Doorstop Arts Program

Overview

This program is designed to provide emerging, immigrant artists the resources to actualize their creative expression. Participants learn how to provoke and inspire change in communities through authentic, artistic expression. They also gain a deeper understanding of the professional art scene in Canada.

Eligible participants are often from the following groups:

• Immigrant artists living in Canada with cultural practices informed by their homeland
• Emerging artists who have produced a small body of work while achieving some recognition and public exhibition experience
• Professional artists seeking cultural patronage and greater public appreciation of arts

Key outcomes:

• A network of seasoned personnel in arts and cultural industries
• Raise social awareness through artistic expression
• Clear personal and career-development goals with community support

Program

Doorstop Arts residency selects two artists, researchers or collectives of up to three people from applications. Priority is given to those who create community-based art serving dedicated cultural groups or contemporary art that seeks to refine and expand specific art forms/mediums.

Program components

• Weekly roundtable discussions on progress and concerns
• Two days weekly of onsite work in a studio space
• Critique sessions with external curators, peers, or researchers
• Field trips and/or open studio visits
• Health and wellness sessions

Project Work

Each of the two selected residents / resident collectives takes a turn to lead an eight-week project from proposal to launch. They are supported for the duration by the other residents, a team of production coordinators, and an experienced mentor. At the end of each eight-week project, a two-week public programming of the resident’s choice (exhibition, symposium, publication, etc) is presented.

Mentorship

Residents and/or resident collectives will be paired with a seasoned, reputable mentor. Mentors serve as both project supervisors and research counsellors, meeting with residents routinely to offer feedback and guidance.