Brandon University has issued an open call for artists interested in creating a unique new work that will be presented to graduates at Convocation 2024 in the spring.

For this recent tradition, BU works with an artist each year to create a piece of art that is in some way reflective of that academic year. A print of the year’s art is included as part of the parchment package that is presented to each graduate as they cross the stage at Convocation, or is mailed to graduates unable to join in person.

This tradition was first inspired by BU’s efforts to craft a special and meaningful experience during virtual Convocations in 2020 and 2021. Over the past four years, BU has presented a print of the Brandon University campus by famed plein air painter and BU alumnus Weiming Zhao; a piece of art that represented graduates breaking free from video calling apps by noted comics illustrator and BU employee, Curt Shoultz; a transition watercolour of the Kavanagh Courtyard, representing an easing of pandemic restrictions, by lifelong Brandon resident Grace Buitenhuis; and an interpretation of the newly-installed “Healing Together” Reconciliation sculpture, by Kaelin Grill, a student in BU’s IshKaabatens Waasa Gaa Inaabateg Department of Visual Art.

Now, BU is seeking a new artist to carry forward the tradition with a unique piece that will be inspired by the 2023–24 academic year at Brandon University.

The call is open to all artists, who are asked to submit some brief information about themselves and their experience, as well as their initial vision for the art. Special consideration will be given to artists who have a connection to Brandon University or the regions where BU operates, as well as to artists who identify with underrepresented or marginalized groups. The commission awards a total of $1,000 to develop the final piece, and BU will work with the selected artist to develop a shared vision.

Prints of the art will be reproduced at about 8”x10” and will include “Class of 2024” or similar on them. They are intended to deliver for graduates a lasting and treasured memento that is suitable for proudly framing and displaying at home, at work, or in public.

For more information see the open call for 2024 Convocation Art:

OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS

Brandon University annual Convocation art 2024

Brandon University is commissioning an original work of art that will commemorate the 2023–24 academic year.

Expression of interest deadline: Feb. 2, 2024
Artist selection: Feb. 16, 2024
Artwork due: May 3, 2024
Award: $1,000

Overview:

Brandon University seeks an original work of art to commemorate the 2023–24 academic year.

This piece of art should reflect in some way the student experience of the year at Brandon University. Art should deliver for graduates a lasting and treasured memento that is suitable for proudly framing and displaying at home, at work, or in public.

Brandon University will provide a print of this artwork to all graduates. These prints will be presented at Convocation ceremonies in late May, or sent by mail to those not in attendance. Brandon University will also endeavour to provide permanent public display of the original.

Remuneration:

Brandon University will pay a commission of $1,000 for the art. This project award will cover professional fees as well as all of the artist’s expenses and any costs directly associated with creating the art, including supplies and shipping to deliver the finished piece to Brandon University, as well as any incidental or other expenses. Costs for reproduction and delivery to graduates will be the responsibility of Brandon University.

Eligibility:

Artists will be selected based on their track record of past work and ability to fulfill the shared vision by the print deadline ahead of Convocation.

Preference will be given to artists who have a connection to Brandon University or to the wider Brandon/Westman/Manitoba/eastern Saskatchewan regions, or to artists who speak specifically to a relevant theme.

Brandon University welcomes submissions from artists at any point in their careers, from emerging to established, and from all artists, whether professionally trained, employed in the arts, or not.

Artists who identify with underrepresented or marginalized groups are especially encouraged to apply.

Submissions:

To express an interest in this commission, artists must submit the following information:

• Your name
• Brief description of your initial vision for BU Convocation art
• Details of any connection to Brandon University; and/or to the wider Brandon/Westman/Manitoba/eastern Saskatchewan regions; and/or your particular ability to speak specifically to a relevant theme
• Link to portfolio or previous work, including shows
• Contact information

Send submissions via email to HamiltonG@BrandonU.ca with the subject: “Convocation Art 2024 submission”. Submissions are due by end of day Friday, Feb. 2, 2024.

Process and Timeline:

• An open call for artists will be  issued on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024.
• Submissions to express an interest are due Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, by end of day.
• An artist will be selected by the Convocation Planning Committee, expected by Friday, Feb. 16, 2024.
• Brandon University will work with the selected artist to develop a shared vision for the final piece, expected to be agreed upon no later than Friday, March 15, 2024.
• Brandon University will work with the selected artist to ensure the final piece fulfills the vision. Final art delivery is due no later than Friday, May 3, 2024.

Art should be prepared to be suitable for reproductions at approximately 8” x 10”.

Art should have a space included to print the BU logo and “Class of YEAR” or similar on it.

Legal:

Brandon University will take ownership and possession of and will retain the original artwork.

Artist will assign to Brandon University all applicable copyright and/or a permanent irrevocable exclusive license and/or other mutually-agreed-upon legal agreement, permitting Brandon University to copy the art, to create derivative works of the art, to make prints of the art and/or derivative works, and to share all versions of the artwork or its derivatives, with no further compensation to the artist. Brandon University will endeavour to respect the artist’s original vision and moral rights.

Artist will retain license to include art piece in portfolios and CVs. Permission must be sought for artist to show or sell prints; such permissions will not be unreasonably withheld.

Questions and contact:

Grant Hamilton
Director, Marketing and Communications
Brandon University
HamiltonG@BrandonU.ca

Download the Open Call as a PDF

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