Indigenous mural commission
For the Indigenous Public Art Mural Program
As part of the new Indigenous Public Art Mural program, a new mural will be integrated into the renovated Henry F. Hall Terrace in Fall 2026.
Project context
In line with the Indigenous Directions Action Plan recommended action (3.6) to develop a prominent and permanent Indigenous space at Concordia, and Concordia’s Public Art Strategy and Policy to promote equitable representation in the collection, Concordia has established an Indigenous mural program in partnership with MU, a Montreal-based mural organization as part of the renovation of the Henry F. Hall Terrace.
The program will celebrate Indigenous cultures on campus and foster a sense of belonging for faculty, staff, students, and alumni.
Project details
Every five years (funds permitting), the Indigenous Directions Leadership Council will select and invite Indigenous artists to submit proposals to create a mural for the Henry F. Hall Building terrace.
The selected artist will work with MU to realise their artistic vision. MU will hire and mentor Indigenous art students to participate in the painting process.
This recurring mural program sits within the movement to reevaluate the place and role of art in public spaces on campus; it is an act of decolonization and a call to question the hegemony of Eurocentric aesthetics and histories that continue to permeate the arts.
The five-year timeframe allows for a range of artistic voices to be heard and creates a space for renewal and continued relevance.
The mural program reflects the role of art in empowering communities, fostering solidarity, and amplifying the voices and presence of Indigenous, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples who have historically been marginalized and tokenized.
Impact
The program's format will bring visibility to numerous Indigenous artists over time, create educational opportunities for emerging artists, and provide increased commissioning opportunities for local Indigenous artists.
Additionally, the program:
- Reinforces Concordia’s commitment to reconciliation
- Helps foster a stronger sense of belonging for Indigenous students, faculty and staff
- Celebrates and emphasizes Indigenous cultures on campus
- Increases awareness of Indigenous art and cultures on campus, fostering the desire for further learning
- Contributes to creating a harmonious and welcoming space for gathering
- Provides educational opportunities for Indigenous students
Jury
Members of the Indigenous Directions Leadership Council
- Hannah Claus (non-voting)
- Gage Diabo
- Donna Kahérakwas Goodleaf
- Cheyenne Henry
- Michelle McGeough
- Nicolas Renaud
- Kristy Snell
- Manon Tremblay
- Sigwan Thivierge
- Allan Vicaire
- Simon Daley (student)
- Wasueg Nicholas (student)
Jury members (non-voting)
- Sandra Margolian, Public Art lead
- Elizabeth-Ann Doyle, General and Artistic Director, MU
