Reclaiming Space/ Reframing Truth

Nova Arts Hub officially launches: Reclaiming Space, Reframing Truth- a project that transforms outdoor spaces into platforms for dialogue, truth-telling, and cultural reclamation. In May 2025, 3 artists will be selected to have their artwork displayed in an outdoor location at a commercial location, as well as a paid opportunity to speak about their work at Nova Arts Hub. Selected artists will receive $650 for their involvement, as well as support from Nova Arts Hub in their creative journey. 

Many of us have heard the saying, "Textbooks are written by the victor." But what happens now? For so many marginalized communities, our stories of oppression never ended, and our resistance is ongoing. It must be—amidst ongoing genocides, racial policies, global political unrest, etc. What happens when we live in a digital age where everything must be questioned? When we are censored from sharing our stories and current realities? When authorities attempt to manipulate truth and obscure injustice? 

Unfortunately, finding the truth of what’s happening in the world is becoming increasingly difficult—especially for those who are not directly impacted or actively seeking that knowledge.

That's where public art comes in. Public art projects worldwide have been used to amplify activist messaging, unite polarized voices, and expand movements for justice. Reclaiming Space, Reframing Truth is a public art initiative that transforms urban and outdoor spaces into platforms for dialogue, truth-telling, and cultural reclamation. This project challenges dominant narratives, amplifies historically silenced voices, and reimagines the role of art in public space.

Through a rotating series of installations and artist-led engagements, the project creates opportunities for underrepresented artists to take up space, use their work to assert identity, share truth, and engage the public in rethinking the stories that shape our environments.

APPLY HERE

Project Structure

  • Outdoor Public Art Displays

    • Featuring three selected artists whose work speaks to themes of history, identity, and reclamation. Interpretation of this theme is up to the artists. 
    • Artworks will be displayed in a high-visibility outdoor location. Artworks are not required to be originals or new works. The works must be capable of being scanned and displayed on a wall (this can be through photographing the works in 3D or textile, etc).

  • Community Gatherings

    • Each of the three artists selected will engage in a public engagement event, as an opportunity to build dialogue based around the art you have created. At Nova Arts Hub, we believe that art can be a first step in creating change in the world. The second step is building dialogue. The structure of these events are co-planned with each artist.

  • Digital Archive and Extended Reach

    • A dedicated webpage and social media campaign documenting the artists' work, themes, and behind-the-scenes process.
    • Opportunities for artists to publish writings, reflections, or interviews related to their work.
    • QR codes and signage placed at installations linking to artist statements and further learning resources.

CALL FOR ARTISTS & SELECTION PROCESS

Who We Are Looking For:

  • Artists who explore themes of history, current justice issues, identity, resistance, and reclamation.
  • Those interested in displaying their art with a wide audience in a commercial space, as well as interested in speaking publicly about their work.
  • Artists from the global majority. 
  • *You do not need to be a 'professional artist' to apply!

Selection Process:

Open Call for Submissions (April)

  • Interested artists can apply here. If filling a digital form is not accessible to you, you may also email us at novaartshub@gmail.com to setup a phone call, send via email, through voice note, or in person. 
  • Applications open April 1-april 25th

Review & Shortlisting

  • A shortlist of artists will be selected based on artistic relevance, eligibility, and their capacity. Final artist will be selected by random draw. 

Final Artist Selection & Preparation (May)

  • Artists will be asked to meet at Nova Arts Hub to discuss their artwork and key next steps for the project. This will also include the installation of the artwork (scanned copy). 
  1. Community Engagement (June-August)
  • Each artist will participate in an engagement event at Nova Arts Hub (co-created). Artists will be assigned a month between June and August for their event. 

Criteria

  • Artwork must resonate to the theme in some way. 
  • Must be suitable for public display. Often, this may mean having your art photographed or scanned and printed on canvas to be displayed. If you have alternative ideas for this, specific to your practice, we are adaptable.
  • Artists should be from the global majority
  • Artists are willing to engage the public in an event at Nova Arts Hub in the summer, 2025. 
  • Must be able to meet project timelines and installation needs.

Ways to Support & Get Involved:

  • Community Organizations & Cultural Institutions: Collaborate on programming, outreach, and funding.
  • Local Businesses & Sponsors: Provide materials, food, or financial contributions to sustain the project.
  • Volunteers & Advocates: Help with documentation, and community engagement efforts.

Contact form

Thank You for Your Support!

This project is made possible through the collaboration and support of community partners, funders (Hansbraun Investments ltd.) ltd., and the artists who continue to reclaim space and reframe truth through their work. Join us in making public art a site of liberation, history, and collective imagination.