About Our Artistic Programming and Curatorial Vision

Open Studio is committed to equitable public programming that reflects innovative, cross-cultural approaches to contemporary printmaking. We prioritize applications from equity-deserving communities, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC), persons with disabilities, individuals living with mental illness, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

Our programming explores the evolving role of printmaking in contemporary culture and supports diverse interpretations of the medium. This includes non-Eurocentric printmaking traditions, digital and analogue practices, DIY publishing (zines, posters, pamphlets), and traditional printmaking techniques.

We encourage proposals that engage with the industrial, digital, commercial, and craft-based dimensions of print, or that combine print with other media. We also welcome work that explores conceptual approaches to print, such as sequencing, multiples, and layering. Solo and group exhibition proposals are both accepted.

Eligibility

We are currently accepting proposals from artists based in Ontario, Canada.

All applications must demonstrate a clear connection to analogue printmaking, either through material processes or conceptually grounded print-based practices. Fully digital works are only considered if they incorporate analogue printmaking techniques.

Artists who have had a solo or two-person exhibition in either the Main Gallery or Project Space must wait one year before reapplying. This restriction does not apply to group exhibitions of three or more artists, or to off-site and special exhibitions.

Board and staff members are ineligible to apply during their term. This does not apply to artists whose exhibitions were accepted prior to assuming a board or staff role.

Exhibition Opportunities

Main Gallery: The Main Gallery is Open Studio’s largest exhibition space and is open to public proposals from all print artists.

Project Space: The Project Space is a smaller exhibition space located adjacent to the Main Gallery and is reserved for Open Studio artist members. Membership information is available here.

Vitrines: The Vitrines are a display-based exhibition initiative located outside the studio, dedicated to installation-based projects. This program is open to all artists and is curated through invitation by the Curator & Collections Manager; no application is required.

Artist Fees

Participating artists in Open Studio’s programming are paid artist fees in accordance with CARFAC guidelines. This includes honoraria for Project Space exhibitions and for single works or small-scale installations in the Vitrines.

Submissions

Please submit your proposal using the appropriate application below. Each submission is reviewed individually by the Curator & Collections Manager. While we aim to respond promptly, please allow up to six weeks for a decision. Due to the volume of submissions, we are unable to provide individual feedback, but we will confirm whether your application has been successful.