News
Momentum Builds for Printopolis with Keynote Speaker and Project Support Announcement
International Symposium on Contemporary Printmaking, Toronto, October 21-24, 2010
International Symposium on Contemporary Printmaking, Toronto, October 21-24, 2010
Toronto, ON – March 15, 2010 – Open Studio—one of Canada’s leading printmaking centres—is pleased to announce that preparations for Printopolis are on track for the October symposium with a focus on contemporary printmaking, in recognition of Open Studio’s fortieth anniversary. Two important milestones have been reached with today’s announcement of the conference keynote speaker, as well as confirmation of the lead project supporter.
Open Studio is excited to announce that the keynote speaker for Printopolis will be José Roca. Roca, who was selected for contributions to contemporary printmaking practice and contemporary art in general, is a Colombian curator working out of Bogotá and Philadelphia, where he is currently Artistic Director of Philagrafika 2010. Previously, he managed the arts program at the Banco de la República in Bogotá for a decade, establishing it as one of the most respected institutions in Latin America. Roca has extensive international experience as an independent curator and writer, including co-curatorial roles for the San Juan Poly/Graphic Triennial (2004); the 27th São Paulo Biennial (2006); MDE07, the Encuentro de Medellín (2007); and Cart[ajena], a series of urban interventions in Cartagena, Colombia (2007). Roca also served on the awards jury for the 52nd Venice Biennial (2007). Toronto audiences may be familiar with Roca as the curator of Imprints for a Fleeting Memorial, a survey of work by Oscar Muñoz, which showed at Prefix Institute of Contemporary Art and YYZ Artists’ Outlet in early 2008.
Open Studio is also thrilled to announce that the Printopolis symposium and subsequent publication have gained the crucial support of the Toronto Friends of the Visual Arts (TFVA) as lead project supporter. According to Pat James, Chair of the TFVA project support committee, the selection committee was “most impressed with the creativity of the project, with its high level of organization and support within the printmaking community, and with [Open Studio’s] energy and dedication to success and quality of program.” For these reasons, TFVA has decided to provide Open Studio with their maximum backing of $15,000 in support of the Printopolis symposium and a follow-up publication, which will be released in 2011. With less than eight months to go until Printopolis, this support comes at a critical stage in the event planning. TFVA’s support of the project will be recognized at their annual Tribute Night, to be held on May 4th.
“Printopolis is a unique undertaking by Open Studio and we are delighted that its importance has been recognized so enthusiastically by the Toronto Friends of the Visual Arts.” said Open Studio’s Executive Director, Heather Webb. “The momentum behind Printopolis is growing daily and we are honoured that esteemed curator José Roca has accepted the invitation to be our keynote speaker. For anyone interested in contemporary visual art, and especially print media, Printopolis is not to be missed.”
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Media contact: Sara Kelly, Associate Director, Open Studio.
T: 416-504-8238 E: sara@openstudio.on.ca .
Open Studio, 401 Richmond Street West, Suite 104, Toronto, ON M5V 3A8
T: 416-504-8238 / E: office@openstudio.on.ca / W: www.openstudio.on.ca
Open Studio—one of Canada's leading printmaking centres—has been opening the door to contemporary fine art printmaking by encouraging collaboration, creativity and discovery through creation, presentation, learning and community development since 1970. Open Studio is a comprehensive artist-run centre for contemporary printmaking practice, providing multi-faceted services, programs and information to artists and the public alike, including Studio Facility Rental; Visiting Artist Residencies; Scholarships; Exhibition Programming; Education Programs; Collaborative Printing; Outreach/Tours; Artist Talks and Demos; and Print Sales/Archives. Open Studio gratefully acknowledges the support of The City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council, The Canada Council for the Arts and the Ontario Arts Council. Open Studio also acknowledges the generous support of its members and numerous foundations, corporations and individuals. To learn more about Open Studio, see: www.openstudio.on.ca.
Printopolis is a four-day symposium with an international focus on contemporary printmaking being presented by Open Studio in Toronto, Canada from October 21 – 24, 2010. Printopolis will feature issue-based panel discussions/presentations, artist talks and printmaking demonstrations. This citywide event will feature exhibitions highlighting contemporary print media works on display throughout Toronto. A follow-up companion publication will be released in 2011. To learn more about Printopolis, see: www.openstudio.on.ca/printopolis.html.
Toronto Friends of the Visual Arts is an independent non-profit organization founded in 1998 that gives financial support to the visual arts in the GTA and provides an educational program for members. TFVA promotes knowledge and understanding of traditional and contemporary art, architecture, landscape architecture and decorative arts and design through lectures, museum visits, gallery and studio visits. TFVA, a member of the Toronto Community Foundation, presents three annual financial awards presented at an annual Tribute Night. Since 1998, TFVA has given $225,000 to artists, mentors, projects and student scholarships. To learn more about Toronto Friends of the Visual Arts, see: www.tfva.ca .
