MMIWG2S+ Art Contest

Dear Artists,

We at Edmonton 2 Spirit Society (E2S) are reaching out to the creative spirits within our Indigenous communities all over Alberta, to be a part of a powerful movement through art. While the 'Red Dress' has become an iconic symbol for missing & murdered Indigenous women, girls & 2SLGBTQQIA+ people (MMIWG2S+), it does not fully represent everyone affected by this crisis. The 'Red Dress' has become a poignant emblem for the MMIWG2S+ movement. Yet, we recognize the need for broader representation that encapsulates the full spectrum of those affected by this ongoing tragedy.

E2S is asking Indigenous artists to submit impactful images that honour our missing and murdered Indigenous 2SLGBTQQIA+ relatives. We aim to uplift their stories & experiences through art. We invite you to submit your artwork for the MMIWG2S+ Art Contest, an initiative designed to honour and remember our missing and murdered Indigenous 2SLGBTQQIA+ relatives and to share their stories with the world through the universal language of art.

This contest seeks to showcase diverse representations of the MMIWG2S+ tragedy - ones that speak to the uniqueness of Indigenous 2SLGBTQQIA+ identities, challenges & resilience. Your art can convey themes of remembrance, justice, healing, or vision for the future.

We welcome all forms of visual medium that can be physically displayed. E2S will feature the winning piece in various projects related to MMIWG2S+. We hope your art sparks greater awareness about the roles, responsibilities & contemporary place of Indigenous 2SLGBTQQIA+ people within our communities.

• Opening Date: December 5th, 2023

• Closing Date: December 18th, 2023 (midnight)

• Prize: A $500 award will be granted to the winner by December 20th, 2023.

• Be an original visual artwork that can be physically displayed.

• Reflect the diverse and unique experiences of the Indigenous 2SLGBTQQIA+ community.

• Address themes that may include remembrance, justice, healing, or a vision for the future.

• Represent Two-Spirit perspectives within the MMIWG2S+ narrative.

• Open exclusively to Indigenous artists (First Nations, Inuit, or Métis).

• Participants must be residing in Canada.

• Please send your artwork submissions to sadie@edmonton2s.com. Ensure that your submission includes a brief description of your piece and how it connects to the themes of the contest.

We are seeking artworks that not only tell a story but also ignite conversation and promote understanding of the roles, responsibilities, and contemporary places of Indigenous 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals in our society. Your art has the power to inspire change and foster a deeper awareness of this critical issue.

Join us in creating a mosaic of voices and visions that will contribute to a future where every individual is honoured and remembered. We look forward to witnessing your creativity and sharing your powerful messages with our community.