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About this Call
Theme: Find Our Way Back
Guest Curator: Emilie Croning
“Find Our Way Back” explores the theme of reconnection—whether that’s to self, community, nature, or history. In a world that is rapidly changing, many are questioning where we have come from and where we are headed. This project invites artists to reflect on personal or collective journeys, the search for belonging, and the act of rediscovery through still and moving images.
This theme may be interpreted in a myriad of ways that delve into the emotional, environmental, and societal landscapes that shape our sense of direction, for example, by:
- Exploring the search for reconnection or understanding—to self, others, places, or histories;
- Addressing the impact of loss, displacement, or uncertainty on identity and belonging;
- Engaging with the tension between past and present, tradition and innovation, and the desire to reconnect with what has been lost or forgotten;
- Inviting dialogue about the journey of healing, hope, and rediscovery in the face of challenging times.
Guidelines & Details
The collection will play from May – September at the following locations:
- CSI Spadina (@csitoronto) at 8pm – 4am
- Remote Gallery (@remotegallery) at 10pm – 4am
- Onyx Barbers (@onyxbarbers) at 8pm – 4am
Please note that this is subject to change as the venue may have their own events happening
Deadline: May 5th, 2025
Before submitting, please read our general guidelines here:
https://makeroom.me/art-guidelines/
Submission Guidelines
- Only open to artists in the Greater Toronto Area.
- 5 artists will be chosen for this open call by guest curator Emilie Croning via scoring process.
- Each artist will receive an honorarium of $250.
Format
- Artists may submit up to 5 pieces of artwork.
- Artist must also include a headshot
- All submissions should be in JPEG, PNG or MP4 format.
- Any video art must be less than a minute.
Criteria
- Artwork will be approved using the following criteria: Aesthetic Quality, Concept & Theme Cohesion.
- Artwork should enhance the overall public environment and pedestrian streetscape experience.
AI Policy
MakeRoom embraces the creative use of new technologies to enhance artistic expression. Acceptable use of AI in an open call will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Any use of AI must be accurately disclosed and described at the time of submission.
In the case of doubt about the use of AI to create the submitted artwork, MakeRoom may request more information. Failure to provide the requested information within 2 business days may result in disqualification.
MakeRoom reserves the right to disqualify any entry that has been entered in violation of these requirements.
Apply
About The Curator
Emilie Croning (lives and works in Toronto/Tkaronto) is a curator, art historian, and writer. Her work explores issues and systems around representation and identity as they relate to visual language and diasporic narratives.
Her curatorial practice is grounded in creating space and advocating for emerging artists in a global context. She has collaborated with several galleries and organizations including the Art Gallery of Ontario, Wedge Curatorial Projects, Gallery 44, Gallery TPW, Nia Centre for the Arts, Toronto Biennial of Art, Capture and CONTACT Photography Festivals, Critical Distance Centre for Curators, Artist Project Toronto, among others.
Recent exhibitions include: Feels Like Home (Art Gallery of Ontario, 2023); Jorian Charlton: Out of Many (Art Gallery of Ontario, and Online (Gallery TPW, 2021); Colour Love (Cry Baby Gallery, 2020); Handle With Care (The Gladstone Hotel, 2020); a love ethic (The Gladstone Hotel, 2019).
About MakeRoom Inc
MakeRoom Inc. is a curatorial agency & arts organization whose mission is to provide space to BIPOC and Emerging Artists to display their work, as well as provide funding opportunities.
Follow us on Instagram: @MakeRoomInc