FACES Collective TO
Focused Artists Creating Emergent Spaces
ABOUT
FACES Collective TO is a Toronto-based arts collective that aims to establish a safe, caring program for BIPOC artists in a state of transition (i.e., considering going back to school, a change in career or just a change in focus) who want to dedicate more time to work on their art and wish to connect with others in the same position.
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FACES allows the bridging of perspectives from BIPOC artists with potential allies within the arts community and is founded by Jamie Ly & Sarah Cullen. We are tied to Toronto Island as community members as well as artists.
FOUNDERS
Jamie Ly (she/her), lead artist and facilitator, experienced barriers herself as a Chinese diasporic artist born and raised in T’karonto. After having some security pursuing a “stable career” in Education, Jamie is able and enthusiastic to support other BIPOC artists who face similar lived experiences through FACES.
Sarah Cullen is a contemporary visual artist based on Menecing – Toronto Island. She is a white settler of English and Scottish heritage. FACES builds upon similar work she has been involved with, namely working to widen participation for visual artists who are caring for young children. Sarah’s project, MOTHRA: Artist-Parent Project, which is based at AGP, has gained international recognition, and is designed for these often excluded artists.
In August 2022, FACES offered a week-long residency inviting emerging BIPOC artists to participate in dialogue, art-making, and inclusive community building revolving around lived experiences with the intention of further diversifying the arts community in Toronto. This residency was a pilot project centred on widening participation in the arts sector. It took place at Artscape Gibraltar Point and was funded by the Ontario Arts Council.
FACES engaged BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) artists who did not pursue a career in the arts because of cultural, family, or financial pressures - pressures, which for some, may be a direct result of systemic racism.
The FACES residency included a working retreat and a research project. The residency acted as a first practical step to enable artists to participate in discussions while engaging with their art practice in a collective setting.
Artists were invited to share their experiences about the barriers they’ve faced when considering a career in the arts. Conversations centred on discovering what supports are needed in order to encourage and support other potential BIPOC artists.
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During the week, artists had dedicated time for their own artistic pursuits during the program. FACES recognizes this as an important element for these artists who may lack the luxury of time to devote to their practice. An established BIPOC artist as well as guest speakers
were invited to conduct studio visits and join
in discussions as well.
Participants contributed written and artistic content to a zine which will be printed and distributed in 2023. At the end of residency, FACES hosted an Open House during which friends and family and the general public visited AGP and saw the work which was produced.
FACES Residency 2022
ARTISTS
MEMBERS
FUNDERS & PARTNERS
FACES acknowledges generous funding from the Ontario Arts Council. We are also proud to be partnered with Partial, Artscape Gibraltar Point, and the Urban Alliance on Race Relations in our quest to support and create more opportunities for BIPOC artists and individuals.
