Today, the City of London, in partnership with the London Arts Council, Indigenous London Arts, London Music Office, and the Rotary Club of London, celebrated the unveiling of two Indigenous murals at East Lions Community Centre during National Indigenous History Month.
The mural Way of Life - Bimaadziwin - Tsi' niyóht tsi tyúnhe' by Anishinaabe educator and visual artist Nancy Deleary surrounds the community centre’s interior fireplace and is the first artistic interpretation of a Wampum Belt in London.
The mural Firekeeper by Ojibwe educator and visual artist Mike Cywink, found on the exterior facing windows by the entrance to the East Lions Community Centre, is the first in a series of stained glass-style murals throughout the city, created through the Songlines Project.
“London is home to countless talented artists, and I’m grateful that we have the opportunity to share some of their work in the city. I’m happy that these murals will be displayed at the East Lions Community Centre – a hub for community connection, health and wellness,” says Mayor Josh Morgan. “These murals each tell an important story, centred on shared teaching and nurturing relationships. It is incredibly meaningful to see them in the City of London’s permanent Indigenous Artwork Collection.”
Both murals were created through the City of London’s Public Art and Monument Program in partnership with the London Arts Council and Indigenous London Arts. They mark two of the first works to make up the City of London’s Permanent Indigenous Artwork Collection.
Funding for the City of London’s Permanent Indigenous Artwork Collection, through the City’s Public Art and Monument Program, was approved by Council last year. The goal of this collection is to celebrate, honour, and share Indigenous culture and heritage.
Public Art and Monument Program
The City of London’s Public Art and Monument Program facilitates the creation of public art in London, which bolsters civic pride, provides focal points for community celebration, creates meaningful employment for artists and attracts tourism and investment.
Indigenous London Arts
Indigenous London Arts is a curated space to celebrate, honour and share local Indigenous arts and culture in the spirit of the Two-Row Wampum and Two-Eyed Seeing. Through art and storytelling, visitors will learn more about:
- the land and waterways; its history before and after Colonial contact,
- the Ancestors; before and after Colonial contact,
- the Canadian history of Residential Schools,
- Indigeneity; Reawakening and Resurgence,
- traditional and contemporary Indigenous art forms and artists.
Songlines at Community Centres Project
The Songlines at Community Centres Project is dedicated to making a positive impact by encouraging the growth of London’s visual artists and musical talent and promoting London’s designation as Canada’s first UNESCO City of Music. This initiative, supported by Rotary Club of London, includes showcasing artwork pieces by local artists that are also then connected to a Songlines QR Code. This code links to the London Music Office’s Spotify channel, comprised of songs by local musicians.
UNESCO City of Music Designation
On November 8, 2021, the City of London was recognized as Canada’s first UNESCO City of Music, joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). UCCN strives to promote cooperation with and among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development. To learn more about this designation, please visit www.londoncityofmusic.ca.