At the end of August, Waterloo Region called for Indigenous artists to submit murals to be showcased at the Region of Waterloo International Airport by Nov. 8.
Artists chosen will be from Indigenous groups in Waterloo, including those from Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and urban Indigenous communities. The Public Art Advisory Committee will review the submissions next year and select three murals.
The murals will be large-scale traditional prints rather than traditional art forms such as sculptures or paintings. This includes art forms such as photography.
“The installation at the airport is not only to promote indigenous artists, but we also want members of the indigenous communities to depict their visions of the indigenous landscapes,” said Julian Kingston, the director of cultural services for the Region of Waterloo.
Kingston said the purpose of the murals is to offer insight into the history of the culture and land that the airport resides on, which is located at 4881 Fountain St. in Breslau.
The airport already has Indigenous artwork on site, including Fields of Wind by Linda Colvit which has been outside the airport’s entrance since 2003. Kingston said the event cultivates the region’s relationship with the Indigenous communities and urban population, which includes Six Nations, the Grand River and Mississauga’s of the Credit First Nation.
He said the region identified the airport as a spot where many people visit, and putting murals there will help them connect with people passing through the facility.
According to the Region of Waterloo’s website, over 445,000 passengers travelled through the airport in 2023, reflecting its significant role in the region’s transportation network and economic development.
Kingston also said the initial conversations regarding the event were positive. The region and the Indigenous communities based in Waterloo, such as the Anishinaabe, Chonnonton and Haudenosaunee peoples, support the idea and hope they will continue to receive positive responses, especially from art communities and the Six Nations.
Temporary art programs, such as the Indigenous murals event, are not only for building connections and relationships with different communities, but they are also an opportunity for local artists to connect and showcase their skills to the public eye.
Andy Houston, an associate professor from the University of Waterloo’s theatre and performance program, also supports the event.
He said public art isn’t just for “beautifying physical spaces,” but also serves as a medium that helps connect people with different subject matters, such as environment, politics and culture.
“The murals can raise the profile in the province, mostly about good things happening in Waterloo Region,” he said, explaining how event could raise both the culture and artistic image of the Waterloo Region.
“Artists are creative by nature, and their vision and perception can help people recognize aspects others can’t see,” Houston said. “Public art is a great way to beautify a space, to help make it more pleasant to be there and to help with peacekeeping.”
