Artists shortlisted for Tawatinâ bridge will meet with Elders

March 30, 2016.

Indigenous artists have a week longer to submit their proposals for artwork that will accompany Edmonton’s light rail transit line at Tawatinâ bridge.

The nation-wide call went out early January. But the need to revisit the bid package and “add some more context” has provided artists with a little longer to respond, says Jenna Turner, communications director with Edmonton Arts Council, which is conducting the public arts program on behalf of the city.

Turner says after speaking with Cree Elder Jeremy Saddleback and Aboriginal advisor Lewis Cardinal the decision was made to provide more information on the bridge site, the Indigenous history and culture of the area in which Edmonton’s new LRT Valley line would run, as well as an opportunity for shortlisted artists to meet with Elders in a workshop guided by Indigenous curator Candice Hopkins.

“It’s important because the artists will get to meet and interact with local Indigenous Elders and really learn about the site where the artwork will be,” said Turner.

The Tawatinâ bridge will be one of several bridges in the river valley that form part of the Capital Region River Valley Park system. This system consists of several pedestrian bridges and miles of trails into, out of, and along the natural river valley extending from west city limits to the east, 88 km along the North Saskatchewan River.

The approach to selection for the Valley line artwork is similar to what was used for the Indigenous Art Park, to be located in Queen Elizabeth Park in the river valley. Sixteen artists, local and across Canada, were shortlisted for the six pieces that will fill the art park. The artists then met with Elders and local artists in a two-day workshop in the area. Knowledge gained through the workshop helped determine the final proposals submitted by the artists, says Turner. The winning submissions for the Indigenous Art Park will be announced late April. 

Artists are initially selected based on resume and qualifications, says Turner.

“Sometimes (the workshop) actually changes their idea for their proposal because they learn about the site and what’s important to local Indigenous Elders,” said Turner.

There are two possible locations for the artwork along the 12-stop Valley line, both of which provide “a significant and highly visible public art installation opportunity,” according to the bid package. One artist will be selected for the single piece of artwork. The Valley line is the first part of the city’s new LRT system and will be constructed in two phases.

Turner said the call for the Tawatinâ bridge went out early to allow for Indigenous artists to prepare their proposals. To date, eight proposals have been received from artists across the country. Proposals will be accepted until April 5.