Indigenized Apparel

The Project:

We are seeking an artist(s) to create original artwork in the form of a t-shirt design.

Eligibility:

This opportunity is open to First Nation, Metis, or Inuit artists, who are either Trent Student, Alumni, or local community members.

The Commission:

A maximum of $500.00 commission is to be paid to the selected artist(s) upon completion of the project in the form of an honorarium.

Project Intent:

Trent University is located on the Mississauga Anishinaabeg Territory, with a large population of First Nation, Metis, and Inuit students, faculty and alumni. Being an Indigenous student, a student at Trent, and a member of a Trent college are identities we carry on our educational journey. As an act of reconciliation, this initiative to integrate Indigenous art into collegiate clothing is part of our ongoing work in reconciliation and education. The intent of this project is to create a t-shirt design that colleges can incorporate, so Indigenous students may feel empowered and included as students at Trent University and in their collegiate community. Non-Indigenous members of the college can also feel proud to be a part of this act of reconciliation, having a chance to wear collegiate merchandise that incorporates an Indigenous design. Working collectively with the Colleges demonstrates the strength of our collaborative relationships.

We are seeking an artist who can:

-demonstrate artistic excellence
-understand the indigenous elements of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit cultures
-celebrate the collaborative relationship between the First Peoples House of Learning and the College communities within Trent University
-celebrate and reflect on the relationship with First Nation, Metis, and Inuit students, alumni, faculty, and friends.

How to Apply:

Artists must prepare and submit the following:
- Letter of Interest – no more than one page in length, explaining your interest in the competition. Please include name, contact information (email address and phone number)
- Current resume
- Proposed artwork concept (please include preliminary ideas, drawings, and sketches, sufficient to communicate the artist’s concept)
- Work samples (ideally photographs/digital images)
Note that work samples and proposed concepts can be submitted as photos, or digital images attached to the email application, or on a USB key if sending the application by mail.
Application must be received by 6:00 pm Monday, October 16th, 2023. Please email your completed application package to ashthompson@trentu.ca or mail to: First People’s House of Learning, 1600 Westbank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9L 0G2

Final Artist Selection:

A committee consisting of representatives from the First Peoples House of Learning and College Principals will review the submission and alert the successful candidate. References may be required from the committee. The selected artist will receive payment in the form of an Honorarium.
Questions?
Ashley Thompson, Summer Project Coordinator, (ashthompson@trentu.ca) or
Dawn Lavell-Harvard, Director, First Peoples House of Learning (dawnlavellharvard@trentu.ca)