Expression of Interest
Rose Garden Art Wall
Memorial University is seeking to contract an Indigenous artist to lead the development of a community-centred mural in the Rose Garden on the St. John's campus.
The mural will be designed by the artist in consultation with Indigenous students and the Office of Indigenous Affairs, and the painting of the mural will invite participation from the wider Memorial University community.
Existing mural
Canvas of Belonging: An Indigenous Journey
This art installation was the result of a collective process led by Cree student and artist Holly Star Tait. It was collaboratively designed by Indigenous students and painted in unity with the Memorial community in September 2023.
Memorial University is situated on the traditional territories of diverse Indigenous Peoples who have lived on these lands and water since time immemorial. The flowing landscape and animal silhouettes explore our ancestral and cultural connection with nature.
The scenes depicted in each animal reflect the richness of our cultures and traditions. As Indigenous students we must see ourselves in the landscape of the university through art, language and student engagement.
New mural
We are seeking an artist - within or outside Memorial University - who can create a design that can then be expanded on and developed collaboratively with Indigenous students through an engagement session, and painted as a community with students, faculty and staff.
Indigenous students need to see themselves reflected in the art.
This mural will not only represent Indigenous presence on the St. John's campus and in the province, but will also underscore the significance of student engagement and community participation.
The mural can be designed in the artist's personal style, but with the idea of collective representation of the life and culture of Indigenous people across Newfoundland and Labrador in mind. Consideration should be given to our shared connections to the land and sea, diverse plants and animals, and the importance of community.
About the site
The wall designated for the mural is 8 feet tall and 95 feet wide. The new mural does not need to cover the entire length of the wall, noting areas on the side are covered by some shubbery and other natural elements.
The mural should be designed to use the space effectively and cover a minimum length of 30 feet in the centre area of the wall, expanding wider at the discretion of the selected artist.
Materials
The selected artist will be provided with required paint and materials to complete the mural. The wall will be prepared and primed in advance, and painted a base colour selected by the artist. After completion the mural will be sealed in anticipation of preservation for a lifespan of approximately 10 years.
Timeline
| July 19, 2026: | Expressions of interest due |
| Early August: | Artist is selected |
| September 10-11, 2026: | Design consultation with indigenous students, in-person on St. John's campus |
| September 21-25, 2026: | Painting the mural |
Artist fees (excluding applicable HST)
| Description | Artist Fee | Quantity | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation fees - Fees for planning and design work including concept sketches, meetings with staff, planning how to meaningfully build community participation into the mural painting. (Ref: CARFAC 2026 C.6.0 Preparation fees) |
$400/day | 7 days | $2,800 |
| Consultation session with Indigenous students (Ref: CARFAC 2026 C.2.1. Solo presentations) |
$757 | 1 day | $757 |
| Installation fees - Fees for the days spent painting the mural, leading participation and engaging with community (Ref: CARFAC 2026 C.7.0 Installation fees) |
$557/day | Up to 5 days | $2,785 |
| Royalties for use of mural images in non-commercial reproductions* | $500 | 1 | $500 |
| $6,842 |
*As a Memorial University site, the art wall may be featured in Memorial University reports, videos, social media posts, presentations, etc. The reproduction of mural images for non-commercial purposes may only occur under the authority and guidance of the Office of Indigenous Affairs (OIA). The OIA may wish to use the mural or images within the mural in reports, on the website, or in printed materials such as stickers, postcards, etc.
Such material reproductions are intended to be used as gifts and will not be used to generate profit. The OIA understands that there may be components of the mural images that may not be separated from other images, symbols, etc., and this will be discussed with the artist to ensure cultural care is taken. Any forms of reproduction of the mural will be communicated to the artist.
Travel
If the selected artist does not live in the St. John's area, travel costs will be reimbursed as per Memorial University's Schedule of Reimbursable Expenses, including per diems and the most cost-efficient mode of travel from their home community.
How to apply
Submit your Expression of Interest by July 19, 2026, to Joanne Harris, joanne.harris@mun.ca.
Please include:
- Why you think you would be a good fit for this initiative and any early concepts you have
- Your experience with public art projects
- Your experience with community-engaged art projects
- 5-10 JPEG images of recent relevant artworks
- Confirmation of your availability for the timeline provided
Priority will be given to alumni of Memorial University.
Please note: Indigenous applicants for Indigenous-specific opportunities must follow Memorial University's Indigenous Verification Policy. Upon receipt of the initial application, candidates will receive an email with instructions on verification documents. Candidates will have two weeks to submit their documentation. Interested applicants with questions about the policy can email indigenousverification@mun.ca.