Celebrating the 25th Annual Being Scene Exhibition

Artwork: Jace Traz

25th Annual Being Scene – Juried Exhibition
Presented by Workman Arts

May 7 – June 14, 2026 | Public Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 1 – 6pm
Opening Reception: Thursday, May 7, 6 – 8pm
32 Lisgar Street, 2nd Floor, Toronto

Workman Arts celebrates 25 Years of Being Scene with a landmark Exhibition, opening May 7 and running through June 14, 2026.

Marking a quarter-century of artistic excellence and community impact, Being Scene is a vital platform showcasing the work of artists with lived experiences of mental health and addiction. The artworks on display at this year’s juried exhibition include a diverse collection of painting, photography, digital media, installations, sculpture and video featuring 28 select artists. A tailored public program will include Open Studio and other programs/events offered throughout the year.

Being Scene represents a sustained commitment to amplifying voices that are too often underrepresented in the contemporary landscape. For 25 years, this exhibition has evolved into a key must-attend event on Toronto’s cultural calendar.

We are excited to announce our partnership with Gallery 44, launching Being Scene x G44 MAD FOCUS annual award presented to recognize excellence and artistic rigor in photography and digital media. The inaugural recipient of this award is Alino Giraldi.

The exhibition also honors the legacy of Ica Pas through the awarding of scholarships to Leeay Aikawa and Michael Alemayehu.

The participating artists were selected by a jury committee of professional curators from Toronto and Montreal: Simon Cole (Founder and Director – Cooper Cole Gallery), Eli Kerr (Founder of Galerie Eli Kerr) and Ann MacDonald (Director and Curator – Doris McCarthy Gallery).

The public program of free events accompanying Being Scene provides opportunities for artists with lived experience to connect with the larger arts sector in Toronto, through workshops, studio visits and discussions about urgent/growing issues within our community at WA.

Exhibition Accessibility
Workman Arts is committed to values of inclusivity and accessibility for all guests, staff, volunteers and artists. We are listening and learning from our community to help us address barriers and open up opportunities for anyone interested to engage with the Being Scene exhibition and related events. All exhibition venues are wheelchair accessible with accessible washrooms.

If you accessibility inquiries or needs, please get in touch with Julian Diego at julian_diego@workmanarts.com or 416-583-4339 (Monday – Friday, 12 – 5pm).

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

For more information, visit our website.

Presented with the generous support of: