We are asking the applicants to center their research on the theme of Futurism.
Futurism seeks to welcome impactful change through the landscape of art, cultural representation, and technology. Futurism can celebrate an iteration of a new world or embrace and preserve traditions in new ways.
Deadline for submissions: April 22, 2025, at 5:00 pm EST
Each selected artist will complete a month of research mentorship between July and August 2023.
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) invites early-career artists to submit proposals for its AGO X RBC Emerging Artists Exchange to pursue practice-based research, over a month-long period, into museum practices, audience engagement or the AGO Collection. Held annually, the program aims to offer three artists the opportunity to further their artistic practice and ready themselves for larger-scale presentations within institutional frameworks.
With the support of mentors from across the Gallery, each selected artist will further their work with the aim of presenting their findings to the various teams at the AGO. This call is open to emerging artists working in any media.
We welcome practice-based research proposals that explore interdisciplinary approaches, including those that are digital; consider the role of social engagement practices, engage with the museum field, or might be informed by the content and programming of the AGO. Experimentation is encouraged and these proposals could examine any area at the Gallery, including but not limited to: Conservation, Collections, Curatorial, Education & Programming, Library & Archives, Food & Beverage, and Visitor Experience. We seek research ideas which challenge conventional understandings of museum practices.
Selected artists will receive:
- A one-time $2,000.00 CDN stipend.
- Mentorship from select AGO team members over a four-week period, culminating in a presentation of research findings.
- An AGO X RBC Emerging Artists Program webpage featuring their practice.
Who should apply:
- Artists and/or artist collectives who self-identify as emerging artists and are in the early stages of their artistic career.
- Canadians currently living in the country or artists residing in Canada.
- Applicants from underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply.
- Practicing professional artists with two (2) or more years’ experience.
To apply, click here. The following materials must be included to be considered:
- Research proposal, including artist statement (250 words maximum, one (1) page, size 12 font)
- Résumé/CV (one (1) page, size 12 font); and
- Art portfolio: provide a selection of five (5) images of your work in a pdf format, and/or links to videos, allowing us to understand your artistic practice and how they inform your research question.
Successful proposals will address the following:
- Focus on either a connection to our audiences, challenge the museum field, or engage with the content and programming of the AGO.
- How your project advances your artistic growth/development.
The AGO X RBC Emerging Artists Exchange encourages submissions from populations who have not been equitably represented in museums, including Black, Indigenous, artists of colour, 2SLGBTQ+, women and persons with disabilities. Successful artists must be available between June and July 2025. Three selected artists will be notified by May 16, 2025.
Application deadline: April 22, 2025, at 5:00 pm EST.
Review the 2024 AGO X RBC Exchange Program: Artist Researchers
Please note that we do not accept applications via email or applications sent after the deadline. Waiting until 4:59 PM EST to submit an application can delay the application from getting submitted on-time. We encourage you to submit your application hours or days in advance.
Due to the volume of the submissions, we are unable to provide feedback regarding unsuccessful applicants.