School District 67 is putting out a call for artists to create a mural that celebrates the diversity of Summerland.
The idea for the art project began in July 2020, after the home of Abhishek Lekhi’s parents was vandalized with racist graffiti. Racist graffiti had been spray-painted on the walls of the Indo-Canadian family’s home and windows had been broken at that time.
Following the news of the racist vandalism, many in the community asked how they could show their support. The idea of a mural with a unity theme came about as a result.
The family decided to direct the donations from a GoFundMe page they had created to go towards a mural or other symbol of unity for the community.
READ ALSO: Racist graffiti, windows broken at Summerland home
School District 67’s The Anti-Racism Working Group, made up of members of the Board of Trustees, Principals and Vice-Principals Association, Okanagan Skaha Teachers Union, Canadian Union of Public Employees and the school district’s senior management team has now issued the call for an artist to construct the mural.
READ MORE: Artwork in Summerland to show message of inclusivity
The mural will be painted on the east wall of Summerland Middle School, with a deadline for submissions on June 18, the selection of the artist on June 25 and the completion of the mural by November.
The call for artists is open to professional and amateur painters of all backgrounds, who will be required to provide the design and detailed drawings for the mural in their submission.
There will be an information session hosted by the Lekhi family and the school district on June 4. Interested artists may email summerlandmural@gmail.com for a Zoom link. A recording of the meeting will not be available but in the case of scheduling conflicts, inquiries may be made for access to supplemental material.
Questions regarding this process can be forwarded to summerlandmural@gmail.com. A link to the Call to Artists can be found at sd67.bc.ca.
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