Confinement and Contagion

Project Statement

Confinement and Contagion is an upcoming exhibition and workshop series for artists affected by the prison system to share their work and their stories. In partnership with three Toronto-based prisoners’ rights and advocacy organizations—Literal Change, Toronto Prisoners’ Rights Project, and PASAN—the project will bring to light the vulnerability of racialized incarcerated people and those in their networks to adverse physical and mental health impacts. Using artworks and participatory workshops, Confinement and Contagion advocates for prisoner health. The project champions actionable reconciliation with Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour, LGBTQ2S+, and other equity-seeking communities experiencing intersecting identities. This project was made possible by the presenting partner, Myseum of Toronto, to be featured at the 7th annual Myseum Intersections festival, opening in April 2022.

Call for Artists

INFORMATION FOR ARTISTS

We are seeking submissions from Toronto and GTA artists who have been affected by the prison and judicial system, either personally through their own incarceration, or through the experience of a friend, family, or community member. All artistic practices will be considered for submission, including but not limited to digital media, sculpture, painting, spoken or written word, and others. Artworks will be selected by a panel, including curators and project partners. Selected artists will have their original works in the exhibition and successful applicants will be paid an honorarium per applicable CARFAC fees, with the option to sell their work in the exhibited space to earn extra income through the project.

See project poster here.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

To be considered for this project please email ccproject2022@gmail.com with the following:

• An artist’s bio and/or an artist’s statement (Max. 500 words)

• 5-10 samples of your work

• Why you would like to be involved in this project. Filmed or written replies will be accepted (Max 5 minutes or 500 words).

• CV (Optional)

Accepted formats: PDF, word, pages, mp3, mp4, Google Drive link

Please clearly name any submitted documents with your first and last name. Submissions are evaluated by the curators and project partners. We encourage you to self-identify in your submission. Submissions are open to artists of all skill levels, and applications from Black, Indigenous, Persons of Colour and/or LGBTQ2S+ will be prioritized.

Download the pdf version here.

Read about the project partners.