Call for Interior Designer – Indigenous Student Space at Taché Hall

The School of Art at the University of Manitoba is committed to fostering a culturally safe and supportive environment for Indigenous students, faculty, and the broader community. In alignment with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action and UM's Our Shared Future principles of reconciliation, we are creating a dedicated gathering space at Taché Hall. This space will serve as a vital hub for Indigenous students, offering culturally-appropriate programming, access to Elders and knowledge keepers, and learning opportunities for all School of Art students and faculty. To achieve this vision, we invite Indigenous Interior Designers to submit their proposals for the design of this space.

Project Overview:

• Location: Taché Hall Rooms 491 & 493, as well as the communal space directly outside of these rooms.
• Design Scope: We seek innovative designs for furniture, murals, floor designs, window stickers, and cupboards/storage. The emphasis is on creatively Indigenizing the space.
• Users: Indigenous students, faculty, Elders, and youth.
• Design Limitations: While we encourage creativity, we cannot undertake structural changes like knocking down walls or changing door placements.

Submission Requirements:

• A PDF poster (8.5x11 inches) featuring your design ideas, including drawings, colours, and furniture examples. (Example Poster)
• A written outline (max 750 words) describing your themes, concepts, materials, and approach
• A CV or resume
• 2-3 examples of your previous work (images)
• A designer bio

Qualifications

• Current School of Art or Architecture students
• Professionals in architecture and interior design
• Fine artists experienced in interior design

Preference will be given to individuals who are First Nations or Inuit and have lived Canadian Indigenous experience, and have extensive knowledge and experience with Indigenous cultures, communities, protocols and practices; established community relationships are an asset.

Community Consultation:

The selected designer will meet with a consultation group comprised of Indigenous students, Elders, and Indigenous faculty. Their input and recommendations will be integrated into the final design, ensuring that the space represents the needs of the Indigenous community on campus.

Submission Deadline: November 12, 2023

Please email your submission to Katherine.Boyer@umanitoba.ca

Walkthrough and Visitation:

You can book an appointment for visitation by emailing soageducator@umanitoba.ca

Selection Process:

The SoA Reconciliation Action Plan Committee will review applications. If your design is selected as a finalist, you will be invited for an interview. The interview will serve as an extension of your original proposal and provide an opportunity to address any questions the selection committee may have.

We look forward to your applications!

Miigwetch, Marsi, Kinanaskomitin.

Questions? Contact:

Justin Bear L'Arrivee

(He/Him) - Cree (Peguis), Métis (Red River, St. Anne)

School of Art Gallery – Indigenous Art Education Coordinator

University Collections – Indigenous Student Led Art Purchase Program Coordinator

soageducator@umanitoba.ca