Thames Hall Parr Family Atrium – Western University

Project Title: "Connection to Creation: Indigenizing the Thames Hall Atrium"

  • 1. Project Overview

    Western University and the Office of Indigenous Initiatives invites Indigenous artists to submit proposals for a permanent art installation in the Parr Family Atrium of Thames Hall. This initiative is part of Western’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and aims to Indigenize a central space on campus through storytelling, art, and Indigenous ways of knowing.

  • 2. Project Goals

    • Celebrate Indigenous Creation Stories and worldviews.
    • Foster inclusive, respectful, and culturally safe spaces.
    • Foster inclusive, respectful, and culturally safe spaces.
    • Create a lasting visual representation of Indigenous presence and knowledge on campus.
    • Honour the Parr family donation supporting student wellness and thriving.

  • 3. Themes

    • Connection to Creation
    • Reconciliation
    • Holistic healing and interconnection
    • Sustainability and stewardship
    • Inclusive and welcoming spaces
    • Past, Present, and Future of Indigenous Peoples

  • 4. Project Scope

    • One major installation to be completed in a single phase.
    • Budget: $30,000 (Budget is inclusive of all artist fees, materials, and fabrication costs).
    • Location: Parr Family Atrium, Thames Hall Wellness and Wellbeing Services.
    • Artists will be supported in developing signage/interpretation, including local Indigenous languages and QR code integration.

  • 5. Artist Eligibility

    • Artist must be Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit or Métis) and will be subject to the Policy for Affirming Declarations of Indigenous Citizenship and Membership at Western University
    • Artist can be emerging and/or mid-career with a related demonstrated portfolio.
    • All submissions must be original and created by the entrant. AI-generated art will not be accepted.

  • 6. Submission Requirements

    How to Apply

    • Artist statement: Share your interest in participating in this project, including your artistic background, experience, and general approach to your work. (Maximum 300 words). Please note: a full proposal is not required at this stage.
    • Submit a current CV for each participating artist, if applying as a team.
    • Provide a brief biography highlighting your artistic journey, influences, and community engagement.
    • Include up to 10 examples of relevant past projects. Each project may be presented on a single page and can include multiple images. For each, please list:
      • Title
      • Year
      • Scope and budget for previous examples of public artworks
      • Scope and budget for previous examples of public artworks
    • Deadline: October 20, 2025
    • Submit to: Paula Cornelius-Hedgepeth – Director, Indigenous Engagement indigenousinitiatives@uwo.ca

  • 7. Selection Process

    • Administered by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives in consultation with Thames Hall, Wellness and Wellbeing Services, Faculty of Health Sciences and McIntosh Gallery
    • Two to three artists will be invited to view the atrium and submit final proposals (honorarium provided).
    • One artist will be selected for the final commission.

  • 8. Timeline

    • Call Opens: September 15, 2025
    • Submission Deadline: October 20, 2025
    • Artist Selection and notification: October 27
    • Atrium Site visit: Honorarium provided to each visiting artist
    • Installation Completion: By July 2026
    • Unveiling Event: On or near September 30, 2026 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

  • 9. Additional Considerations

    • Artists must recommend durable materials suitable for public installation.
    • Facilities Management will oversee installation logistics.
    • The final piece will be unveiled during a community celebration and commemoration ceremony on or near The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, September 30, 2026.