Government of Canada employees responsible for promoting and defending Canadian interests and values abroad can face significant safety, security, and health risks. As a lasting tribute to those who have died in service to Canada, Global Affairs Canada has commissioned a commemorative artwork to recognize the dedication and sacrifices of these employees and their families, while also honouring those who have died in service to Canada.
In recognition of the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace that took place Sunday, April 24, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, and the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Pablo Rodriguez, today revealed that a design by Team MacLeod has been selected by the jury for the Global Affairs Canada Commemorative Artwork.
The winning artwork by Team MacLeod is a solar device. The form and alignment of the sculpture is inspired by the analemma, the figure-eight shape created by tracing the sun's annual movement relative to a fixed point in space and time. The analemma is used throughout the project to explore the notions of the infinite related to the persistence of love and memory.
A globe-shaped void at the center of the work expresses the absence of the missing loved ones. Within this inner chamber of remembrance, the names of those who died in service at Global Affairs Canada missions abroad are aligned to the noonday sun on their date of death. A ceremonial forecourt and pathway, as well as a garden of reflection, surround the artwork and will foster a sense of connection between those who visit the artwork and those who served the Government of Canada around the world and their families.
Team MacLeod comprises Polymetis, an artist from Toronto; James B. Lennox & Associates, landscape architecture from Ottawa; and GRC Architects, also from Ottawa.
In making a final selection, the jury considered results of an online public and stakeholder survey that ran from December 2 to 16, 2021. They also received presentations from each team and considered comments from the National Capital Commission's Advisory Committee on Planning, Design and Realty and the Global Affairs Canada Fine Arts Advisory Committee, as well as experts in conservation, landscape, engineering and costing.
