Request for proposals: Artwork to be used for donor gifts to the NCTR’s new permanent home

The NCTR and the University of Manitoba are committed to honouring donors in ways that are consistent with Indigenous culture, appropriate for the sacred nature of the NCTR’s new permanent home, and that align with the values of the NCTR. In the spirit of reciprocity, the NCTR will offer a gift to those who donate to the NCTR’s permanent home.

We invite First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists to create an image to acknowledge the NCTR’s appreciation to those who donate to the NCTR’s new permanent home, supporting Survivors’ vision of a better future for these lands we share. The selected image will be reproduced in a variety of sizes and formats to be gifted to donors.

The image should:

• Reflect the NCTR’s spirit name bezhig miigwan (one feather)
• Include elements representative of First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures
• Be suitable for reproduction/adaptation into various two-dimensional media. For example, but not limited to: limited edition prints, high quality poster sized images, postcards

The submission should include:

• 8 – 10 examples of previous work
• The artist’s biography (maximum of 500 words)
• An artist statement including:
  • A general discussion of their work and themes
  • Discussion or explanation of the intended work
  • The artist may also address any personal connection to residential schools
  • This should not exceed 750 words

Submission deadline: January 16, 2026

Send submissions to: janell.melenchuk@umanitoba.ca with the subject line: NCTR One Feather Art Submission

The selected artist will receive:

• A $20,000 commission
• National exposure to the NCTR’s partners, donors and network
• Named credit on all representations using the image
• Retain intellectual property of your artwork but includes preproduction royalties within the scope of agreement

Selection process:

• Submissions will be reviewed by a committee made up of Survivors and NCTR leadership and staff
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit a proposed work. The invited artists will receive a stipend