The Town of Collingwood unveiled a new reconciliation art project in council chambers on Monday night.
The project is titled Call to Action #83 after the Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Action #83, which calls upon Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists to undertake collaborative projects and produce works that contribute to the reconciliation process. The project is a collaboration between the Town of Collingwood and the Wawasayguming Arts and Culture Board, and will be on display until March 8.
Project Curator Mary Louise Meiers brought together eight Indigenous artists and eight non-Indigenous artists (including local artist Peter Adams) in a quest for truth and reconciliation through sharing, learning, and collaboration.
“Artists chose the order in which to make their artwork, alternating non-indigenous with indigenous,” explained Meiers in a video shown to council. “The first artist who was non-Indigenous, had two weeks to create his piece and then handed it to the first Indigenous artist and with it, shared his creative process. The next artist responded to the piece and in two weeks brought her artwork to the third artist, telling about her process. This continued with each artist being inspired by the previous artist in the quest for a shared vision.”
The result is a linked series of artworks that reflect past experiences while envisioning a future toward reconciliation.
The public is invited to view the panels during council and committee meetings, or Thursdays in January and February between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., or by contacting [email protected].
The public is also invited to a presentation and discussion called Envisioning a Future Toward Reconciliation, at which Meiers will talk about the project along with some of the artists and presiding elders. The presentation will be followed by a screening of Gathering Circle and open discussion and will be held on Jan. 30, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Simcoe Street Theatre. The event is free to attend, but guests are asked to reserve seats.
For more information or to reserve seating, click here.
