First Nations University of Canada, the University of Regina and its Alumni Association, and three levels of government are working together to award the largest-ever aboriginal sculpture commission in Canada.

"This will be a very, very significant piece of work," says project leader Kathleen Irwin, from the University Faculty of Fine Arts. "It will be significant as a work of art that reflects the unique relationship between the First Nations community and the University of Regina. It will also be significant because it involves so many partners, working together to augment the cultural life of our community." 

The commission, with a budget of approximately $100,000, will be for a permanent sculpture to be located at the "T" intersection near the entrance to the First Nations University campus from University Drive North. A celebration of Saskatchewan's proud and long history of aboriginal art, the sculpture will complement both the new First Nations University building, and the University's Wascana Lake frontage.

Initial funding for the project came through the Saskatchewan government's Community Initiatives Fund's Centennial Community Linkages Project, which contributed $20,000. The University of Regina Alumni Association contributed $10,000 and a further $20,000 came from the University of Regina and First Nations University. The $50,000 from those sources was matched by the City of Regina under the federal Cultural Capitals of Canada Grant program, which is administered by the Department of Canadian Heritage. Regina was named a Cultural Capital of Canada in the large city category in October last year, after competing with Windsor, Edmonton and other cities with populations of more than 125,000. As a Cultural Capital the city has access to approximately $400,000 in federal funding, available to match local contributions toward cultural projects in 2004.

The funds will cover all aspects of the sculpture project including design, artist fees, engineering approvals and specifications, fabrication, installation, site preparation, project management and promotional expenses.

The competition is open to proposals from artists of First Nations, Métis or Inuit descent. Special consideration is being given to artists who have graduated from or taught at the University of Regina or its affiliated colleges - First Nations University, Campion College, or Luther College.

Closing date for submission of proposals is July 15, 2004. A maximum of 10 artists will be recognized for the quality of their proposals, and three of those will be selected as finalists, and will prepare their final submissions by September 1. The winning proposal will be announced October 31. The approximate date for installation of the sculpture is March 1, 2005.

For further information, please contact Kathleen Irwin at the University of Regina, (306)585-5519, or at (306)757-4599. She can also be reached by e-mail at Kathleen.Irwin@uregina.ca.