Open Studio is committed to providing an open and equitable platform for public programming that reflects innovative, non-hierarchical and cross-cultural approaches to contemporary printmaking by artists from diverse backgrounds and wide-reaching perspectives. Open Studio is dedicated to engaging and supporting all individuals and prioritizes applications from members of equity-deserving communities, including racialized persons: Black, Indigenous, People(s) of Colour (BIPOC); persons with disabilities, persons living with mental illness, and persons of all sexual orientations, and gender identities/expressions.

Through our public programming, we aim to encourage audience connection to the evolving medium of print as it relates to contemporary culture and to foster a diverse and expansive view of what printmaking can be. This may include, but is not limited to, non-Eurocentric printmaking, digital and analogue forms of print, DIY print practices (zines, posters, pamphlets, etc.), as well as other traditional printmaking mediums.

Our gallery exhibitions and residency opportunities are programmed through annual calls for submissions, in addition to invited and curated exhibitions. We welcome explorations of print’s industrial, digital, commercial, and craft-based aspects, including proposals that intersect print with other media, and that explore print’s ethos in concept (sequencing, multiples, layering) as well as in practice. We are open to ideas and welcome proposals for solo and group exhibitions.

Curatorial Vision

To create equitable and inclusive programming that supports and promotes global, innovative, and non-hierarchical approaches to contemporary printmaking from a range of cross-cultural perspectives. To elevate the printed medium, and shape audience experience of print in relation to wider contemporary culture.

ELIGIBILITY

• Applications must be print-based or relate to printmaking.
• Artists who have shown in a solo or duo exhibition [Main Gallery & Project Space] must wait for at least one year before applying again.
• The above would not affect inclusion in group exhibitions (three artists or more).
• Exhibiting on the Feature Wall does not affect eligibility to apply for a Main Gallery or Project Space exhibition.
• These criteria do not apply to offsite exhibitions or special calls outside the usual gallery programming.
• Board Members and staff members are not eligible to apply for exhibitions, scholarships or residencies during their term. (An exception would be made should an artist already be programmed and then move into a board/staff position).

JURYING

Residency submissions are selected by a jury consisting of: Open Studio’s Studio & Education Manager, a member of Open Studio’s Programming Committee, and an Open Studio artist member or external member of the arts community.

Exhibition submissions are selected by a jury consisting of: Open Studio’s Curator & Collections Manager, a member of Open Studio’s Programming Committee, and an Open Studio artist member or external member of the arts community.

The jury member from Open Studio’s artist membership / external member of the arts community will change with each programming year. Where possible, the same jurors will jury all residency and exhibition opportunities for a one-year cycle. 

Please note that due to the number of submissions that we receive, Open Studio is unable to provide individual feedback for applications.