AGO X RBC Emerging Artists Exchange

Call for [Digital] Artist-Researchers

Three paid research mentorships available in 2021

Deadline for submissions: May 10, 2021 at 5 pm EST
Each selected artist will complete a six-week research mentorship between June and September 2021.

Signature Partner

RBC --NEW

The AGO is launching a paid mentorship program enabling three emerging artists to pursue research, over a six-week period, into museum practices, audience engagement, or the AGO Collection. 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 research proposals that explore our audiences, challenge the museum field, or engage with 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. 

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, LGBTQ2+, women and persons with disabilities.

Selected artists will receive the following:

• A one-time $2,000.00 CDN stipend;
• Mentorship from select AGO team members over six-week period; and
• have their practice featured on the AGO X RBC Emerging Artists Program webpage.

Who should apply:

• Artists, individuals, and/or artist collectives who self-identify as emerging and are in the early stages of their career in their artistic career; 
• Applicants who are living in Canada or are Canadian citizens;
• Practicing professional artists with two (2) or more years' experience; and
• Artists who are able to connect virtually with AGO staff, with the expectation of 12 hours/week of research and development, during their six-week research mentorship.

To apply, please complete the below form. 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
• Five (5) sample images, allowing us to understand your artistic practice.

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; and/or
• How your project advances your artistic growth/development.

Successful artists must be available between June 1 – September 30, 2021.

Application deadline: May 10, 2021 @ 5 pm EST. 
Application submissions are now closed. Three selected artists will be notified by June 8, 2021.