Proposal Submission Deadline: April 10, 2026

Final high‐resolution files due for final approval: August 21, 2026

Project Completion: End of August 2026

Compensation: $9,000.00 (payment schedule to be negotiated with the successful proponent)

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) invites proposals from illustrators to create artworks for the Ancestors Project, a national initiative examining the histories of Black communities across the northern part of Turtle Island (colonially known as Canada). The selected artist will illustrate portraits, historic Black communities and events, and to imagine contemporary characters. Artworks will support an upcoming museum exhibition and related digital interpretation, including postcards and a book for young adults.

The selected illustrator will create approximately 20 original portraits or scene‐based artworks based on curatorial prompts. Works may depict historic figures, community life, or events. The illustrator must work from archival references, photographs, curatorial descriptions, and oral accounts, especially when historical images do not exist. Two rounds of revisions with the curatorial team are required before final approval. Delivery dates for each of the two rounds of revisions to be negotiated with the successful proponent. Final date to deliver high‐resolution files for final approval is firm.

Proposed date for draft illustrations due: June 12, 2026

Proposed date for second round of revised illustrations due: July 17, 2026

Final high‐resolution files due for final approval: August 21, 2026

• Format: 4 × 6 inches (or equivalent) for approximately 20 unique illustrations
• Resolution: Minimum 300 dpi
• Delivery: High‐resolution digital files (file type to be confirmed)

• Priority given to artists with ancestral or community roots in historic Black Canadian communities such as Africville, Black Strathcona, The Bog, Little Burgundy, South Buxton/Elgin Settlement, Elmwood, etc.
• Experience illustrating historical subjects or working with community‐based or memory‐driven content is an asset.

• Artist statement (max. 250 words) outlining your relationship with Black history or communities. Knowledge about the shared experiences between Black and Indigenous communities will be helpful and appreciated.
• 3–7 portfolio samples demonstrating illustration and portrait ability
• CV or short bio

Optional: Brief description of your approach to depicting historical subjects or community stories.

Submit all materials as a single PDF.

Send your PDF/application by April 10, 2026 to ancestors@humanrights.ca or ancetres@droitsdelapersonne.ca with the subject line: Ancestors Project – Illustrator Proposal.

The selected artist will be required to participate in the development of short descriptive texts and alt texts for each completed artwork. This text will be used to support accessibility standards across the CMHR’s in‐gallery interpretation, website, and universal access points. The artist must be able to describe their artwork clearly and concisely, including the visual content, setting, figures, and key artistic decisions that shape the illustration.

Evaluation will consider the artist’s demonstrated ability to create portraits from reference material and descriptive sources, their approach to working with historical and community‐informed subject matter, and their capacity to collaborate with the curatorial team on accurate and accessible interpretation for exhibition and digital platforms.