WIGWAMEN INCORPORATED

Call for Indigenous Artists – Commissioned Design Opportunity

Deadline: January 21, 2026

1. Overview

Wigwamen Incorporated is looking for an Indigenous artist from Ontario to help bring cultural design into our new residential building that is currently under construction in Toronto.

The selected artist will create designs for two features:

• Design graphics for a composition of laser cut aluminum panels forming a decorative metal guard along the outdoor terrace, highly visible from the public thoroughfare
• A mosaic-style floor pattern within the circular indoor common room

A third element, the trellis feature on the 6th floor, may also be explored as part of this project.

The artist will not be responsible for fabrication or installation. Your role is to create the design. The contractor will take your artwork and integrate it into the building materials. You do not need prior experience working with architects or contractors – we will guide and support throughout the process.

2. Who We Are

Wigwamen Incorporated is a well-established Indigenous housing provider with deep roots in the urban landscape of Ontario. Since 1972, we have steadily expanded our operations to now manage 875 units across Toronto and Ottawa. These include a wide variety of housing types such as scattered family homes (singles, semi’s, duplexes, triplexes, etc.) and multi-unit buildings. Our commitment to supporting both Indigenous and non-Indigenous tenants is reflected in the breadth of our services and the quality of our housing portfolio.

3. Project Materials Provided

To help you understand the spaces and how your design will be used, we are providing the following reference materials:

• Design render images (five total) illustrating the terrace guard, amenity floor area, and trellis
• Architectural drawings, including:
  • A1.0 Ground Floor Plan
  • A1.7 Finishes Plans

These drawings show measurements and layout of the spaces.

A meeting with the selected artist, architects, and/or contractors will be arranged to discuss the design features in detail and answer any technical questions.

4. Artist Fee

As part of your submission, please include your proposed fee for this commission.

Your fee should reflect:

• Creative time
• Consultation and collaborative meetings
• Development of the final artwork files
• Transfer of digital design assets suitable for construction integration

Final fees will be confirmed through a signed agreement with the selected artist.

5. Timeline

• Applications Due: January 21, 2026
• Artist Selected: January 26, 2026
• Final Artwork Due: February 28, 2026

Meetings will be scheduled shortly after artist selection.

6. How To Apply

Please email the following:

• Your name and Nation/community
• A few samples of your artwork (or a portfolio link)
• A short introduction about yourself or your ideas
• Your proposed fee

Questions are welcome – please contact:

Tracy Syrette, COO
Email: tsyrette@wigwamen.com
Phone: 416-706-3255