Call for Artists to Commemorate Regina’s Oldest Tree

The City of Regina is excited to announce the 2025 Neil Balkwill Civic Arts Centre Artist in Residency. The residency offers the opportunity for mid-career and established artists to transform the wood from the trunk of Regina’s oldest tree into a piece of art.

Regina’s oldest tree, an American Elm, has stood witness to over a century of the city’s history. From its place in downtown Victoria Park, this tree was present for the Regina Cyclone in 1912. It was cut down in August 2023 for safety reasons.

The City of Regina invites artists to submit proposals for concepts that honour and preserve this tree’s rich history while also fostering awareness of Regina’s urban forest. The selected artist will use the wood from the trunk of the tree to create a work of art and mentor an emerging artist, ensuring that the Neil Balkwill Center’s legacy of fine art and craftsmanship continues.

Artists interested in this residency can view the tree trunk at 1430 4th Avenue on September 11 from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST. Proposals must be submitted by October 9, 2024, by 4 p.m. CST, and the project aims to be completed by April 30, 2025.

Artists with a connection to Regina and Treaty Four territory will be given preference. The project aims to reflect the city’s cultural diversity and support the professional development of local artists. This project also represents a promise kept by the City to ensure the preservation of the tree as a critical part of Regina's history

Visit Regina.ca/artistcalls for more information.