Airsa's Bridge to Work Program for New Canadians in the Arts

Airsa’s program for artists and art administrators, created in partnership with Art Starts, Artscape Launchpad, Neighbourhood Arts Network, and Turtle House Art Play Centre.

We will be offering workshops, networking opportunities and studio access (in certain circumstances) to new Canadian artists and art administrators living in the  Greater Toronto Area. This program will consist of 7 workshops including:

• Effective communication skills;

• Mindset and artists' career;

• Art resources in GTA;

• Writing a bio;

• Writing a resume;

• Writing an artist statement;

• Tax and financial management;

• and more...

Light refreshments will be provided.

Workshops for Newcomer Visual Artists →

September 5th – Staying Updated with Cecilia Garcia, North York Arts

Staying up-to-date is hard, specially if you don’t even know where to start. This workshop, geared towards newcomer visual artists, will provide tips and online resources to keep yourself up-to-date with call for submissions, work and volunteer opportunities, grants, and arts & culture related events taking place across Toronto. Participants will also have a chance to network and connect with fellow artists.

Cecília holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in film studies from the Federal University of Santa Catarina in Brazil and has built a diverse portfolio working in the Brazilian film industry. After arriving in Canada in 2014, she received a diploma in arts management from Western University and has since volunteered with multiple arts organizations in Toronto. Currently, Cecília is the Program and Volunteer Coordinator at North York Arts, and the Gallery Assistant at Queen Gallery.

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September 19th – Finding a mentor with Inés Aguileta, Neighbourhood Arts Network

More info to come

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October 10th – Networking Tips & Techniques with Norma Garcia, Independent filmmaker and Arts Administrator

More info to come

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October 24th – The Curator’s role with Ellyn Walker, Independent Curator

This workshop will involve thinking through the role of the curator in relation to artists. Sharing insight from experience in exhibition planning, curating and administration, this workshop will prepare artists for exhibition-making processes in a variety of contexts. How do artists and curators work together? Where do the responsibilities of each role lie? What are the protocols and practices of the curator/artist relationship? Find out first-hand information about how artists can engage curators and vice versa.

Ellyn Walker is a curator and writer based in Toronto/Tkaronto. Her curatorial projects have been presented in artist-run centres, public space, art galleries and museums across Canada – most recently at the Thames Art Gallery in Chatham-Kent, Ontario. Her writing has been widely published in magazines, journals, online and in books, such as in the recent anthology DESIRE/CHANGE: Feminist Art in Canada (2017) by McGill-Queen’s University Press. Ellyn was recently awarded the Thematic Exhibition of the Year Award by the Ontario Association of Art Galleries for her project CANADIAN BELONGING(s) presented by the Art Gallery of Mississauga in 2016. She is currently a PhD candidate at Queen’s University in the Cultural Studies program.

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November 7th – Artists’ rights and copyright with Sally Lee, CARFAC Ontario

This workshop will provide a general overview of

• CARFAC Ontario – its programs, services, resources, sectoral and advocacy on behalf of artists
• Artists’ rights – including copyright, moral rights, exhibition and reproduction right, and Artists Resale Right

Sally Lee has worked at not-for-profit arts organizations representing a wide range of disciplines for over 25 years. Prior to joining CARFAC Ontario as Executive Director in 2015, Sally held management and leadership positions at the Toronto International Film Festival, Soulpepper Theatre Company, and the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, where she served as Executive Director. Other groups where she has worked or volunteered include the Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto, the Images Festival, the Canadian Filmmakers Distribution Centre, Artists for Peace and Justice Canada, Samara Canada, Pan Am Path, BorderLines Magazine and the Women’s Press. She is a Fellow of the 2006 TAC Cultural Leaders Lab and currently sits on the board of Wavelength Music, the Visual Arts and Media Arts Committee of the Toronto Arts Council, the Advocacy Network of the Toronto Arts Foundation, the Advisory Board of Reel Asian, and the Nominating Committee of Access Copyright. She has also participated in the production of several independent films and music videos. An active member of Toronto’s independent music community since the early 90s, Sally currently plays bass and sings in the band Long Branch.

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November 28th – Artist-Run Centres with Ana Barajas, YYZ Artists’ Outlet

More info to come

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Location: YYZ Artists’ Outlet, 140-401 Richmond St W.

Time: 6:00 – 8:00pm

RVSP required – To register: newcomer-artists-workshops.eventbrite.com

For more information: marta.paralia@gmail.com 

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Paralia Newcomer Arts Network is a collective that supports and promotes newcomer artists in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area as well as provides resources and information on current opportunities.

Toronto Art Book Fair + Book Binding Workshop by Akin MOCA Member →

This year the Toronto Art Book Fair is turning 3! This milestone is marked by a new venue, Chinatown Centre at 222 Spadina Avenue, and official collaboration with Art Metropole, a compelling jam-packed program for the 2nd annual Art Book Week (July 4-11), and a unique roster of over 300 Canadian and international artists and exhibitors.

This year's exhibitors are a combination of first-time visitors to Toronto and familiar faces debuting new original work. This curated selection of exhibitors offers a glimpse into the experimental characteristics of the artist’s book, how the medium continues to evolve, and the ever-expanding field of printed matter. Artistic forms presented at the fair include, but are not limited to zines, comics, chapbooks, journals, silk-screen and risograph prints, photography, limited edition handmade books and art objects, stick-and-poke tattoos, social practice, performance, and film.

Also featured at this year's Toronto Art Book Fair is a unique Drumleaf and Coptic Stitch Bookbinding Workshop for Artists, lead by Akin MOCA artist Jessica Thalman. 

Thalmann will present a quick lecture on artists exploring unique sculptural elements in their photobooks. Participants will then be guided through the creation of two techniques. This workshop is suitable for artists working in a myriad of disciplines including drawing, painting, collage, photography and interdisciplinary artists wishing to create try more complex book structures. 

About the Instructor:
Jessica Thalmann is an artist, curator and educator currently based in Toronto and New York City. She received a MFA in Advanced Photographic Studies from ICP-Bard College and a BFA in Visual Arts from York University. She has worked at the Doris McCarthy Gallery, Toronto International Film Festival, C Magazine, the Art Gallery of York University and Yossi Milo Gallery.

Acts of Kindness Crochet Workshop at TSA →

“When we facilitate workshops, I always say crochet is a great way to lose yourself; to think about everything that’s going on, or to think about nothing at all and just focus on the craft.”

— Chason Yeboah via She Does The City

Join Chason Yeboah and Tumaini Lyaruu next Thursday, May 3rd 2018 from 6-9PM for a workshop that intertwines crochet foundations and mindfulness strategies.

In this workshop, participants will learn to crochet art pieces that externalize the expansiveness of the creative mind by going through the rhythmic and repetitive motions of crochet, recognizing patterns, and learning new stitches of the art form.

Thursday, May 3rd 2018.

6:00-9:00PM

Toronto School of Art - 999 Dufferin Street, 2nd Floor

Registration fee: $45 per person.

Price includes all materials. Participants will get to bring home a crochet hook and skein of yarn.

AOK (Acts of Kindness) is a collective created by Chason Yeboah and Tumaini Lyaruu in an effort to spread love around the city of Toronto through the art of crochet. What started as a love initiative evolved into a practice of community building and skill sharing.

Chason Yeboah is a Toronto based artist who crochets anatomically correct, nude figures that are representative of various bodily forms and skin tones.

Tumaini Lyaruu is a Toronto based HIV/sexual health educator and craftivist. Tumainis’ preferred gender pronoun is ‘T’ and is known for the crocheted vulvas that T creates. T uses the power of crafting, compassion and our truths to foster meaningful growth across communities.

Factor Grants: Music Grant Writing Workshop

September 26, 6:00-8:00PM
The Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings, 247 Spadina Avenue, 3rd Floor

Thanks to the generous support of FACTOR, this event is free, however there is limited seating, please register online to attend atwww.universe.com/factor

Musicians and artists that make music! Join and to learn how to get FACTOR music grants ($$$) from the people that give them, at their office!

Akin Projects and The Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent On Recordings (FACTOR) present an interactive workshop that will explore the process of planning, writing and submitting music grant proposals and give an overview of FACTOR and their programs. As a major funder themselves, The Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings will provide clear examples of the grant writing process and the various the dos and don'ts of everything from ratings and the music juries to organizing your support material and work plan. Following this, there will be an extensive Q&A period so you can get the support you're looking for!

Transportation/ Accesibility: FACTOR is located at 247 Spadina Ave, 3rd floor (Just south of Dundas and North of Queen). TTC: Take the 510 Streetcar South from Spadina TTC Station towards Queens Quay, and exit at Sullivan St. The office is completely accessible by elevator to the 3rd floor.

FACTOR (the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings) is a public/private partnership that supports the production of sound recordings by Canadian musicians and helps Canadian music companies make recordings available to a wider public. www.factor.ca

Adult February Courses & Workshops + March Break Art Camp at ARTiculations

Our friends at ARTiculations have a fabulous line up of single session, weekend intensive, and four week workshops in February and March including March Break Art Camp for children ages 8-13! Topics include painting, calligraphy, embroidery, drawing, screen printing and more!

Upcoming Creative Business Programs through Artscape

ARTSCAPE LAUNCHPAD

Artscape Launchpad offers the only suite of entrepreneurship training programs designed specifically for the creative sector. You’ll gain the skills and support you need to make a living from what you love most and do best.

 THE CREATIVE BUSINESS DESIGN WORKSHOP

Sat. March 18 - 10am-4pm - CSI - Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas St. E, Toronto

In just one day you’ll transform your creative concept into a viable business plan with The Creative Business Design Workshop.

THE CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM

Starts March 24 - Weekly Fridays - Artscape Youngplace, 180 Shaw Street, Toronto

In just 6-week course that will show you practical ways to plan and promote your creative talent, while finding funding, getting past common hesitations, and navigating the law.

DEMYSTIFY YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS

Artscape Launchpad presents ongoing workshop on broad topics of relevance to creative entrepreneurs. Our next two new workshops feature business lawyer Robert Wakulat $25.

YOUR NEW CREATIVE BUSINESS AND THE LAW

Sat. March 11 - 10am-1pm - Artscape Youngplace, 180 Shaw Street, Toronto

The law can be a tool to help new business owners create the type of company structure that reflects their values and helps set the expectations of their customers and partners. Learn how to form your company, make sense of complex legal issues and take advantage of protections offered by the legal system.

Legit! EVERYTHING FROM CONTRACTS TO COPYRIGHT FOR CREATIVES

Sat. March 11 - 2-5pm - Artscape Youngplace, 180 Shaw Street, Toronto

This workshop will cover and provide tips for how best to approach topics such as intellectual property; moral rights; licenses, leases and permits; selling art online (data collection and consumer protection); selling art in a studio; understanding contracts, copyright and more.

OPEN CALL

Artscape Launchpad is circulating an open call to individual artists, educators, creative entrepreneurs, arts groups and not-for-profit arts, cultural, industry, community organizations and more; who see themselves as potential Mentors and Programming Partners and/or Programming Providers.

CONTEMPORARY TEXTILE STUDIO CO-OP Fall 2016 Programming

The Contemporary Textile Studio offers a range of public programming, from ongoing textile classes taught by studio members suitable for first time enthusiasts, to specialized workshops led by well known artists and designers. Click here for a full listing of the fall programs.

About Contemporary Textile Studio
The Contemporary Textile Studio Co-operative was developed in 2006 by a group of textile artists and craftspersons in Toronto to provide access to affordable and properly equipped studio space. Through their studio at 401 Richmond, members and associates work, teach, learn, interact and innovate with other designers and artists, and the community.

Akin Projects - Place Setting at the Gardiner Museum

PLACE/SETTING is happening June 28 to July 8 at the Gardiner Museum

Click here for more details

ABOUT PLACE/SETTING
Over the course of two weeks, Akin Projects will deliver a series of all-ages clay-making workshops and community events. Drawing inspiration from Judy Chicago’s iconic work The Dinner Party, visitors will interact with ceramics in a more social, contemporary way. (for more information about Judy Chicago please visit: www.artsy.net/artist/judy-chicago ) Contemporary ceramists will lead workshops with visitors in which they will create a functional object. As they are created and prepared for display, the works will slowly set the table for a community celebration and active installation. The walls of the space will be covered to create a living sketchbook that documents the project and the planning of each unique piece. The closing event will be a community celebration for all of the participants. Visitors will be allowed to share and trade the tableware created, reinterpreting the value placed on functional objects.

ABOUT THE MAKE IT REAL PROJECT
The Gardiner Museum works with community and cultural partners to enhance the richness and diversity of the cultural sector. This summer, we’re hosting a Community Arts Space in our exhibition hall. Through an open call for proposals, the Gardiner selected five partners to explore four themes—interactivity, performance, community-engaged arts, and city building. There’s something for everyone . From fort building to clay hand building, and from experimental theatre to participatory workshops, experience the best the city has to offer at the Gardiner.

EVENTS:

Tuesday June 28, 1 - 3 pm
Mythical Mug Making Clay Workshop
Open to all ages, hand-build a mug based on your favorite animal or mythical creature with artist Lindsay Montgomery using slabs, coils, and pinching techniques.
REGISTER (FREE)                               

Wednesday July 6, 6:30 - 9 pm
Still Life/Real Life: Drawing + Ceramics
All artists are welcome to join Akin for this evening of uninstructed still-life, and real-life drawing.
REGISTER (FREE)

Thursday June 30, 6 - 8 pm
Tabletop Planter Clay Workshop
In this workshop, artist Janet Hinkle will guide participants through the process of hand building their very own unique planter.
REGISTER (FREE)

Thursday July 7, 6 - 8 pm
Face Plate Clay Workshop
In this workshop with artist Juliana Neufeld, participants will use clay to transform a functional dinner plate into the face of a unique character or creature from their imagination.
REGISTER (FREE)

Saturday July 2, 1 - 3 pm
Slab-Built Side Plates with Texture or
Stamped Decoration
Learn how to roll out an even slab of clay and experiment with simple slump molds with artist Andrea Ciccone. Add texture or stamp detail using materials provided, or bring an object or textured fabric of your own and create a completely custom, one-of-a-kind, and personalized plate.
REGISTER (FREE)

Friday July 8, 6 - 9 pm
Closing Community Reception
Join all of the Akin Project artists and workshop participants to celebrate the artworks created and transformation of the space as a complete living sketchbook.
REGISTER (FREE) 

Monday July 4, 6 - 8 pm
From Cloth to Clay: Handbuilt Slab & Coil Bowls
For those who like to build and play with patterns, this workshop with artist Natalie Waddell will focus on creating textured bowls of various shapes and sizes.
REGISTER (FREE)