Utah State University Moab has announced an initiative to commission a Native American-inspired work of art to be prominently displayed in its newly constructed academic building. The work of art will celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the surrounding area and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of the Moab community.

In a concerted effort to support and showcase local talent, USU Moab is asking any and all artists residing in the region to submit proposals of their artistic vision for the project for consideration. USU Moab is eager to invest in the creativity of someone who calls the area home, further fostering a connection with the local community and contributing to the flourishing arts scene in Moab, according to Kristian Olsen, senior associate vice president at USU Moab.

“We are honored to be a member of the Moab community and recognize the importance of embracing and celebrating the rich cultural diversity that surrounds us,” Olsen says. “This project reflects our commitment to not only acknowledge the history of this land but also to actively contribute to the cultural fabric of Moab by supporting local artists and promoting their work.”

As part of its commitment to acknowledging the history of the land it occupies, USU Moab has recently adopted a Land Acknowledgment. This acknowledgment recognizes and pays tribute to the Native American communities that have resided on the land for generations. In a thoughtful integration of art and heritage, the commissioned work will find its place beside the Land Acknowledgment, creating a meaningful and harmonious display.

Those interested in learning more about how their artwork can be considered may reach out to USU Moab at 435-259-7432.

Local artists are encouraged to submit their proposals to Samantha Campbell (samantha.campbell@usu.edu) by May 1.

Located in the outdoor recreation paradise of Moab and boasting one of the greenest buildings on any USU campus, Utah State University Moab offers students the personalized attention and small class sizes of a small-town college with the resources of a large university. With programs such as Nursing, Elementary Education, Recreation Resource Management and Social Work, technical education in Health Professions, Automotive and Business, and degree options ranging from associate to doctorate degrees, USU Moab offers programs that help fuel local economies and empower individuals and their communities. Learn more at moab.usu.edu

As a land-grant institution, Utah State University campuses and centers reside and operate on the territories of the eight tribes of Utah, who have been living, working, and residing on this land from time immemorial. These tribes are the Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Indians, Navajo Nation, Ute Indian Tribe, Northwestern Band of Shoshone, Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, San Juan Southern Paiute, Skull Valley Band of Goshute, and White Mesa Band of the Ute Mountain Ute. We acknowledge these lands carry the stories of these Nations and their struggles for survival and identity. We recognize Elders past and present as peoples who have cared for, and continue to care for, the land. In offering this land acknowledgment, we affirm Indigenous self-governance history, experiences, and resiliency of the Native people who are still here today.

Moab
“We acknowledge that the Utah State University Moab resides on the American Indian Crossing of the Colorado River, the traditional homeland of the descendants of the Pueblo of Zuni (A:shiwi); the Hopi Tribe; the Southern Ute Indian Tribe; the Ute Indian Tribe; the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah; and the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians who have been stewards of the rivers and mountains, cliffs and towers, arches, and canyons from time immemorial. In offering this land acknowledgment, we affirm Indigenous sovereignty, history, and experiences.”

Monticello
“We recognize Utah State University Monticello resides on the ancestral, traditional, and contemporary lands of the Navajo Nation, San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, and the White Mesa Ute peoples. USU commits to creating and instilling a continuous relationship with tribal nations and fostering a partnership through community, family (clan/bands), research, education, and programming. In offering this land acknowledgment, we affirm Tribal sovereignty, history, and experiences.”

Blanding
“We recognize Utah State University Blanding resides on the ancestral, traditional, and contemporary lands of the Navajo Nation, San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, and the White Mesa Ute peoples. USU commits to creating and instilling a continuous relationship with tribal nations and fostering a partnership through community, family (clan/bands), research, education, and programming. In offering this land acknowledgment, we affirm Tribal Sovereignty, history, and experiences.”

Monument Valley
“We recognize Utah State University Monument Valley resides on the ancestral, traditional, and contemporary lands of the Hopi, Navajo, Southern Paiute, Pueblos, and Ute Tribes. In offering this land acknowledgment, we affirm Indigenous sovereignty, history, and experiences.”