Category: events

Artist Talk at Red Head Gallery. Photo credit: Sue Bracken

Three artist pioneers in the artist-led community come together for a casual conversation reflecting on their experience and looking at the future of artist empowered events: Lisa Neighbour, a founding member of Red Head Gallery and along with Carlo Cesta, they run “Beauty Supply” in their home – an “ad hoc” community gallery; Richard Mongiat, a founding member of LOOP gallery and a co-director of Collective City – a digital archive of artist-led activity in Toronto; with David McClyment interviewing them. McClyment is a current member of Red Head, and whose show, “then, there’s this…” will be on display in the gallery. Saturday, September 20, 3 to 4 pm. FREE.

Any artist who has ever been frustrated by the lack of opportunity for their artwork will want to be part of this.

Part of the ongoing celebrations in 2025 to mark Red Head Gallery’s 35th anniversary

What’s so important about “artist-led?” McClyment says:

“My compulsion to draw has never been about making money or attracting personal attention. Both come and go. So, what is important? It’s getting my hands dirty. That makes me happy. Nor am I particularly good at doing what someone else – like a dealer, curator or buyer- tells me to do.  “Artist-empowered” just feels right. I started my exhibiting career with a Toronto co-op, Workscene, now gone. In becoming a recent member of Red Head Gallery I feel like I have come home.”

COLLECTIVE CITY PLAYS TO A PACKED HOUSE AT THE REVUE CINEMA

Collective City premiered three documentaries, Art Spin, Name 10 Parts of the Body and the Outlaw Neon to a packed house at the Revue Cinema on October 22, 2022. The event was followed by a “Meet the Artists” reception at Loons Pub which was also well attended. Thanks to everyone who came out!

COLLECTIVE CITY SPEAKS TO STUDENTS OF U OF T SCARBOROUGH

On November 18^th, Richard and Dave of Collective City gave a two-hour talk to the students of “Arts, Culture and Media” class at University of Toronto, Scarborough. Topics covered included the origins of CC, the differences between collectives of the late 80’s and 90’s and present-day collectives and the importance of these types of initiatives in reaching and representing diverse communities in Toronto. Thanks to all the students who attended the Zoom session!

COLLECTIVE CITY SCREENING AT THE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY CANADIAN ART, TORONTO

Collective City premiered two new documentaries, 23rd Room and TwentyTwenty Arts, along with the art collective database at the Revue Cinema on November 28, 2021.

COLLECTIVE CITY SCREENING AT THE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY CANADIAN ART, TORONTO

Collective City presented three new documentaries that chronicle the rich and vibrant history of Toronto-based visual arts collectives at the MOCA on Friday, May 10, 2019. Viewers saw short docs on  Spontaneous Combustion, Cold City Gallery and Painting Disorders followed by drinks at Henderson Brewery. 

COLLECTIVE CITY NOMINATED FOR A TORONTO HERITAGE AWARD

Collective City was nominated for Heritage Toronto Award in the category of Community Heritage. The ceremony and Mayor’s Reception took place on Monday, October 29, 2018, at The Carlu. Sadly we didn’t take home a trophy that night but it was an honour to tobe recognized with the nomination.

COLLECTIVE CITY SCREENING AT LOOP GALLERY

Artists Yael Brotman and Marian Wihak invited Richard and David from Collective City to show a selection of their docs at Loop Gallery on October 16th, 2018. This was followed by a Q & A with the public. Thanks to Yael and Marian for inviting us and to everyone who attended!

COLLECTIVE CITY SCREENING AT STEPHEN BULGER GALLERY

Collective City premiered four new short documentaries; The Un Collective, Place & Show, The Red Head Galllery and Loop Gallery at Stephen Bulger Gallery on June 29, 2017. A big thanks to Stephen Bulger, Mirvet Youssuf and the rest of the staff at the gallery for hosting us. And thanks to everyone who came out!

COLLECTIVE CITY AT SHERIDAN COLLEGE

Richard Mongiat and David Sylvestre presented three short documentaries at Sheridan College in October of 2016 followed by a Q & A session with the students. Some of the subjects covered included “how did the collectives fund the exhibitions?” and “how did the artists find each other?” Thanks to the students and teachers for such a lively session!

SCREENING: MUD AND HOUSE PROJECT

We screened the first two documentaries, MUD and House Project collectives, at in the back room of Duffy’s Tavern in October of 2013. We had a very good turn out with people spilling out from the back room to the main bar area. Thank you to everyone who showed up!