Chinese Canadian Apology Public Art Project
About the project: project committee call for applicants
We are launching a community public art process to build on the City's official apology for historic discrimination against people of Chinese descent. Starting this year, we’re commissioning a permanent commemorative artwork as a physical marker of this apology and a site for learning and collective healing.
We need your help to form a project committee
We are looking for 8 community members to form a project committee to help inform the commissioning of the artwork. This committee will provide guidance and expertise to the public art project team throughout the development of the new artwork.
Scope of project committee
The group members will meet about 4 times per year at the Burnaby Art Gallery. Members will serve for the duration of the project, which is expected to run from June 2026–July 2028.
Project committee participants are community members who are engaged in Chinese Canadian history, heritage and the arts. They will play a vital role in supporting the vision and development of this culturally reflective artwork. Members are expected to attend most meetings, contribute during discussions and participate in any activities organized by the project team. Members may also be invited to help share information about the project within their networks to support broader awareness and participation.
Eligibility and selection criteria
Applicants should be able to demonstrate relevant experience, skills, or knowledge connected to histories of Chinese diaspora communities in Burnaby, public art and/or community-engaged art, and must be able to participate in respectful group discussions and commit to the project timeline. We especially welcome:
- Applicants with interest in and connections to Chinese diaspora communities in Burnaby, and an understanding of histories of Chinese migration.
- Members of the Chinese diaspora who are committed to advancing anti-racism, including historical discrimination against people of Chinese descent.
- People with experience in public art, cultural work, community engagement or civic issues.
- People with meaningful connections to Burnaby through living, working, historic family connections or community involvement.
Applicants from diverse communities including LGBTQIA2S+, people with disabilities and IBPOC individuals are encouraged to apply.
Project committee members will receive an honorarium.
How to apply
If you are interested, please complete the online submission form.
Please note:
- Applications will be received until May 31, 2026.
- Qualified applicants will be notified in June.
- The first meeting for new appointees will be held in July.
For further information, please contact Public Art at [email protected].
Public art in Burnaby
Public art has the power to energize public space. At its best, it promotes thinking and debate and helps us tell the story of who we are and who we hope to be. Burnaby’s Public Art Program harnesses ideas to spark dialogue about the past, present and future. By prioritizing community-engaged art, we seek to make creative expressions that are inclusive and reflective of the myriad perspectives that shape our city.