Artist in Residence
Artist residencies are designed to support local Indigenous artists and give them opportunities to work on their creative and cultural craft in a new, inspiring environment.
Artists in residence
Roxanne Charles and Chalise McCallum of Semiahmoo First Nation were the inaugural artists in residence at Totest Aleng: Indigenous Learning House.
In 2023, they worked together and with members of their community to adorn a yellow cedar bentwood chest for the “Honouring our Grandmothers Healing Journey” project. It was an opportunity for healing and to honour Semiahmoo community members tragically lost and to celebrate the strength, power, and resistance that is still there.
About the Project
Honouring our Grandmothers
Honouring our Grandmothers Healing Journey is a multi-year, multi-generational project. The heart of this journey are the stories told by the thirteen Indigenous artists who, through the visual artwork they place on their cedar bentwood traveling message chests, share their relationships with their grandmothers, families, nations, ancestors, and Mother Earth.
Call for interest
Are you an Indigenous artist interested in learning more about residency, project, or program opportunities?
Email totestaleng@surrey.ca.