The Blog

Application deadline: Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Start date: Monday, November 9, 2020

Rate: $16.15/hour

Term:  November 9, 2020 – May 7, 2021. 

Xpace Cultural Centre is a not-for-profit artist-run centre supported by the OCAD Student Union. We are dedicated to providing emerging and student artists, designers, curators and art writers with opportunities to showcase their work in a professional setting. 

We approach our programming as a form of world-building: providing exhibitions, events, panels and workshops. Expanding notions of theory and aesthetics, we seek to hold space for thought-provoking and experimental collaborations and work on short timelines, which allow us to respond directly to what is going on in our communities. 

Xpace Cultural Centre is committed to maintaining an anti-oppressive, queer positive environment, prioritizing marginalized, Black, Indigenous and People of Colour.

Position 

The Digital Media Coordinator works in collaboration with the Director and Programming Coordinators to develop and manage digital content and archiving for Xpace’s workshops, event and exhibition programming. This position is a part-time, 7-month contract commencing November 9, 2020. Compensation is $16.15/hour at 10-12 hours per week, which can be worked remotely if needed.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director, the Digital Media Coordinator will:

• Develop and publish monthly press releases and newsletters
• Create and schedule social media content for Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
• Assist with digital outreach strategy development
• Assist Programming Coordinators with archiving exhibition, workshop and event documentation on Xpace’s website
• Assist Xpace staff with virtual workshop production and formatting exhibition essays as needed.
• Plan and execute one virtual public program (content TBD upon hiring)

Qualifications

• Is currently enrolled in a post-secondary design and/or art program at OCAD University, and qualifies for the IWSP program;
• Goal-oriented, quick learner and able to work in a team 
• Comfortable working remotely 
• Possesses excellent administrative, communication, verbal and organizational skills;
• Has a knowledge and interest in contemporary visual art and design practices;
• Comfortable working in a Mac environment;
• Knowledge of Facebook, Instagram and Twitter scheduling and content management
• Comfortable with Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Office;
• Knowledge of / Experience with WordPress, Later, Trello and HTML coding will be considered an asset.

This position is partially funded by the Institutional Work Study Plan and students must be registered in full-time studies at OCAD University. 

IWSP Student Approval Letter: Students must submit an OCAD U Work Study Application Form for the summer semester to the Financial Aid & Awards in order to verify their eligibility under the program. Students will receive a response via email within 5 business days. 

Please email [email protected] with the subject heading: ATTN Hiring Committee (Digital Media Coordinator) with the following:

• resume
• cover letter
• portfolio and/or website that includes design/digital media samples

Applications must be received by Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at 11:59 PM. No phone calls please.

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Hi friends!

In response to the rising numbers of COVID-19, we are implementing a couple of changes at Xpace.

Our current round of exhibitions closed a couple of days early, to give our team the chance to regroup and figure out next steps. We know some of you were really looking forward to seeing these works in person, but hope you can understand that this decision was made with the health and safety of our staff and the community in our best interest.

We’re so grateful for all the talented artists and writers who made it happen! Thank you, and thanks to everyone who visited and tuned in online.

You can view the photo documentation by Roya del Sol on this page and on our website.

Our next round of exhibitions opens on October 9th with a couple of changes:

🌟 Gallery hours are now from 1 – 4 PM
🌟 Appointments are still mandatory, and all visitors must continue to comply with our health & safety protocols (no exceptions!)
🌟 The amount of visits per appointment is now limited to 3 people, instead of 5
🌟 Staff members will now work remotely for alternating weeks to minimize risk of COVID-19 exposure

We will be providing updates as the situation develops, and if you have any questions or concerns please reach out to [email protected]

Stay safe and take care!

– Alexia, Natalie and Philip <3

Image: Forest Van Winkle, Secret From Two Wombs Ago, 2020. Photo credit: Roya DelSol

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After nearly five months of closure, a bit of stress and a lot of love, we’re very excited to reopen the gallery to the public on Tuesday, September 8th!

Gallery Hours : Tuesday – Saturday (12 – 6 PM)

Gallery visits will be by appointment only, to prioritize the health and safety of staff, visitors and collaborators and you can book an appointment by completing this online form. We ask you to provide your name, email, date and time of your visit and access needs.

If you are accompanied by a group, please note that our capacity is 10 (ten) people in the space at the same time including staff and visitors.

Visitor Terms & Conditions

• All visitors are required to complete a self-assessment visitor log with their name and date, stating if they have any COVID-19 symptoms before entering Xpace
• All visitors must sanitize hands at the front entrance with the hand sanitizer provided
• All visitors must wash hands thoroughly after using the restroom, sneezing, touching their face, blowing their nose, cleaning, sweeping, mopping, smoking, eating, or drinking.  
• All visitors must comply with the Xpace mask usage policy within the space. Disposable masks are available at the front entrance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What do I need to know before visiting Xpace?

We are prioritizing the health and safety of visitors and staff at Xpace Cultural Centre. Please read the following before visiting us:

If you are feeling unwell, show any COVID-19 symptoms, have been tested positive for COVID-19 or have been in touch with anyone that has, please stay home and take the time to heal and recuperate. 

• Wear a mask during your entire visit (Some exceptions apply, see below)
• Remain at least two (2) metres apart from other visitors at all times.
• Please wait your turn. We are permitting ten (10) people at Xpace at the same time, including office, galleries and restrooms. If you plan on visiting with a friend/group of friends, please let us know in advance and keep in mind that you might not be allowed to enter the space at the same time if we are at capacity. 
• Use hand sanitizer upon entering and leaving the gallery. We have a hand sanitizing station in the entrance and two gender-neutral restrooms where you can wash and dry your hands. We’ve also posted signage with instructions for hand-washing and face-covering.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue; if no tissue is available, use your elbow and wash your hands right after. 

How do I book an appointment to visit the gallery or zine library? 

We are not encouraging spontaneous visits to Xpace Cultural Centre during this time. If you are interested in stopping by to visit the gallery, zine library (or say hello to us!) please complete this online form. Our staff is not working from Xpace every day, so we will try to accommodate as best as possible. We’re looking forward to seeing you too! 

Are visitors to Xpace required to wear a mask or face covering

Yes. Everyone, within their capacity, is required to wear a mask or face covering at all times when visiting Xpace. Please see exceptions below. 

Is anyone exempt from wearing a mask or face covering while visiting Xpace?

We recognize that masks and face coverings are not universally accessible and pose a specific challenge to some folx. Please see a list below of people who are not required to wear a mask or face covering at Xpace:

• Children under the age of two. Babies and young children must not wear a face covering because of the risk of suffocation. 
• Individuals with a medical condition that makes it difficult to wear a mask. This can include but is not limited to:
  • Medical condition, mental health condition, cognitive condition or disability that prevents wearing a mask or face covering.
  • Medical condition that makes it difficult to breath or someone who is unconscious or incapacitated.
  • People who are hearing impaired, or are communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, and where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication
  • Individuals who are unable to put on our remove a mask without assistance
  • People who require accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code
  • Staff within an area designated for them and not for public access. This designated area is the private office for Xpace Director and Programming Coordinators. 

*Please note that we will not ask you for any “proof” or “evidence” of any condition(s). 

I have a question or concern about accessibility, and/or need accessibility accomodations. Who can I speak to about this?

Xpace is at street-level, with accessible door width to the gallery entrance and gender-neutral washrooms, that also have grab bars. We do not have automatic door openers. If you have any accessibility concerns or questions, please fill out the form or contact Alexia at [email protected] before visiting.

Will Xpace be screening visitors and staff before entering the gallery?

Xpace will be screening visitors and staff before entering the gallery by asking folx to complete and sign a self-assessment visitor log with their name, date and confirmation that they have no COVID-19 symptoms. 

Has Xpace made any changes to the gallery or zine space?

We’ve removed the pamphlets and publications from the front entrance, which you can request from one of our staff members instead. We also have gloves available for visitors who are interested in browsing the Xpace Zine Library.

Can I visit Xpace with a group of friends?

We are not encouraging group visits of more than five (5) people in total. If you are accompanied, please let us know how many people are coming with you in advance and ensure that you remain two (2) metres apart from each other at all times. Keep in mind that you might not be allowed to enter the space at the same time if we are at capacity. 

We’re looking forward to seeing you! 🙂

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Dear Xpace community,

Xpace will remain closed for the month of May 2020. We’re putting all our energy into rescheduling postponed exhibitions and shifting programming around to adapt to the current circumstances – both virtually and IRL.

It’s a slow process. Much slower than we are used to working through as a small artist-run centre and it has definitely been a great challenge. The pandemic has taken a toll on so many of us: emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually.

It comes as no surprise that our current social and political systems, upheld by white supremacy and capitalism, are not sustainable.

It comes as no surprise that prioritizing profit and “productivity” over communal care is a colonial illusion.

It comes as no surprise that the precarious realities of so many are ignored, that state support is inherently discriminative and biased.

As much as we’d love for it to be the case, we’re not “all in it together”. Not yet.

A deep bow to land defenders, to essential workers, to folx dismantling white supremacy and patriarchy and fighting for equity and accessibility, on the frontlines, from their homes, in their every day.

Profound gratitude for the elders that guide us, and the youth that keep the spark going.

Thank you for your patience and for accompanying us through this moment. It’s inspiring to see so many virtual calls to action, teach-ins and messages of collective care and resilience. We see the incredible amount of energy you’re putting into nurturing yourself, and those around you.

As adrienne maree brown reminds us, we are learning to move at the speed of trust. It’s a challenge for everyone, but we’re grateful to be learning by your side.

*virtual hug*

And now some updates!

We’re excited to be launching the open call for our annual OCAD U Graduate Residency, set to take place in August 2020. Stay tuned for more information in these upcoming weeks!

Stay tuned on social media as we dig into our exhibition archives to bring you some cool Weekly Staff Picks, gathered by past and current staff members – dating all the way back to 2004 – that have helped make Xpace who we are today.

And lastly… this Friday is our programming assistant Enna Kim’s last day with Xpace. Enna started with us last summer, when she created the badass design for our most recent VOLUME publication, available to read online here. She’s been such an immense pleasure to work with, always showing up with a big smile, big ideas and the best style. Thank you Enna for all of your time, dedication and energy and a huge congratulations for graduating this year! We’re going to miss you a lot <3 Be sure to check out her website to follow her creative ventures.

Deep gratitude to all of you. Stay tuned, and stay safe!

Alexia, Philip and Natalie

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Dear friends of Xpace, 

A couple of updates on our end, as we continue to follow the guidance of Canadian public health authorities to protect the health and safety of our staff and community:

Xpace Cultural Centre will remain closed until Tuesday, April 28th and all onsite exhibitions and events have been put on hold.

COVID-19 Artist Resources

There are multiple grassroots and state-led emergency funds, resources, toolkits and volunteer services being shared citywide for artists, freelancers and folx most affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. You can visit our public Facebook group and check our Instagram stories for daily updates, and feel free to send over any initiatives you’d like us to share with our networks!

Web Programming

As we continue to brainstorm creative ways of supporting and engaging with you remotely.

Please join us on Friday, April 3rd @ 1 PM for a virtual tour of Memorial: Artists of the Venezuelan Diaspora led by artist José Andrés Mora. 

Additionally, you can tune into a free Tenant’s Rights Webinar facilitated by Piera Savage, co-presented by Images Festival! 

In the meanwhile, you can always browse the public External Space archives on our website, which carries a generous collection of video, animation and media-based works by emerging artists that have exhibited with us in the past 9 years.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Alexia with any ideas, suggestions or requests at [email protected]. 

We will keep you updated on any changes as they roll in. 

Sending much love, stay safe and cozy!

Alexia, Natalie, Philip and Enna

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Dear friends of Xpace, 

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, we are actively following the guidance of Canadian public health authorities to protect the health and safety of our staff and community. 

Following recommendations from the Department of Health Canada, spring programming at Xpace Cultural Centre has been postponed until further notice. 

Xpace will remain closed and scheduled events/exhibitions will be put on hold. To practice social distancing, our staff members are working remotely and maintaining communication through email, cellphone, Skype and social media. 

We understand that it may be a scary and stressful time for many of you right now, especially for those in precarious health, work or living situations. Please be assured that all scheduled artists, curators, speakers and facilitators will be paid on time and in accordance to CARFAC fees, regardless of any cancellations.  

We are also posting daily updates on our public Facebook group and Instagram regarding resources, toolkits and emergency funds for artists, freelancers and folx most affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Please join the discussion, invite friends and send over anything you’d like us to share with our networks. 

Although we’re a small team, we recognize the role that Xpace plays in the emerging arts community, and are doing everything in our capacity to practice mindful social distancing, keep everyone informed and support you as best we can. 

We are currently brainstorming creative ways in which we can present programming, host gatherings and share resources virtually and online. If you have any ideas, suggestions or accommodation requests, please contact Alexia at [email protected]. 

We will keep you updated on any changes as they roll in. 

Sending much love, stay safe!

Alexia, Natalie, Philip and Enna

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In September of this year I was able to travel to New York city with some generous support from the gallery. Under less than ideal circumstances (in relation to life events, purpose, funds and other commitments) my only other experiences with this place have been either too short or unfulfilled. There’s a difference between looking and seeing! So with an iphone 6 in hand and enough underwear to last me a week, I step off a Megabus an onto a busy New York City sidewalk, eager to learn more and do some research about arts / artist run culture in the city.

This post is largely an assortment of miscellaneous things: Observations, art, sights seen, and things i’ve learned.  I’m excited to share it with you!

Toronto vs. NYC is so wildly different – Despite this being my longest trip, I know that I haven’t even scratched the surface of what the city has to over. It’s is just so big!

Until next time I guess. Thanks for reading ;^)

-Philip

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