(Photo courtesy the University of Lethbridge)

By Justin Goulet

Applications open for U of L’s Spirit Prize supporting Indigenous artists

Jan 15, 2022 | 6:10 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The University of Lethbridge’s Faculty of Fine Arts has put out a call for applications to the Spirit Prize.

It’s an award geared toward supporting the career and artistic development of an Indigenous student at the U of L. The prize is supported by post-secondary alumnus Terry Whitehead.

In a release, the U of L stated that “it aims to support an emerging Indigenous visual artist, working in traditional or contemporary practices, in developing their career and helping them to advance as an artist.”

The competition is open for full-time or part-time self-declared Indigenous students (undergraduate or graduate), enrolled in any program of study at the U of L.

Dr. Josie Mills, director/curator of the U of L Art Gallery said, “this prize will provide extraordinary support for emerging artists studying here on Treaty 7 territory. Indigenous artists from our region have so much to offer and it’s important for us to find avenues to elevate their work to the national stage.”

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“The significant prize amount associated with this award will give a huge boost to this effort and allow artists to create a major artwork and to have their voice heard within the Canadian art world.”

The winner will get a cash prize of $2,500 to be used toward residency, a mentorship, travel to study in support of their art practice, a workshop to develop advance skills, and materials to realize a major project or support an exhibition.

Submissions will be reviewed and chosen by a committee consisting of the director/curator of the U of L Art Gallery or designate, an Indigenous Art Studio faculty member, and the Manager of Iikaisskini or designate.

Selections will be made on the following criteria:

• Commitment to art practice
• Creativity and concept proposed
• Connection of art practice with Indigenous knowledge and perspectives
• Completeness and professionalism of submission

The deadline to apply for the Spirit Prize is January 31, 2022. More details here.