Ociciwan Contemporary Art Collective facts for kids
Ociciwan Contemporary Art Collective is a group of artists in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They create exciting and new art projects with Indigenous artists. Their goal is to share and celebrate Indigenous art and culture.
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How Ociciwan Started
Ociciwan was formed in 2015 in Edmonton, Alberta. This area is known as Treaty 6 territory. The first members were Tiffany Shaw-Collinge, Erin Sutherland, Becca Taylor, and Kristy Trinier. Today, the group includes Tiffany Shaw-Collinge, Erin Sutherland, Becca Taylor, Halie Finney, and Alberta Rose W.
The name "Ociciwan" comes from the Plains Cree language. It means "the current comes from there," like a river. This name reminds us of the North Saskatchewan River. The river has brought many people to the area over time. The name also shows the group's energy. They want to connect Indigenous culture from the past, present, and future.
Ociciwan usually works on three to four projects each year. These projects include art shows, research, and public art. They also work to raise awareness about Indigenous contemporary art. Ociciwan wants to support Indigenous artists and designers. They also want to join important art discussions around the world. The group helps artists work together. They also encourage new research, art creation, and sharing of Indigenous art.
Ociciwan Contemporary Art Centre
In late 2018, Ociciwan announced exciting news. They would open the Ociciwan Contemporary Art Centre. This center is in a large, two-story building in downtown Edmonton. The building is about 6,945 square feet.
The space was designed by Rockliff Pierzchajlo Kroman Architects. It includes a kitchen, a library for resources, and a community area. There are also offices that can be rented. Of course, it has a big gallery space for art shows. The Ociciwan Contemporary Art Centre is the first art center in Edmonton run by Indigenous people.
Challenges and Important Art
The first big art show at the new center was called amiskwacîwâskahikan. It was planned for March 2020. However, the gallery had to delay the opening. This was because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In June 2020, the gallery faced another challenge. Some new equipment and an artwork were taken. The artwork was by Lana Whiskeyjack. It was meant for the opening show. The stolen piece was a beaded medallion. It was made with deer lace and rabbit fur. Its title is Three Generations of nitêh (my heart).
Lana Whiskeyjack asked the public for help finding her artwork. She explained that the piece was worth much more than money. She said it was part of a creative practice. This practice helps address violence against Indigenous People. It also helps lift their spirits and cultural awareness.
Major Projects
Ociciwan has worked on many important projects. Here are some of them:
- Scene Report, with Wendy. Walter Scott. Stanley A. Milner Library, Edmonton, AB. 2015.
- How to Tell a Story. Brenda Draney. University of Alberta Museums Enterprise Square Galleries, Edmonton, AB. 2016.
- A Parallel Excavation: Duane Linklater & Tanya Lukin Linklater. Art Gallery of Alberta, Edmonton, AB. 2016.
- Urban Spaces. Tanya Harnett & Jeff Thomas. Edmonton, AB. 2016.
- Writing Workshop. Sky Goodden. Edmonton Arts Council and Manasc Isaac Architects. Edmonton, AB. 2016.
- The Shawls Project. Faye HeavyShield with Moving the Mountain Youth. Edmonton City Hall. Edmonton, AB. 2016.
- Big 'Uns. Dayna Danger. Latitude 53 Contemporary Visual Culture. Edmonton, AB. 2017.
- in memoriam... Postcommodity and Alex Waterman. Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and Francis Winspear Centre for Music. Banff, AB and Edmonton, AB. 2017.
- Horse Camp. Brittney Bear Hat and Richelle Bear Hat. Emily Murphy Park, Edmonton, AB and AKA artist-run, Saskatoon, SK. 2017.
- Indigenous Fashion & Wearable Art at WCFW Fall 2017. Jeneen Frei Njootli, Meghann O'Brien, & Sage Paul. ATB Financial Arts Barns. Edmonton, AB. 2017.
- Arrivals: Tamara Lee-Anne Cardinal, Dan Cardinal McCartney, Laura Grier, and Sarah Houle. dc3 Art Projects. Edmonton, AB. 2018.
- Current Terrain: Bruno Canadien, Brenda Draney, Jessie Ray Short, Adrian Stimson, and Alberta Rose W. A Space Gallery. Toronto, ON. 2018.
- Indigenous Birthing Film Screening: The Ephemerals, Jules Koostachin, and Rebeka Tabobondung. Mitchell Art Gallery, MacEwan University. Edmonton, AB. 2019.
- Métis Kitchen Table Talk on Methodologies of Making: Kathy Mattes and Sherry Farrell Racette. CKUA Edmonton. Edmonton, AB. 2019.
- Resemblance: Halie Finney and Dwayne Martineau. Parallel Space. Edmonton, AB. 2020.
