BC Ferries has launched a call for artists for its three intermediate class vessels.
The vessels are part of the new Salish class, named in recognition of the Coast Salish traditional stewards and original mariners of the Salish Sea. BC Ferries announced the names of the new ferries to be Salish Orca, Salish Eagle and Salish Raven. Salish Orca will serve the Powell River-Comox route when it is brought into service in August 2016.
Coast Salish artwork will adorn the interior and exterior of the vessels and BC Ferries has partnered with the First Peoples’ Cultural Council in its call for artists. In a press release Thursday, August 27, BC Ferries announced it intends to commission three original designs from up to three BC Coast Salish artists associated with one of the 20 Coast Salish nations.
The process will be facilitated by the cultural council and an adjudication committee of artists and BC Ferries representatives will be struck. During the first round, several artists will be shortlisted and asked to propose specific design concepts. From these, three artists will be selected for final refinement of proposals in keeping with BC Ferries’ specifications for application and fabrication.
“We are pleased to be working with the First Peoples’ Cultural Council because of their expertise in commissioning art work and their network of talented Coast Salish artists,” said Mike Corrigan, BC Ferries’ president and CEO. “We look forward to seeing the submissions and selecting beautiful designs that will adorn our new vessels and represent the culture of the BC coast for years to come.”
A primary design will be chosen for the exterior of each vessel with elements of the design used throughout the interior.
“We are thrilled that BC Ferries has initiated this project, which will showcase the extraordinary talent of Coast Salish artists for a large international audience travelling on our coastal waters,” said Marlene Erickson, chair of the cultural council’s board of directors. “In addition to creating beauty, these art works will vividly communicate important cultural ideas, thereby building cross-cultural awareness and understanding.”
Expressions of interest must be received by Thursday, September 24, 2015 and submission guidelines and further information can be found online. Shortlisted artists will then be contacted and invited to submit conceptual designs by Friday, October 30. The final selection will take place in November.
