AGO X RBC Emerging Artists Program

Thanks to the generous support of RBC, the AGO presents a trio of exciting programs designed to celebrate and support emerging artists: artists-in-residence, artist-researcher mentorships and a public workshop series.

Through an open call for proposals launching on Nov. 1, 2021, three artists will be invited to participate in the AGO X RBC Artist-in-Residence program in 2022.

APPLY NOW – DEADLINE NOVEMBER 30, 2021

Launching in the spring of 2022, the AGO will invite proposals from artist-researchers to participate in the AGO X RBC Emerging Artists Exchange program.

Each year, the AGO hosts a series of conversations aimed at providing professional development for emergent artists through the AGO X RBC Emerging Artists Workshops.

The AGO x RBC Emerging Artists Program is focused on artistic growth, mentorship, and presentation opportunities. We are fostering the development of our digital artistic landscape with all programs delivered virtually and presented on-line.

2022 AGO x RBC Artist-in-Residence: Friendship Near & Far

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A Paid 3-Month Residency for Emerging Artists
Deadline for Submissions: November 30, 2021
The residencies will occur from January – October, 2022

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) invites submissions to the AGO X RBC Artist-in-Residence Program. Three digital projects or experiences will each be developed over a three month virtual residency period, responding to the theme of Friendship Near and Far, and the possibilities in which we can bring people together online in a caring, embodied way. The residency provides resources, learning opportunities, platforms and mentorship for emerging artists to further their artistic practices.

We are looking for emerging artists and collectives interested in combining art practices (eg. maker and/or social experiences, experience design, or live performances for the camera, etc.), and projects that engage with online audiences and experiment with digital platforms.

AiR Call for Proposals details

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Selected artists will receive the following

  • An artist fee of $10,000 CDN (inclusive of per diem), and an additional $3000 CDN for materials production costs for the project
  • A mentor with applicable expertise and access to other AGO collaborators
  • Access to AGO platforms and audiences
  • Presentation of the finished digital project

Who should apply

  • Artists, individuals, 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
  • We encourage applicants from underrepresented communities to apply
  • Practicing professional artists with two (2) or more years’ experience

We are prioritizing populations who have not been equitably represented in museums, which includes Black, Indigenous, artists of colour, LGBTQ2+, women and persons with disabilities. Successful artists must be available to connect virtually with AGO staff for the duration of their three month residency. The selected artists will be notified by January 3, 2022.

Applications include

  • Artist statement, inclusive of project proposal (500 words max, 1 page, size 12 font)
  • Proposed project budget (to max of $3000 CDN)
  • Resume/CV (1 page, size 12 font)
  • A total of 5 artwork or sample images, and/or videos, allowing us to understand your artistic practice

Successful proposals will address the following:

  • The 2022 residency theme is Friendship Near and Far, and proposals should address the possibilities in which we can bring people together online in a caring, embodied way. Proposals may also consider the implications of restrictions on work, travel, play, learning, healthcare, and social gathering imposed by governments due to the global pandemic and the opportunities that may simultaneously arise when responding to these restrictions via digital platforms, where people of all ages may interact and collaborate in novel and meaningful ways.
  • The ways in which your project advances your artistic growth/development
  • Feasibility of the project proposal and budget
  • An interest in presenting and experimenting with digital platforms and a willingness to address and engage with multiple audiences and communities of the museum
  • Artists are open to propose projects that include collaborations, and specify mentorship if applicable of any department at the AGO, including but not limited to, Conservation, Collections, Curatorial, Education & Programming, Library & Archives, Food & Beverage, Visitor Experience, etc.

Selected artists/collectives will each receive an honorarium/artist fee of $10,000 CDN. Successful artists must be available for the full duration of their three month residency. Residencies will occur between January and October of 2022.

Application deadline

November 30, 2021 @ 11:59 pm EST.

For more information, contact:
Danah Abusido, Curatorial Associate, Projects & Partnerships: danah.abusido@ago.ca

Call for Proposals FAQs

Who can apply?

  • Artists, individuals, and/or artist collectives who self-identify as emerging artists and are in the early stages of their career in their art form
  • Canadians, currently living in the country, or artists residing in Canada
  • Artists based in Canada with an emerging artistic practice or record of presentation who self-identify as emerging artists.
  • Some experience working with digital platforms, large public audiences and/or maker projects is an asset.

What do I submit?

Applications must include:

  • An application form;
  • Artist statement, inclusive of project proposal (500 words max, 1 page, size 12 font)
  • Proposed project budget ($3000 Inclusive of all project expenses)
  • Resume/CV (1 page, size 12 font)
  • A total of 5 artwork or sample images, and/or videos, allowing us to understand your artistic practice

How do I submit an application?

To submit your application, visit the online Application Form.

How long is the residency period?

Three months. Successful artists will be confirmed once they are slotted into either a winter (January-March), spring (April -June), or late summer (August - October) 2022 residency period.

How does a virtual residency work?

This residency period will be undertaken remotely and will require the successful candidate to develop a weekly schedule with the AGO team consisting of a production schedule and check-in discussions. Artists will be required to maintain minimum weekly meetings via zoom using their own communication devices, hardware and software. On-site visits may be organized based on need and safety protocols.

What is the honorarium?

An artist fee of $10,000 CDN (inclusive of per-diems and all personal travel), and additional $3000 CDN for materials production costs for the project.

What other support do I receive?

Mentorship with a selection of curatorial staff, educators and other AGO professionals.

Who is the jury?

The jury is comprised of the Education & Programming team and Curators at the Art Gallery of Ontario.

When will results be available?

All applicants will receive notice by January 3, via email.

For more information, contact:

Danah Abusido, Curatorial Associate, Projects & Partnerships: danah.abusido@ago.ca

AGO X RBC Emerging Artist Program

Alvin Luong, Workers’ Dance (Young Workers, 2021)

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Alvin Luong, Nada El-Omari & Sonya Mwambu, and Timothy Yanick Hunter have created projects premiered here online that respond to the theme of Together, Apart.

The AGO X RBC Artist-in-Residence Program celebrates its tenth anniversary this year.

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Bianca Weeko Martin

2021 AGO X RBC EMERGING EXCHANGE ARTISTS

Following a call for submissions, this program welcomed Krystle Silverfox, Bianca Weeko Martin and Alessandra Pozzuoli to engage in a mentor and research period with financial support. These emerging artists connected with the AGO’s team of museum professionals over the summer, with an aim to advance their proposed research topic and practice.

Learn More

Related Talks and Events - Emerging Artists Program

Ame Henderson, rehearsal/performance

AGO X RBC EMERGING ARTISTS UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

The AGO X RBC Emerging Artists Workshops is a series of three online workshops designed to providing career-, community-, and confidence-building tools to emerging artists. Led by professional artists, these workshops are free.

Sorry, no events found. Check back soon.

Past Talks and Events - Emerging Artists Program

PAST WORKSHOPS

two beaded pyramid-shaped pendants on fine chains. Pendant on the left is aqua, peach and yellow; on the right red with teal.
Workshops
AGO X RBC Emerging Artists Workshop: Olivia Whetung
Saturday, October 16, 1 pm

Join artist Olivia Whetung for a beading workshop where participants will learn increasing and decreasing in peyote stitch. This technique can be used to add shape and dimension to peyote stitch pieces. Olivia will demonstrate the skills required to make a triangle pendant which can be worn as a necklace or used as a car dangler or keychain. Ultimately these skills lend themselves to using beads as a sculptural material.

Prerequisites:

Participants should already know basic peyote stitch in order…

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New!
composite image of artists Alvin Luon, Timothy Yanick Hunter, Nada El-Omari and Sonya Mwambu,
Talks
AGO X RBC Artists in Residence in Conversation
Thursday, October 7, 4 pm

Join AGO X RBC Artists in Residence Nada El-Omari and Sonya Mwambu, Timothy Yanick Hunter, Alvin Luong for a conversation about their practices and the work they have created and developed during their respective digital residencies at the AGO this year.

Nada El-Omari is a filmmaker and writer currently based in Toronto. Of Palestinian and Egyptian origin and raised in Montreal, her work, practice and research interests centre on the intergenerational…

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Composite image of art work by artists Alexa Hatanaka and Flora Shum: top image is bright white image of two hands holding a sign that says "Made in China" in english and Chinese characters in white text against an off-white page, at the top of the image are two bright windows; the bottom image by Alexa Hatanaka, a light image, closely cropped to show the back of a jacket that is printed with fish in black against a soft pink-beige.
Workshops
AGO X RBC Emerging Artists Workshop: Alexa Hatanaka & Flora Shum
Wednesday, August, 25, 1 pm

Join artists Alexa Hatanaka and Flora Shum for a workshop demonstrating gyotaku, the Japanese practice of printing fish, and a discussion about handmade paper, including washi. Gyotaku is a traditional form of Japanese art that began over 100 years ago as a way for fishers to keep a record of their catch. Typically printed on washi, Japanese paper, the artists will discuss varieties and applications of handmade paper, washi, and papermaking history.

MATERIALS LIST: 

…
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A Seat Above the Table (Warren Moon), Esmaa Mohamoud
Talks
AGO X RBC Emerging Artists Workshop: Esmaa Mohamoud
Thursday, May 27, 4 pm

Developed specifically for emerging artists, this conversation between artist Esmaa Mohamoud and AGO curator Wanda Nanibush explores Mohamoud’s work and how she maintains a creative practice. Drawing on personal examples from her own experience, Esmaa will discuss her recent sculptures and installations, her exhibition and residency experiences, and what has sustained her over the past year.

Esmaa Mohamoud (Canadian, b. 1992), is a Toronto based African-Canadian artist. She holds a BFA from…

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