TAC Art/Work Gallery Opens

The opening reception and ribbon cutting ceremony of the TAC Art/Work Gallery, located at 568 Richmond Street West, will take place this Friday July 12th from 5 pm – 8 pm.

The new 1,000 square foot gallery is part of a pilot Space for Art program being developed by Toronto Arts Council to help address the critical shortage of space for artists and arts programming in Toronto.

With the support of Councillor Adam Vaughan and the City of Toronto, Toronto Arts Council will manage a select number of below market rent space for arts use. In addition to making affordable space available to artists, the Space for Art Program will help to enhance the profile of Toronto’s artists and contribute to the vitality and street life of City neighbourhoods.

Peter Kingstone, TAC’s acting Visual and Media Arts Officer, noted that shortage of space has long been a very serious problem for artists working in Toronto. “The TAC Art/Work Gallery is addressing the need for more space devoted to culture in the City. The innovative Space for Art program provides opportunities for artists to present and create work and to encounter new audiences to share in the creativity of Toronto.”

Adam Vaughan, Councillor for Ward 20, observed: "We have created more than 20,000 square feet of new non-profit space for organizations in Toronto's cultural community. These vibrant small gallery spaces are the first of many more that will come to streets and neighbourhoods across the ward. It would not be possible without the strong leadership and support of the Toronto Art's Council."

Elle Alconcel curates the inaugural exhibition of the TAC Art/Work Gallery which features a number of past recipients of ArtReach Toronto grants including Nyle Johnston, Malcolm Yarde, EGR, The People Project, Zanette Singh, Kapisanan Philippine Centre for Arts & Cul­ture, Faride Molina, and The STUD Magazine.

"ArtReach Toronto is extremely excited to have its funded projects selected to launch the new Toronto Arts Council gallery space. It is an invaluable opportunity for emerging young artists and youth arts groups to showcase their artistry, from mixed media paintings, photography, silk screening, and wood sculptures to graffitti art" said Shahina Sayani, Director of ArtReach Toronto.

Toronto Arts Council is accepting applications from artists and arts organizations for use of the gallery space. For more information go to www.torontoartscouncil.org/OTHER-TAC-PROGRAMS/Space-for-Art

To view more pictures from the event, please click here