Project Description:

The Mush Hole Project was an immersive, site-specific art and performance event that took place at the Woodland Cultural Centre (Brantford) on September 16, 17 and 18, 2016. This collaborative project aimed to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and to preserve, query, and reveal the complex personal, political, and public narratives around Canada’s residential school system, in general, and the Mohawk Institute Indian Residential School, in particular.

Now 5 years later, the Mush Hole Project is offering an open call for Indigenous artists to reflect on the Truth and Reconciliation’s Calls to Action and if reconciliation is happening in Canada in the year 2021.

This project aims to raise the public profile of residential schools and their ongoing devastating impact through a cross-cultural artistic lens that will be showcased digitally to a national audience as a 3-day virtual stream. This project has been funded through the Canada Council for the Art’s Digital Now Fund.

Selection Process:

We are embracing works from a wide range of disciplines, including, but not limited to, fine art, art installations, film and media, sound art, performance art, dance and theatrical or musical performances. We are looking for a variety of works utilizing different media or disciplines that will address our selected themes. We will give preference to works that specifically animate, or draw upon, some aspect of the former school’s building or grounds. We are requesting that artists write, narrate, and illustrate a short essay/prose (500-750 words) reflecting on their process. This submission will be archived for publication.

Submissions:

Submissions may be received electronically at curator@woodlandculturalcentre.ca

If selected, artists will receive an artist fee of $1102 which includes the short essay/prose.

In addition, artists will receive funding for content creation [materials or shipping] which is capped at $530. Artists are responsible for the packaging and organizing of shipping requirements. Artists will also be responsible for the technical operation of any devices required. If an artist requires additional funding, we encourage you to apply for Ontario Arts Council Exhibition Assistance Grant.

All components of the project must be prepared for the installation window between June 1 to June 15, 2022. Selected artists will be contacted to confirm the schedule.

Dates and Deadlines

Entry Deadline November 24 Notification Date December 6 Installation Window: June 1 – 15, 2022

Please contact the 24 Hour Residential School Crisis Line at 1- 866-925-4419 if you require emotional support.