The Indigenous Artist in Residence program is an opportunity for a local artist to work with the City and bring an Indigenous artistic presence to Victoria.
Over a two-year term, the selected artist collaborates with the Songhees Nation and the Esquimalt Nation, as well as other local artists and organizations. The residency does not have a set theme or direction. This gives the artist freedom to shape it based on their own artistic practice.
Coast Salish artist Dylan Thomas (Qwul’thilum) was the City’s second Indigenous Artist in Residence. He was selected based on his skilled artistry, his dedication to understanding his culture and sharing that knowledge with others.
Thomas’ passion for Coast Salish art started at an early age. As he developed his craft, he was mentored by established artists including the late Delmar Johnnie and Rande Cook. His practice is influenced by Vajrayana Buddhist mandalas, Celtic knots and other ancient geometric art traditions.
Thomas has received two previous public art commissions with the City of Victoria. You can see his work at City Hall as part of the Sacred multi-media art display.
Lindsay Delaronde was the City’s first Indigenous Artist in Residence and served from 2017 to 2019. She is a multi-disciplinary visual artist who works in print-making, painting, drawing, video and performance.
