ART101: Intro to the U of T & Toronto Art Scene
Thoughts & Sights | Russell Canceran
Let’s face it, the University of Toronto is not necessarily known for being a hub for young artists and creatives. In an overly academic environment, one has to work a lot harder to find creative outlets and inviting art communities. Rest assured this guide will help you navigate not only the U of T art scene, but the Toronto one as well.
Welcome to the University of Toronto, where it seems like there is no room for creative expression but check out these clubs to make the most of your experience.
VicXposure - For all the photographers out there, Victoria College’s photography club, VicXposure, is your best option for your shutterbug needs. The club is super inviting to students from all U of T colleges, and hosts events such as photo walks and photography workshops. The club also hosts open submission galleries, monthly photo contests and darkroom sessions. Give them a follow on Facebook and Instagram @vicxposure to stay updated and see photos from other U of T students.
Trinity Art Show - For artists of all disciplines, Trinity College hosts an annual art show that has a curated theme. The theme of last year’s show was work that interprets and emphasizes minimal visual forms. For artists seeking to gain exposure, the Trinity College Art Show is one of your best options. Check them out at their Instagram @artshowtrinity, and their website, www.trinityartshow.com.
The Howl Mag - Lastly for all you creative minds at Woodsworth (and other colleges), The Howl Mag seeks to be your artistic outlet. We are constantly looking for writers, photographers, and artists to join our team to continue to cater to an awesome arts community here at U of T. Check us out on Instagram @thehowlmag, where we feature the artwork and photos of U of T and local artists. Slide in our DMs to be featured or for any other inquiries!
For those seeking to make the big leap into the Toronto art scene, here are a couple art collectives and galleries that are a must follow.
Omit Limitation and Blank Canvas Gallery - Omit Limitation is one of Toronto’s premier community based art collectives. This collective hosts a variety of events and runs the infamous Blank Canvas Gallery at 890 St. Clair West. Through the gallery, the collective has been able to create a welcoming and safe environment for all walks of life, while reaching out to a multitude of Toronto artists of all disciplines. Their events are also notorious for being wild and dance filled, so much that they created a spot down the street for after hour events. If you need a space to display your art, take part in open mics, meet other artists, or just have a good dance, Blank Canvas is the place to go. Check them out on Facebook and Instagram @blankcanvasgallery and @omitlimitation to keep up with events you do not want to miss out on.
BABYTEETH Collective - BABYTEETH is an arts collective made up of four female artists from Toronto that focuses on providing a platform for young artists to relay their lived experiences in a safe and positive space. The collective hosts many events, such as art shows and fundraisers, throughout the city while giving rise to vital issues. Their last event, This Shit Still Happens, a sexual assault awareness fundraiser held at the Gladstone Hotel, hosted many up-and-coming Toronto artists, like MADDEE and Luna Li. The collective also hosts smaller and more intimate, curated art shows that often have open calls for submission. Stay updated and give them a follow on Instagram @babyteethcollective or check their website out at www.babyteeth.space.
U of T and Toronto can be very intimidating environments, and often times young artists do not where to go in order to find creative communities. Hopefully the following collectives, galleries, and clubs can you help take that first leap into the art scene.