CONTRACT: Chinese Canadian Apology Public Art Project - Community Liaison
City of Burnaby - Burnaby Art Gallery
This is a contract opportunity with the Burnaby Art Gallery, within the City of Burnaby’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Department. Burnaby’s Public Art program regularly undertakes projects that add beauty and significance to public spaces and facilities, and that animate community stories, milestones, and aspirations. Through placing priority on community-engaged art, Burnaby’s approach to public art supports opportunities for inclusive creative expression that reflects the myriad perspectives that shape the city.
We are seeking a contract for a Public Art Project Community Liaison to facilitate community engagement for a landmark public art project, anticipated to be completed in 2028. Following the City of Burnaby’s 2025 official apology for historic discrimination against people of Chinese descent, City Council has directed the commission of a permanent commemorative artwork to serve as a physical marker of this apology and a site for learning and collective healing.
The Public Art Project Community Liaison will lead an engagement process, beginning in 2026. They will work closely with a public art project committee and community-composed project committee to ensure that the artwork is deeply rooted in local history, contemporary stories, and shared aspirations. Following phase one, which occurs in 2026, pending future budget approvals, the Community Liaison will have the opportunity to continue to support the project through design development, installation and celebration.
The Project
On November 15, 2025, City Council issued an official apology for the discriminatory policies enforced by the District Municipality of Burnaby between 1892 and 1947. This history of systemic exclusion affected the lives, businesses, and belonging of people of Chinese descent for over half a century.
To turn this apology into lasting action, the City is committed to:
• Creating a permanent commemorative monument or artwork as a physical symbol of the apology;
• Honouring historic sites significant to the Chinese diaspora through heritage recognition and interpretive art;
• Reclaiming public space through murals that celebrate cultural diversity.
A resulting artwork will be commissioned and sited on City land, becoming a permanent part of the Civic Public Art Collection—a focal point for gathering, reflection, and the ongoing celebration of Chinese Canadian heritage.
FULL SCOPE and REQUIREMENTS - available via job posting link
How to Apply:
A proposal submission (maximum 4 pages) shall include the following components:
A. Title Page: Showing legal and/or company name, mailing address, contact name, email address and phone number.
B. Project Approach: Provide a concise overview that includes:
• A statement of understanding of the project requirements; and
• How the Liaison will meet and/or exceed City expectations as per requirements.
C. Professional Profile: Provide a summary including but not limited to the following:
• Relevant project history;
• Personnel curricula vitae;
• Current projects or contracts of similar scope;
D. Qualifications and Experience:
• Describe the qualifications and experience that demonstrate your ability to undertake the work outlined in this Scope of Role; and
• Confirm minimum qualification requirements.
E. References: Provide 2–3 references from recent projects of similar scope.
Inquiries and submissions should be sent to [email protected], or call 604-297-4969