Arts at UNCW

Call for Artists: Honoring Indigenous Peoples

The University of North Carolina Wilmington is seeking proposals from independent artist(s) to create an Indigenous-centered artwork for public display on our campus. Proposals should educate as well as showcase artistic excellence and be appropriate for viewing by citizens of all ages. Proposals should include celebratory and restorative aspects of the Indigenous community. The artist fee is $15,000.

  • About UNCW

    The University of North Carolina Wilmington is a public institution dedicated to the integration of teaching and mentoring with research and service.  We are committed to student engagement, creative inquiry, critical thinking, thoughtful expression, and responsible citizenship.   Current enrollment exceeds 18,000, with undergraduate students accounting for almost 15,000 students.  UNCW was recognized as one of only three UNC System schools on the U.S. News & World Report’s list of  Top 100 Public National Universities for 2021, ranking 95th. 

  • Public Art Program Background

    The university commissioned its first public art sculpture during the 2020-2021 academic year.  The art design provides a place for gathering, interaction, learning and reflection while sparking conversations about social injustice at local and national levels.

  • Honoring Indigenous Peoples

    The public art submission should honor and celebrate the diverse Indigenous People and Nations in North Carolina, both past and present.  UNCW is located on the traditional territory of the Siouan People and has long served as a site of meeting and exchange amongst many Indigenous peoples for over 12,000 years.  The art should honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this territory and what is now defined as the state of North Carolina.

  • Project Criteria

    A panel consisting of UNCW students, members of the faculty, staff and community will judge the proposal on the following criteria:

    Artist

    • must be a resident of North Carolina (preference given to members of a state or federally recognized tribe)
    • must be available to visit the UNCW campus(upon selection and during the ceremony to showcase the exhibit, at minimum)

    Art

    • Honors and respects the diverse Indigenous Peoples connected to the territory of what is now defined as the state of NC, including the federal and state recognized Indigenous tribes, with particular emphasis on the Indigenous communities in closest proximity to the Cape Fear Region.
    • References the many contributions made by the Indigenous Peoples of the Cape Fear Region through the knowledge, stewardship of the land, labor, science, philosophy, arts, and the deep cultural influences that have and continues to shape our community
    • Creates an opportunity for student engagement and factors into the design input obtained via information sessions with students and stakeholders
    • Reflects input gained from local Tribes and a personal connection to Indigenous culture.
    • Must be within the following dimensions:
      • Option #1 – Indoors – Wall space approximately 9ft x 20 ft.
      • Option #2 - Indoors - Wall space approximately 9 ft x 12 ft. 
      • Option #3 – Indoor Window Space #1 – 10ft x 10 ft. (3D Display)
        • Indoor Window Space #2 – 9ft x 12 ft. (3D Display)
      • Option #4 - Beadwork, Pottery, Regalia Design and Pine Needle Basket Making will be considered
      • Option #5 – Outdoors – All weather-resilient media and sizes will be considered

     

  • Project Timeline


    The anticipated timeline for this project will be:  

    • Thursday, December 10, 2021: Listening session with steering committee, UNCW students, faculty and staff, and community members
    • January 14, 2022: Artist finalizes concept and identifies fabricator (if assistance with fabrication is needed)
    • February 11, 2022: Artist and fabricator share final blueprints and construction schedule
    • March 11, 2022: fabrication process completed, transport of work coordinated
    • April 2022: Installation and campus reveal

     

  • Submission Information

    Artist may submit up to two works.  Please compile all material into a single PDF file. 

    Submitted proposals must include: 

    • Project description 
    • Supporting materials (images, 300 dpi) 
    • A resume
    • Artist statement
    • Statement that demonstrates experience with Indigenous-centered art, your connection to the Indigenous community(ies), and ability to create collaborative art that transforms a space
    • A timeline/work plan that includes student engagement sessions, visits to campus, inclusive of final installation 
    • Sample of previous work (if no website is available) 

     

Please submit all project materials via this form by the extended deadline of Friday, December 3, 2021, at 5:00 pm.  
Direct questions to Fidias Reyes, Director of Arts Engagement, at reyesf@uncw.edu.
 

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