

Zoom Meeting: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/71845488287?pwd=M88mrFzYvT2riAwRjaygFzFgCWeba0.1

Meeting ID: 718 4548 8287
Passcode: ART

We will be actively involving the community in the selection process. Community members will have an opportunity to select their favourite designs in August. The three Indigenous artworks will be unveiled in late 2024.

For more information about the art commissions, application process, online community selection and the Indigenous Health Services and Reconciliation team, please visit Niagara Health’s website.