Qirou Yang, Be Satiated in the Dark-2, 2021

Workman Arts presents the 21st Annual Being Scene Exhibition

WHEN: March 31 – May 31, 2022

WHERE:
Annual Juried Show at 2104 Dundas St W from April 1 – 28, 2022
Diapause at Beaver Hall Gallery, 29 McCaul St from May 17 – 31, 2022
workmanarts.com/being-scene-2022/

OPENING VIRTUAL CELEBRATION:
Thursday, March 31, 6-8 PM EDT – FREE
Please register in advance HERE

Celebrating artists with lived experiences, the exhibition will be both in-person and online this year. Being Scene showcases a survey of juried artworks by a wide range of artists with varying disciplines. Alongside this, the curated component returns this year by inviting a new guest curator Oliviana Cinco, to curate a member group show alongside the juried show as part of the overall exhibition. With an accompanying event series including artist-led events/panels/tours and educational workshops/discussions both in-person and online, this year’s 2-month long programming will be an interactive and exciting experience demonstrating what these 56 artists have to offer. The works on display at this year’s juried show will be divided into two in-person exhibiting groups and an online platform including so much more where visitors can show their support by purchasing artwork.

The juried exhibition was selected with the assistance of jury advisors: Barbora Racevičiūtė (National Director of IMAA – the Independent Media Arts Alliance), James Hewitt (Founder and Director of The Run Gallery) and Oscar Figueroa (Toronto-based Artist and Curator).

The curated portion of Being Scene encapsulates the artist’s process of development, reflecting movement and stillness simultaneously in response to the adaptation of our ever-changing environment. Diapause, meaning dia- ‘through’ + pause (noun), describes a period of suspended development exhibited as a result of unfavorable environmental conditions. The curated exhibition features artwork by Workman artists Coley, Tina Guo, Paula John, Mustafa Khan, Brittany Newlove, Kat Singer, Asma Sultana and Jan Swinburne. Guest Curator Oliviana Cinco invites us to think of this year’s curated exhibit for Being Scene as an offering for self-reflection, as we continue to re-engage with the world and find new ways of connecting with ourselves and our communities.

The expanded program of free events accompanying Being Scene provides opportunities for arts lovers to delve deeper into the works on display and meet some of the artists with guided tours and workshops led by participating artists, a guided tour for Diapause led by curator Oliviana Cinco, and a roundtable discussion amongst the curated artists of Diapause.

“We are thrilled to present our very first hybrid exhibition and our very first multiple venue exhibition under the Being Scene banner,” says Workman Arts Executive Artistic Director, Kelly Straughan. “This year patrons can enjoy the exhibit from the comfort of their own home or venture out for an in-person tour or artist talk. Regardless of how you choose to engage with the exhibition, the work on display remains powerful, provocative and breathtaking.”

Tracey MacArthur, CAMH President and CEO notes “This event is an opportunity to celebrate the successes and dedication of people with lived experience. With the return of in-person exhibits and virtual programming, Being Scene is not to be missed. We are grateful for our continued partnership with Workman Arts and look forward to seeing the artwork spotlighted this year.”

Being Scene runs March 31 – May 31, 2022; The annual Juried show at 2104 Dundas St W from April 1 – 28, Diapause at Beaver Hall Gallery from May 17 – 31, and an expanded program of free events online throughout the two months! A virtual opening event which includes the premiere of the online exhibition, a sneak peak of Diapause, and a talk celebrating the 35th Anniversary of Workman Arts with founder Lisa Brown and 5 original Workman Arts member artists, will take place on March 31 from 6-8 PM EDT.

For more information and a full list of all artists in the exhibition, visit workmanarts.com/being-scene-2022/

For further information, interviews or images, please contact kais_padamshi@workmanarts.com.

To receive email updates about Being Scene’s annual exhibition launch sign up for the mailing list.

Accessibility: For all accessibility support inquiries and to view the complete list of our exhibition’s accessibility practices and services, please visit our Accessibility Guide here.

Presented with the generous support of:

Workman Arts is a multidisciplinary arts organization that promotes a greater understanding of mental health and addiction issues through creation and presentation. Workman Arts supports artists living with mental health and addiction issues through peer-to-peer arts education, public presentations and partnerships with the broader arts community.

Workman Arts
1025 Queen Street West, #2400
Toronto ON M6J 1H4
416-583-4339
info@workmanarts.com
workmanarts.com

Find us on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube