The Faculty of Arts is pleased to announce the first corporate donation to the Longhouse Labs Project. Wawanesa Insurance donated $50,000 to support the creation of an art studio space.
The Longhouse Labs is a major undertaking at the University of Waterloo that will enable Indigenous artists from across the country to focus and develop their creative practices within the Department of Fine Arts in ways that will also support student growth through mentorship. The Longhouse Labs aims to dismantle the complex set of barriers that hinder Indigenous artists from fully participating in the cultural life of this country, and to address issues raised by Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, by building an inclusive education system that includes Indigenous self-determination, culture, and knowledge.
“We’re honoured to support the work of the University of Waterloo’s Longhouse Labs Project and applaud the leadership team working to make this vision a reality,” said Wawanesa’s Vice President of Culture, Community and Communications, Selena Hinds.
"Together with the University of Waterloo, we share a commitment to making our community a better place, and we know students and their Indigenous mentors will benefit from the learning, research, artistic creation and curation that will happen in this welcoming and supportive environment."
“We are tremendously grateful to Wawanesa Insurance for taking a leadership role in supporting this important initiative,” said Sheila Ager, Dean of Arts. “Clearly, they understand the importance of building a strong, vibrant cultural sector that welcomes the many voices of Indigenous artists in Canada.”
“The Longhouse Labs Project is founded on the premise that we need many partners to shift barriers and to make more avenues for Indigenous leaders to mentor both Indigenous and non-Indigenous emerging artists. I am delighted that Wawanesa recognizes the potential to make a lasting social impact,” said Logan MacDonald, Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Art.
Longhouse Labs will begin programming in the fall of 2022. Read more about Professor MacDonald and Longhouse Labs.
For more information, please contact Kim Bardwell, Director of Arts Advancement: office telephone 1-519-888-4567 extension 47310, or email kim.bardwell@uwaterloo.ca.