OUTREACH is Gallery 44’s award-winning photography program that provides youth from underserved communities throughout the GTA with a series of hands-on analog workshops that explore the power of images.
This year Gallery 44 will be running its first-ever OUTREACH Symposium for all OUTREACH participants and alumni featuring concurrent presentations covering topics surrounding the allure of ‘being an artist’ in a more practical sense. Between the morning and afternoon workshop sessions, the symposium will also feature a mixer where past OUTREACH participants will have the opportunity to meet, socialize and connect. The day will cap off with a pre-registered portfolio review session where participants have the opportunity to bring in their work and receive feedback from local artist Jah Grey.
Day Schedule | Thursday, August 8, 2019
Morning sessions | 10AM-12PM
- Artists and Social Media | Kendra Yee
Learn tips and tricks to navigating social media. The presentation will cover; history of online networks, understanding basic algorithms and breaking down hidden features on apps. This workshop will also review basic concepts to brand building and provide a step by step guide when posting on social media. This will allow for people to understand the possibilities of social media, and approach it from a content generator perspective.
- Art 101: Putting yourself out there | Philip Ocampo
"Art 101: Putting Yourself Out There" is an introduction into being an arts worker/producer, and a guide into how to navigate and get involved in art communities. In partnership with Xpace Cultural Centre, attendees will learn about resources for emerging practices, professional development tips such as contact literacy, as well as how to avoid being exploited throughout professional endeavours. The workshop aims to demystify arts culture through making space for honest conversations about the realities and collective experiences that come with choosing this career path.
FREE LUNCH & MIXER | 12PM-1PM
Afternoon sessions | 1PM-3PM
- How to take rejection | Marjan Verstappen
So, you got all inspired, wrote the application, and proposed the most thrilling art project you could imagine but they said 'no.' This workshop will provide insight on how to scrape your ego off the floor and keep moving forward with your plans for art world domination after a tough rejection.
- Mental Health Self-Care for Artists | Matthew Eldridge
Stress and anxiety levels tend to be higher in artistic communities. Depression and anxiety stem from a combination of genetic vulnerability and “invalidating environments.” Artists are especially prone to invalidating environments due to the competitive nature of their jobs, significant physical and emotional demands, vulnerability, often facing rejection, criticism and the feeling of always needing to be “on”. This educational workshop will focus on how to create validating environments to find validation in yourself, stress management tips, how to develop mental wellness skills and resources for therapy programs.
- Grants & Funding | Ashton Shearer (CUE Art Projects)
Grants are an important way to access the resources necessary to realize your next art project. However, the granting process is not always the most accessible to emerging artists. Ashton Shearer, the Program Coordinator at CUE Art Projects will present different avenues to access funding and other opportunities to fund and support your artistic practices including CUE’s own accessible micro-grants, available to emerging artists.
- Artist document writing | Kendra Ainsworth
An active art practice involves a lot of writing, something that can be a daunting process! Learn about the types of documents artists have to prepare, from CVs and artist statements to exhibition and grant proposals. Find out how style, structure and the writing process can help you conceptualize your practice and introduce your work and personal brand to the world! Bring a draft you are working on to workshop with other participants.
PORTFOLIO REVIEWS | 3PM-5PM
*8 spots available
This one-day event is FREE and will be taking place August 8th from 10AM to 5PM at Gallery 44 Centre for Contemporary Photography. Food and beverages will be provided so RSVP’s are strongly encouraged! Please note that the schedule is flexible and you are welcome to attend both morning & afternoon sessions, or whatever suits your interests. If you would like to sign up for the portfolio reviews please e-mail [email protected] - spots are limited so secure yours early!
RSVP/Tickets are available here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/outreach-symposium-tickets-64072640994
