Mount Allison seeks Indigenous artists for two public art opportunities at R.P. Bell Library
SACKVILLE, NB 鈥 痳豆TV视频 is excited to invite Indigenous artists and Indigenous-led artistic teams to submit Expressions of Interest for two permanent public artworks that will become part of the future R.P. Bell Library: Centre for Innovation and Learning.
The two opportunities 鈥 one centred on Mi'kmaq basketry traditions and another on a Wabanaki ornamental doorway 鈥 will create an enduring expression of Indigenous presence, knowledge, cultural traditions, and artistic practices within the University.
These concepts were developed in collaboration and with the guidance of an Indigenous Talking Circle consisting of Elders, representatives from various Indigenous communities, Indigenous students, Indigenous faculty, and Indigenous design professionals, guided by the Indigenous architectural firm Two Row Architect.
"Recognizing and honouring Indigenous knowledge, histories, cultures, and living traditions is an important part of building a future for Mount Allison that reflects the land on which our University is located,鈥 says Dr. Ian Sutherland, President and Vice-Chancellor. 鈥淭hese permanent artworks will increase Indigenous presence, knowledge, and artistic traditions at the heart of our campus and create opportunities for learning, reflection, and connection for generations to come. The Library is the largest renovation project in the University's history, and we are grateful to the members of the Indigenous Talking Circle and Two Row Architect for their guidance in helping to shape these important opportunities."
The two public art opportunities are:
Mi'kmaq Basketry
痳豆TV视频 invites Mi'kmaq basket makers and Mi'kmaq-led artistic teams to submit Expressions of Interest for the creation of a permanent public artwork celebrating the basketry traditions of Mi'kma'ki for the R.P. Bell Library Centre for Innovation and Learning.
Full details: Call for Expression of Interest Mi鈥檏maq Basketry
Wabanaki Ornamental Doorway
痳豆TV视频 invites Wabanaki artists and Wabanaki-led teams to submit Expressions of Interest for the creation of a permanent public artwork for an ornamental doorway portico at the R.P. Bell Library: Centre for Innovation and Learning.
This opportunity seeks to honour Wabanaki systems of knowledge, language, communication, and artistic expression through a contemporary public artwork grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems and guided by Wabanaki artistic practices.
Full details: Call for expression of interest Wabanaki Hieroglyphics Portico
Located within Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq, Mount Allison recognizes the importance of building meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities and creating spaces that reflect Indigenous knowledge and presence.
As a place dedicated to learning, research, creativity, and collaboration, the Library provides an ideal setting for a permanent artwork that reflects the University's commitment to reconciliation, Indigenous knowledge, and respectful relationships.
These art opportunities are part of the broader work underway to create the future R.P. Bell Library: Centre for Innovation and Learning. Early work is currently underway in preparation for major construction, which is scheduled to begin in April 2027.
The revitalization of the Library is being supported thanks to a combination of federal and provincial funding and donor contributions, helping to advance the transformation of the Library while supporting the creation of a renewed space for learning, research, creativity and collaboration.
The deadline for submissions is October 7, 2026, at 4 p.m. (ADT).
Full details are available in the Calls for Expressions of Interest for Mi'kmaq Basketry and the Wabanaki Ornamental Doorway.
