Call for Scarborough Artist or Collective In Residence at the Scarborough Museum

Curated by Aisle 4

Application Deadline: April 16, 2019 (11:59PM)
Residency Dates: July 1-31, 2019

In Residence is an artist-in-residence series at the Scarborough Museum that examines the role of a colonial history museum in present-day Scarborough. Seeking to expand the museum’s institutional capacity, participating artists will introduce new narratives, perspectives, and timeframes that build stronger linkages with the surrounding Bendale neighbourhood.

Guiding questions for residency participants include: Whose history is being interpreted at this site, and whose is not? What time period qualifies as “historical”? What are some invisible barriers associated with the site? Who dictates how the site can be used or occupied? How can the museum be more critically connected to its surrounding communities, demographics and industries?

In Residence is a collaboration with the dedicated staff at the Scarborough Museum to both challenge and enhance its function as an operating “historical” site through contemporary art and social practice. Each artist/collective will inhabit a space at the Museum and create work in conversation with local residents, business owners, and community organizations during their four-week residency period. The Museum will become a temporary home, office, or studio in which artists can conduct research, create work, workshop ideas, host meetings, and run public programs, among many other functions.

Aisle 4 is seeking a Scarborough-based and/or Scarborough-born artist or collective for the July 2019 residency period. The residency structure will depend on the proposed activities of the applicant, and the schedule will be determined in consultation with the curators and museum staff. Active presence both at the museum and in surrounding areas is a requirement of participation, with an average time commitment of 1-2 on-site sessions per week for 3-4 weeks (between 40-60 hours total).

Familiarity with the Bendale neighbourhood and the Museum is considered an asset. It is recommended that interested applicants take a guided tour at the Scarborough Museum and explore the surrounding area before submitting an application. The Museum is open six days a week: Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10am-4pm; Wednesday 12-8pm; Saturday & Sunday 12-4pm. Please speak with either Elaine, Meredyth, or Tristan during your visit who can discuss possible spaces and the program scope in more detail.

Artist Honorarium: $2,500
Production / Presentation Budget: up to $1,500

Application Guidelines (PDF Attachments or Dropbox Links)

1. Residency proposal (500 words max) – any/all that apply:
   • What ideas are you exploring through this residency
   • What types of activities do you plan to pursue
   • List specific audiences that will be engaged through this program
   • What are your goals / intended outcomes of participation
2. Project needs (250 words max) – any/all that apply:
   • Materials / supplies / equipment
   • Staffing / volunteers / technical support
3. Current CV and/or artist bio (2 pages max)
4. Up to 5 images (2MB max each) or time-based media (.mov, .m4v, vimeo or youtube) that support your proposal and/or show past work

Please submit proposals by e-mail to info@aisle4.ca by April 16, 2019 with the subject line: “Call for Submissions: In Residence”

This project is produced with the generous support of the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council

About the Curators
Aisle 4 is a four-person curatorial project that initiates and promotes socially-engaged artwork. Based in Toronto, the collective collaborates with artists from a range of disciplines, presenting site-specific and critical public art experiences that reach beyond core arts audiences.

About the Site
Scarborough Museum shows the history and development of Scarborough from its incorporation in 1850 to its growth and emergence as a major suburb in the 20th century. The site and its gardens are situated in Scarborough, the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples, which is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The property was occupied by David and Mary Thomson, who immigrated to Scarborough in the late 1790s from Scotland.

For inquiries:
e: info@aisle4.ca
www.aisle4.ca
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