The Inkpaduta Canoe Trail – Midwest Memory Project is a community-driven memorial initiative intended to commemorate the legacy of Inkpaduta and the Dakota people along the Little Sioux River in Northwest Iowa. The project seeks to address and correct settler- centered historical narratives by centering Indigenous voices, lived experience, and justice- based public dialogue. The project prioritizes equity, shared authority, and accountability to Dakota communities. The selected artist will work collaboratively to develop a memorial that is artistically compelling, educational, and grounded in place. The memorial should respond to and integrate with the surrounding landscape, creating a meaningful connection between the work, the site, and the stories it represents. The memorial may incorporate a variety of media and artistic approaches informed by previously conducted community engagement. Final site selection will occur through consultation with selected artist, project partners and community participants.
The selected artist will work within an Indigenous-led, collaborative process emphasizing listening, research, and community engagement. Previously collected foundational community engagement—including interviews, stories, and input from Dakota community members—will be utilized. The artist will be expected to review, interpret, and utilize this engagement to inform concept development and may participate in additional engagement as needed to refine the memorial. Artists with lived experience, cultural connections, or demonstrated experience working with Dakota, Lakota, or other Indigenous communities are strongly encouraged to apply. Artists do not need to be enrolled members of a tribe or located in the Midwest to be considered.
Application closes at May 15th, 11:59 pm
View more information and the full RFQ: https://www.inkpadutacanoetrail.org/midwest-memory-project-1
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