Seven diverse projects focus on both Canadian and international contemporary artists
TORONTO, June 10, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, Partners in Art (PIA), the non-profit group of Toronto contemporary art supporters with an interest in promoting the visual arts in Canada, announced the funding for a total of seven collaborative art projects for 2015.
Each chosen project reflects the continued support of Canadian artists at home and abroad. As well, the collaborative projects bring internationally renowned artists to Canada to exhibit their work. From outdoor photo murals to 35 mm film installations, publications and commissioned projects, PIA has not only increased its number of projects funded but also broadened its scope.
"2015 promises to be an exciting year for visual arts in Toronto," says Mimi Joh, President of PIA. "We're pleased to be able to fund so many exciting projects and be able to work with a broad array of partners and artists in a wide variety of media".
PIA funded projects in 2015 include:
CONTACT: PIA, together with StreetARToronto, is collaborating with the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival to help fund Toronto's first monumental photographic mural. Created by Canadian artist Sarah Anne Johnson, the Best Beach mural explores themes of nature and idealism. Located at the base of Bay Street, the prominently displayed and colourful mural will remain in place until 2017.
Venice Biennale: PIA is supporting the National Gallery of Canada's entry at this year's 56th Venice Biennale with BGL, the Quebec-based artist collective. Guest curated by Marie Fraser, BGL's Canadassimo has completely transformed the Canadian Pavilion with a structure of scaffolding expanding the exterior, while the inside is filled with a multitude of curious objects.
TIFF: PIA is providing funding to TIFF's first stand-alone summer exhibition, which celebrates Canadian contemporary artists Daniel Young and Christian Giroux working in 35 mm film installation projects, along with noted British artist, Tacita Dean.
Art Gallery of York University (AGYU): PIA is partnering with the AGYU to support the publication of Ring of Fire, which documents works by Trinidadian born, Japan-based processional artist, Marlon Griffith. Ring of Fire is a 300-person street procession, taking place on August 9th, 2015 down University Avenue from Queen's Park to City Hall.
Gallery TPW: PIA is sponsoring a hybrid exhibition of performance installation and educational residency by New York and Berlin-based artist, David Levine. Levine's Edition of Ten will examine the ideas of identity, acting and social crisis.
Mercer Union: PIA is supporting the commission of three projects for the fall 2015 / winter 2016. The first project includes Toronto-based artist Abbas Akhavan, whose practice ranges from site-specific ephemeral installations to drawing, video and performance. The second commission is a two-month residency with New York artist Liz Magic Laser, best known for her engaging and provocative performance art. A third commission is being finalized and will be announced shortly.
The Power Plant: PIA is providing support to a delegation of 10 Canadian artists to attend and participate at the Creative Time Summit during this year's 56th annual Venice Biennale. This initiative not only increases Canada's representation at Venice Biennale but also showcases how Canadian artists address issues of social justice through art.
"Becoming sponsors and partners to the Canadian visual arts community is paramount to our mission at PIA. This year's funding of seven diverse initiatives marks our greatest number of projects supported in one year. We strive to ensure contemporary art conversation remains active and accessible to all," concludes Joh.
ABOUT PARTNERS IN ART
Founded in 2002, Partners in Art (PIA) is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit corporation of Toronto art supporters with an interest in promoting the visual arts in Canada in two ways: first, by partnering with established arts organizations on collaborative fund-raising projects; and second, by furthering members' own understanding and knowledge of the visual arts through an active education program.
The group cultivates alliances among artists, curators, educators, businesses, and the public to develop vital and exciting contemporary art projects that raise the awareness of Canadian art and artists nationally and internationally. In the past 13 years PIA has supported more than 50 projects in collaboration with 21 arts organizations. The group solicits sponsors to fund its activities, organizes fundraising events, and accepts donations from the public.
To learn more about us visit www.partnersinart.ca Follow us on Twitter @partnersinart1 or 'Like' us on Facebook.
SOURCE Partners in Art
Image with caption: "Partners in Art (PIA) and StreetARToronto collaborated with the Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival to help fund the city’s first monumental photographic mural. Earlier this spring, PIA members attended the official unveiling of the site-specific mural Best Beach created by artist Sarah Anne Johnson. (CNW Group/Partners in Art)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150610_C8287_PHOTO_EN_17713.jpg
Media contact: Eileen Tobey, beSPEAK Communications Inc., (416) 540-4047, [email protected]
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