Call to Mentoring and Emerging Indigenous Artists

From mid-July to mid-September 2019, the picnic area next to Thunderbird Park at the Royal BC Museum will be transformed into the 2019 Indigenous Summer Arts Studio, where Indigenous artists will be able to create, share, learn, network with peers and meet visitors from around the world.

The 2019 Indigenous Summer Arts Studio program is the result of discussions with Indigenous artists during consultations on the renewal of the Thunderbird Park Carving Studio. Artists recommended that the museum create a temporary space over the summer months where emerging artists can connect with senior artists and arts mentors. This was an important function of the original Carving Studio, and artists at the consultations felt it was important to re-establish a space for urban Indigenous artists who might not otherwise have access to mentors.

Each week, from Wednesday to Friday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, the Indigenous Summer Arts Studio will host four artists, representing and practicing a range of artistic practices: for example, carving (wood, bone), painting, cedar-bark weaving, wool weaving, beadwork, drum making, jewellery engraving, leather/hide work, singing, storytelling and textiles/sewing.

Due to our limited budget for this initial program year, we are only able to accept applications from Indigenous artists who reside in Greater Victoria, as we do not have the funds to cover costs for artists’ travel or accommodations. The Royal BC Museum will provide participating artists with an honorarium and per diem for lunch. The museum will provide secure storage for artwork while artists are on site.

If you are interested in applying to be a participating artist in the 2019 Indigenous Summer Arts Studio, applications will be acepted on an ongoing basis until August 20, until all dates are filled.

View Application Form