The City of Lethbridge acknowledges that we are gathered on the lands of the Niitsitapi | Blackfoot peoples and respects the contributions of Blackfoot and all Indigenous peoples people past, present and future, while recognizing and respecting their cultural heritage, beliefs and relationship to the land. The City of Lethbridge is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.
The City of Lethbridge, through Opportunity Lethbridge, the Indigenous Relations Office and the Public Art Program, have partnered with an amazing group of community organizations to seek Indigenous artists to design artwork for a series of OKI Signs. The five (5) selected designs will be installed as vinyl wraps on prefabricated OKI Signs. Each of the community partners will then be host to an OKI Sign. The community partners include: the YWCA Lethbridge and District, McCain Foods, Helen Schuler Nature Centre, Downtown Lethbridge Business Revitalization Zone, and Lethbridge Regional Airport.
Interested Indigenous artists are asked to submit a written design concept, according to the submission process described below. The City will then work with selected artists to finalize the winning designs. All aspects of fabrication and installation of the artwork will be managed by the City.
Eligibility
This competition is open to Indigenous artists of all ages, at all levels of their artistic practice. Preference will be given to Indigenous artists with a distinct connection to Blackfoot Territory.
Project Timeline
Call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) Released: Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Deadline to Submit EOI: Tuesday, April 2 at 4:30pm MDT
Shortlisted Artists Notified: by May 1, 2024
Deadline for Shortlisted Artists to Submit Final Designs: June 17, 2024
Project Budget
A design fee of $100 plus GST will be paid for each shortlisted design concept.
An additional artist fee of $1000 plus GST will be paid for each design installed on an OKI Sign.