Visual Land Acknowledgment Project
Tubman is seeking proposals from local Indigenous visual artists of all mediums to create two pieces to be displayed in conjunction with our written Land Acknowledgment Statement. The pieces will be installed at Tubman locations in Minneapolis and Maplewood, which are the cultural, spiritual, and indigenous homelands of the Dakota Oyate (Dakota Nation). Acknowledging the space we occupy is important to our vision of building anti-racist work culture.
Tubman understands that words are not enough, sustainable action must be taken. Tubman is and has actively established a work community and reached out to all in our organization who wish to participate in this work. The Tubman community has met with local tribal elders, including Nancy Bordeaux (introduced to us by Suzanne Koepplinger of Catalyst), who have provided advice and action items for further projects as well as helped write a land acknowledgment; provided healing conversations; and dedicated substantial time to discussing a meaningful path forward.
We understand that acknowledging the land we reside on is only a first step towards what needs to be an ongoing process of reconciliation. Tubman is committed to ongoing efforts to recognize, support, and advocate for Indigenous people and nations. We are committed to continuously unlearning our colonial history and to learn from the voices of Indigenous peoples.
Opportunity Description
- Commission fee: $3,500 for two pieces (payment schedule to be determined with input of selected artist).
- This is an all-inclusive fee for design, planning, creation, and installation.
- The written land acknowledgment statement by Nancy Bordeaux will be displayed near the commissioned visual art in a 10x12 frame.
Location 1: 4432 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis
- Wall in first floor lobby near welcome desk (see photos)
- Available space dimensions: 103” height x 51” width
Location 2: 1725 Monastery Way, Maplewood
- Wall near elevator (see photos, additional spaces are available as options)
- Available space dimensions: 71” height x 73” width
Multiple media are eligible for consideration, including but not exclusive to: painting, beadwork, mosaic, and sculpture/metalwork. The pieces must be able to hang off the wall. Pieces must be framed and movable, no murals.
Required Submission Materials
Please send the following to landworkgroup@tubman.org by 9/30/2024:
-
3 photos of artwork samples* (include title, year created, medium, and dimensions)
- Artist statement - please include how your work may reflect or complement Tubman’s Land acknowledgment (500 words max)
- Artist bio (250 words max)
- Current CV/resume
*Completed artwork is not required for submission. Support materials including sketches of the concept and examples of previous work are welcome.
Submission Schedule
- Submissions due by: September 30, 2024
- Artist selected by: December 31, 2024
- Begin contracted work no later than: June 1, 2025
- Installation complete: September 15, 2025
Evaluation
Submissions are evaluated according to the following criteria:
- Theme and tone of pieces complement Tubman’s mission and our Land Acknowledgment statement
- Ability to incorporate or reflect the land that the art pieces will reside on
- Openness to incorporate Tubman community input and feedback
The art selection committee consists of Tubman Land Acknowledgment Committee members and Tubman clients.
If you have any questions regarding the proposal submission process, please contact: landworkgroup@tubman.org.
