The YWCA NWT has launched a mural project that will be led by Indigenous artists telling the stories of women and families who access services and shape the organization.
In an announcement issued today, Hawa Dumbuya-Sesay, YWCA executive director, said the mural will be located at a housing building in the city of Yellowknife.
The artistic project is aimed at promoting “healing and interconnection” and creating an a culturally safe and inclusive space in the entry of Gotı̨ li Kǫ̀ transitional family housing building and office.
Alayna Ward, with the YWCA NWT says the mural will occupy a central location.
“A lot of the staff are located there and that’s where a lot of the programs take place as well. We have a lot of traffic that comes in and out of that location, as well as a lot of families that live in that location. So the place of the mural would be right at the entryway,” said Ward.
“It’s going to create a really great inclusive welcoming space,” she added.
The initiative is also part of an effort to commemorate the organization’s 60-year anniversary in the NWT.
The YWCA NWT is inviting Indigenous artists and Indigenous groups to submit an expression of interest by Feb. 20
Anyone who would like more information on full submission requirements, including surface information and space dimensions, can head to the YWCA NWT website.
“We’re really encouraging artists from the local area and around the N.W.T. to submit an application,” added Ward.
Organizers said submissions will be reviewed by an independent selection panel.
Ward said organizers are looking forward to seeing all the submissions that come in.
“We’re looking at all applications as they come in and looking at them all individually. So they’re open to artists or artist groups.”
