Knowledge Sharing - A public art discussion with David Garneau

Are you an emerging Indigenous artist interested in public art?

Join us for a knowledge-sharing session with Métis artist, curator, and writer David Garneau as he shares his experience working in the public art sector.

Register here!

David will speak about his own public art practice, including the process of developing the Tawatinâ Bridge paintings and the relationships that influenced the work. The bridge's shared-use pathway features more than 500 paintings of the River Valley's flora and fauna, alongside histories of the First Nations, Métis, and settler communities connected to the area. Developed through conversations with First Nations Elders and Knowledge Keepers, Métis citizens, and David's own longstanding relationship with the River Valley, the project brings together many different ways of seeing and knowing a place.

This knowledge-sharing session will offer emerging and Indigenous artists an opportunity to learn from David's experience and ask questions about working in public art. Together, we'll consider the opportunities, challenges, and relationships involved in bringing contemporary Indigenous art into public spaces.

David is also a contributing writer to Temporary Acts: Public Art in Toronto's Don River Valley, edited by Kari Cwynar. The publication documents Evergreen's public art program in Toronto's Lower Don River Valley from 2017 through 2024, bringing together twenty-five art and research projects alongside essays, interviews, roundtable discussions, and process images. The publication explores temporary, sustainable, collaborative, and site-responsive approaches to public art.

This is a free event intended specifically for emerging artists and Indigenous artists interested in public art. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

When: Friday, August 14, 2026, 3:00–5:00 PM

Where: Ociciwan Contemporary Art Centre

——

David Garneau (Métis) is a Professor of Visual Arts at the University of Regina. He is a painter, curator, and writer who engages creative and critical expressions of Indigenous contemporary ways of knowing, being, and doing. In 2023, he received the Governor General's Award in Visual and Media Art: Outstanding Achievement and was inducted into the Royal Society of Canada. Garneau has curated more than two dozen exhibitions in Canada and internationally and has given keynotes throughout Canada, Australia, and New Zealand on re/conciliation, museums, Indigenous contemporary art, and public art.

His recent work includes the Tawatinâ Bridge paintings in Edmonton, as well as the Riel Commemorative Silver Dollar for the Canadian Mint. His painting exhibition Dark Chapters tours Canada from 2025–2028. He is also a contributing writer to Temporary Acts: Public Art in Toronto's Don River Valley and the author of numerous critical and creative texts.

——

Accessibility notes: Ociciwan is a barrier-free and accessible facility. We are equipped with a lift to reach the upper floors and lower basement gallery. Single-stall and wide-stall washrooms are available on every floor.