Request for Proposal For Authentic Indigenous Art Work Commission Project

Request for Proposal:For Authentic Indigenous Art Work Commission Project

We respectfully acknowledge that our work takes place on the sacred, ancestral territories of the Coast Salish people, specifically the q̓ ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie), Máthekwi (Matsqui), and se’mya’me (Semiahmoo) First Nations, who are the traditional stewards and protectors of this land and its generous resources. These territories are now home to many diverse First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. Our work does not start and end with this land acknowledgement; it is one important action towards reconciliation, honouring the land and Indigenous heritage, which dates back since time immemorial.

The Project

In Partnership, Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society (LFVAS) and Encompass Support Services Society (ESSS) are inviting Indigenous, BC-based Artists (or teams of artists) to submit proposals for the design, creation and installment of Indigenous artwork to be on permanent display at a future Langley Child and Youth Advocacy Centre site. The artwork can be traditional or contemporary, and range from different forms, including painting, carving, statue, sculpture, digital, etc.

A total of $15,000 CDN, taxes inclusive, is available to the Artist/Team to cover the costs of all expenditures for the creation of this art installation inclusive of artist(s) fees, studio fees, research time, materials, fabrication costs, etc. The final decision for the location of the artwork will be the responsibility of LFVAS and ESSS.

The Location
The ongoing goal of the Langley Child and Youth Advocacy Centre is to operate a centrally-located space to provide a coordinated response to crimes and violence against children and youth, and to support child and youth witnesses and their families. This collaborative process seeks to minimize system-induced trauma and optimize judicial, social, health and emotional outcomes for children and youth impacted by crime and violence. CYACs connect children, youth and their families to services designed to meet their unique needs, and assist them to navigate any system they may encounter such as medical, criminal justice, social services, and child protection. The types of services a CYAC provides include: forensic interviews, safety planning, victim support, child and youth advocacy, trauma therapy, court preparation and accompaniment, support referrals, cultural support and healing and health support.

Instruction to Bidders
This Request for Proposal (RFP) specifies a request to have commissioned an Indigenous artist or team of Indigenous Artists for the permanent display of Indigenous Artwork in the Langley CYAC. The commissioned artist(s) will be responsible for designing, creating and installing the artwork into the Langley CYAC. Artists are be requested to provide the following:

1) Contact Information: Artist’s contact information including name, address, phone number and email and artist’s website (if applicable). Include list of individuals who may also be participating in the project.
2) Background and Qualifications: A resume or portfolio of similar works completed by the artist(s) including digital scans or links where applicable.
3) Conceptual Outline of the Proposed Artwork: 500 words or less narrative or theme describing the inspiration and its relation to the project. The outline should include engagement of local Indigenous Partners and Youth who will participate in the Langley CYAC Programs (i.e. - educating and engaging youth and community in the process). Please include details such as the title of the submission, medium, dimensions, construction details (materials, etc)., installation requirements, spatial requirements, etc.
4) An estimated budget including final costs.

Selection Process
A selection panel comprised of members from LFVAS, ESSS and the Indigenous Advisory Committee will review proposals. The selection panel will recommend an artist for the project based on:

1) Artistic merit, including quality or work, originality and artistic excellence in the cultural and arts community;
2) Artist’s interest and expressed desire in the project;
3) Professional experience of the artist(s) to meet the requirement of the project within confirmed budget, timeline and criteria; and
4) Upon review of reference, which will be, requested if considered for the project.

Term of Contract / Delivery Date
The term of the contract is to be determined by the date of delivery in partnership by the artist and the partnering organizations. The Artist/Artist Team is to provide an estimated delivery date.

Payment

The following payments will be made to the Artist/Artist Team:
a. 25% of the awarded contract upon receipt of a signed contract;
b. 25% of the awarded contract upon 50% completion of the commissioned artwork;
c. 50% within 30 days of receipt of the commissioned artwork.

Inquiries during Proposal Process
All enquiries regarding this RFP:
Email: ED@encompass-supports.com
Phone: 604-534-1198

Submission of Proposal
Email a copy of the proposal to ED@encompass-supports.com

LFVAS and ESSS reserves the right to accept any proposal submitted or to reject all proposals. It is anticipated that the successful bidder will be notified no later than June 23rd, 2023.

Proposal Submission Due:
June 9th, 2023