Expression of Interest:
Tahltan Artist Call Out for the Signage Project
Overview and Background
The Tahltan Central Government (TCG) Tourism Department received funding from the BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport to design and install wayfinding and cultural signage across the territory by September 2025.
There are many reasons for these signs: Tahltan pride. Reconciliation. Promote the language. Teach stories and culture. Humble visitors with awe and respect for the sense of time and history on the territory.
The project will be successful if the signs reflect our shared goal of uplifting Tahltan cultural heritage. These signs will help visitors understand and respect that they’re on Tahltan Territory. People engaging with these signs will recognize there’s something deeper to learn on the territory. The signs will create a space for people to connect with stories on the land and with each other.
Sign Design and Medium
Signs can be wildly creative. They can be much more than typical museum exhibits and information boards. There are few limits to the definition of a sign under this project.
Possibilities include sculptures, digital media, websites, art installations, public gathering spaces for storytelling and culture sharing, and audio installations.
Timeline
| Information Gathering and Planning | Elder, youth, community, and culture and language expert consultation (TCG). |
| Milestone: | Research and initial community consultation complete by November 8, 2024. |
| Processing Information and Design | Creative process of imagining sign media, mediums, architecture, content, and prioritizing the many story and sign ideas (by artists by collaborating with TCG). |
| Milestone: | Sign plan for stakeholder review and TCG approval by November 20, 2024; conceptual sign designs complete by December 4, 2024. |
| Construction and Installation | Land development permitting, detailed sign design and procurement, fabrication and installation. Project celebrations and final reporting to follow. |
| Milestone: | Construction and Installation Final sign designs for stakeholder review and TCG approval February 26, 2025; fabrication and construction contracts issued by April 1, 2025; sign installation by August 28, 2025; signage project grand opening planned for September 2025. |
Delivery Methodology
TCG is continuing Elder, community, and online engagements to guide the signage project outcomes and narrow down the project scope. The artists do not have to complete separate or independent community engagements. Artists will be invited to contract directly for TCG on the various component tasks required to complete the project.
The artistic and technical roles TCG anticipates needing for the course of the project may include any of the following:
- Sculpture by casting, carving or other methodology
- Formline art
- Drawing, illustration or animation
- Public art installation design
- Conceptual design
- Exhibit design
- Graphic design
- Architectural design
- Technical and fabrication drawings
- Civil and structural engineering
Submission Guidelines
Interested artists please respond to this Expression of Interest by November 12, 2024 at 07:00 am by using our form at: tahltan.org/artist-callout or the Apply Online buttons above and below.
How we’ll use the EOI
- TCG will keep the list of respondents able to provide services for the duration of the Signage Project.
- The majority of design work and art design is anticipated to be completed between November 2024 and February 2025.
- TCG anticipates negotiating and engaging with artists directly for discreet works and tasks needed to complete the Signage Project.
- If artistic or technical roles are not fulfilled by the candidates responding to this EOI, TCG reserves the right to directly invite suppliers or otherwise conduct additional procurement processes.