Organizer Information
Mount Allison University is a Canadian university located in Sackville, New Brunswick, within the ancestral and unceded territory of Mi’kma’ki. The university is undertaking the redevelopment of the R.P. Bell Library Centre for Innovation and Learning, a major academic and community space. The public art initiative forms part of Mount Allison’s commitment to reconciliation, Indigenous knowledge, and meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities. The project concepts were developed with guidance from an Indigenous Talking Circle of Elders, First Nation representatives, Indigenous students and faculty, and Indigenous design professionals, with guidance from Two Row Architects.
Title & Description
Mount Allison University: Mi’kmaq Basketry Public Art
Mount Allison University invites Mi’kmaq basket makers and Mi’kmaq-led artistic teams to submit Expressions of Interest for a permanent public artwork celebrating the basketry traditions of Mi’kma’ki. The artwork will be installed inside the future R.P. Bell Library Centre for Innovation and Learning in a high-traffic public area.
The commission is intended to reflect Mi’kmaq artistic vision, cultural knowledge, intergenerational teachings, relationships with land and community, and contemporary approaches to basketry. The proposed artwork may incorporate traditional materials, techniques, or contemporary interpretations. An architectural concept showing suspended illuminated baskets is provided for context, but artists are not required to incorporate lighting.
Categories
- Public Art
- Installation Art
- Craft/Traditional Arts
- Basketry
- Fibre/Textile Art
- Indigenous Art
- Mixed Media
Eligibility
The opportunity is open to Mi’kmaq artists and Mi’kmaq-led artistic teams with demonstrated knowledge of Mi’kmaq basketry traditions. Applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada. Employees of Mount Allison University are not eligible. Collaborative partnerships with artists from other Wabanaki Nations may participate where they support and complement a Mi’kmaq-led artistic vision.
Program Benefits & Awards
The selected artist or team will receive an all-inclusive project budget of $100,000 CAD. This covers artist fees, design development, mock-ups, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, and applicable taxes.
The commission involves developing and fabricating a permanent indoor suspended installation with a minimum intended design life of 30 years. The successful proponent will collaborate with the university on the final design and remain involved through project completion, anticipated in 2030. No honorarium is provided for submitting an Expression of Interest.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Applicants must submit their Expression of Interest electronically through a secure upload link. To receive access to the submission link, contact Ruth Terrio, Manager of Procurement Services, at rterrio@mta.ca.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 7 October 2026
- Concept Development: October 1, 2026–April 30, 2027
- Fabrication: Anticipated in 2029
- Project Completion: 2030
- Library Renovation: Scheduled for 2027–2030
Location
Mount Allison University, Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada.
Additional Details
The final installation location will be determined collaboratively with the selected artist. The artwork must satisfy accessibility, structural, circulation, life-safety, sustainability, and maintenance requirements. Lighting may be incorporated if appropriate and must comply with applicable standards. The selected artist must remain engaged with the project through completion in 2030. Selection will consider artistic excellence, relevant experience, cultural knowledge of Mi’kmaq basketry, ability to realize a permanent public artwork, and alignment with the project's objectives.