MANDATE / MISSION STATEMENT

Open Studio is an artist-run centre dedicated to contemporary print. Open Studio offers accessible, inclusive and affordable printmaking facilities, programs and services for artists and the public from across Canada and abroad. Open Studio’s priority is to provide support for artists in the creation and exhibition of contemporary print in an open-minded, safe and collaborative environment.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

• To support visual artists working in printmaking media, and to foster and promote innovation in the visual arts through Open Studio’s resources in print production, exhibitions, education, sales and archives, visiting artist residencies and scholarships.
• Be a leading print resource centre by providing the highest level of technical support, comprehensive facilities and programs.
• Offer professional development opportunities for artists—national and international—through a wide range of initiatives encompassing visiting artist residencies, scholarships, exhibitions, courses and teaching, sales program and collaborative printings.
• Facilitate strategic partnerships and alliances between artists, arts organizations, educational institutions and funding agencies.
• Advocate quality and excellence in the visual arts, and preserve tradition while contributing to innovation in printmaking.
• Attract artists and work on behalf of artists by ensuring the payment of artist fees and as an advocate for artists’ rights.
• Obtain sufficient funding to operate as a non-profit, charitable arts organization from self-generated income, cultural grants, foundations, corporations and individual donors.

BRIEF HISTORY

In August 1970, Richard Sewell and Barbara Hall started a small storefront printing studio at 310 Queen Street W. in Toronto. Within a year they had succeeded in establishing a facility where artists could make their own prints, and over the years other related programs followed. From 1971 to 1996, Open Studio was located at 520 King Street West, Toronto. In September 1996, Open Studio moved to 468 King Street West, an expansion of space that allowed us to increase the area for production facilities, triple our exhibition venues, and improve administrative capabilities. Since January 1, 2004, Open Studio has been located at 401 Richmond Street West, home to over 130 arts related organizations. Over the years, the Studio has remained committed to consistently enhancing programming and upgrading the production facilities and equipment while heavily subsidizing rental costs for artists.