Indigenous Designer-in-Residence

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

This role reports to Director, Strategy and Business Development, Wilson School of Design.

SUMMARY

The Wilson School of Design (WSD) invites applications from established or emerging Indigenous designers, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit of Canada, for a position as Indigenous Designer-in-Residence. This residency will support Indigenous designers in the research and creation of new works, and is open to designers in a variety of fields, including but not restricted to fashion and apparel design, graphic design, interior design, product design, and other interdisciplinary design practices. The Indigenous Designer-in-Residence will be able to divide their time between their own creative practice and contributing to the Wilson School of Design. In their application, candidates are encouraged to detail how they envision engaging with the Wilson School of Design and the broader KPU community of faculty, students, and staff. For more information about the Wilson School of Design, please visit our website at https://www.kpu.ca/design. An applicant does not need to have to an expertise in all disciplines, but have at least one expertise and a common fundamental understanding of others.

Designers will be compensated for the duration of their residency. There will also be funding available for KPU/WSD-specific events, expenses for materials and supplies, as well as for honoraria for designers whom the Indigenous Designer-in-Residence may want to invite to events.

Please note that this opportunity may be offered as either one continuous placement from August 2026 to April 2027, or as two separate placements: August 2026 to December 2026 and January 2027 to April 2027. Please indicate your preference in your application.

Applications should include:

• A curriculum vitae or resume
• A cover letter or video that includes your statement of interest; a proposal of the design project you will undertake during the residency; and a description of the kinds of events you would like to plan, and how you see these contributing to the KPU/WSD community. (For video submissions, please provide a link to a website or Google doc.)
• Please include a statement clearly indicating your availability to be present on KPU campuses (primarily the Richmond campus)
• Please include a statement clearly indicating your preference of placement duration (see note above)
• A letter of support or documentation regarding your connections to Indigenous community and/or an Indigenous organization, as well as lived experience
• A portfolio: up to 10 original works with titles and dates. Please provide the portfolio through a link to a website; or links to videos or audio files; or a link to a Google doc
• The names of two references: One from community and one professional

KPU is committed to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action and to supporting Indigenous designers and their representation and visibility within KPU and its broader communities. This program will foster community engagement and will have a positive impact on both the designers and the KPU community through sharing, dialogue, creativity, and intercultural communication.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• The organization and hosting of a series of events for the WSD and KPU that may include the following: designer talks/critiques; workshops; studio visits; outreach activities
• Giving guest lectures, or workshops within the WSD and KPU.
• Consulting with students and designers of various abilities.
• Participating in events organized by the WSD and/or KPU
• Meeting regularly with the Director, Strategy and Business Development, WSD

QUALIFICATIONS

• Relevant community-based and/or professional experience rooted in Indigenous communities, knowledges, and traditions
• Designers should be active in their design discipline(s) with an established or emerging record of work as made evident through websites, exhibitions, showcases, reviews, articles, etc.
• A record of participation in the design community and related events
• Enthusiasm for connecting with KPU’s community members from a variety of areas and disciplines
• Willingness to organize and plan events in collaboration with the WSD Communications and Events Coordinator.

SALARY INFORMATION

Anticipated hourly rate: $45.00