By: Alison Brown
Talk with Elaine Gaito
Director of Public Programs and Development
So what exactly is Mercer Union?
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“Mercer Union is an artist-run centre.” (That just happens to be celebrating its 30th anniversary on July 10th, which incidentally is the day after Alternavox’s launch party also being held at Mercer Union!)Over the Years Mercer Union has been in a number of different locations. As urban-pioneers, they are one of the first galleries to have moved to the Queen West area. They now find themselves in a wonderful renovated historical building at 1286 Bloor St. West, in Toronto. “The great thing about moving,” says Elaine, “is we have gained a great deal of organizational momentum, we are forced to reinvent ourselves as we relocate. This makes us anything but complacent.”
“Basically the idea of an artist-run centre came about in the 1970’s. It was a big movement in Canada. Artists realized that there were no parallel spaces to show work in. You could either show in a commercial gallery. Commercial dealers have their own commercial agendas when choosing the kind of work they want to show and sell. Alternately, you could show in the larger institutions like the AGO. A lot of artists found they weren’t established enough or were making the kind of work that they could approach these larger institutions.” “There was a need for a show space that was in between, that would allow artist to explore new ideas.”
Usually at Mercer we tend to focus on a lot of solo exhibitions, so it gives an artist a chance to really explore their ideas.” “Also we are very committed to do site-specific work. Meaning, artists will make work specifically for our space, installation work.” “We also do have a number of group shows as well, so it’s really a good mix.”
You can become a member of Mercer Union but it’s not a formal cooperative. “We do have on our board people who are active artists, different cultural workers, musicians.” “It really runs the gamut I think that’s reflective too of Mercer’s overall programming. The fact that we have an interdisciplinary outlook.” “For instance the types of in gallery music performances have been many and varied.”
The object at Mercer is not to sell work from this venue. Mercer Union is really here to give artist the opportunity to be seen.” A lot of the people who exhibit here also have a commercial gallery they work with. “Hopefully we are providing a space here that allows artists to do work that is different and challenging for them. And to work on projects that don’t necessarily have the commercial viability that might be of concern if they are going to show in a commercial gallery.” “ I like to think that we can allow artists to take risks that other venues cant.”
“We started as the vanguard in artist-run galleries. We rely a lot on government funding from Federal, Provincial and municipal sources such as The Ontario Arts Council, Canada Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council. We still have to constantly find ways to augment our operating funds it’s definitely a struggle.”
“Mercer has always been lucky with funding though because of our good reputation and the high caliber of work we show here.”
“As a not for profit organization fundraising is also high on our list of financial resources. All of our money goes into paying the artists and putting on shows.” “We are an incubator for culture and that motivates some investors to contribute to us. They want to become a part of that, they are intrigued and want to support the art world.”
“I like to think Mercer helps to permit a culture of openness and inclusiveness.”
“Another great thing about Mercer is we have been able to generate a very active volunteer cour, I am always getting approached by recent grads, People who want to intern, people who want to help out at events. Volunteering is a great way to get involved with the arts world, It can give a new artist the opportunity to meet and network with people who are active in the arts community and other cultural producers.”
“We also have an open submission policy. So you can go on our website
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“
“We have two yearly submissions deadlines. It’s reviewed by our programming community, which is comprised of practicing artists. We try to be really open and inclusive and at the same time show judgment too.”
“Our shows are a mixture of curated exhibitions, submissions, a whole mixture of things that hopefully makes us vibrant and different.
“We are really looking forward to our rocking 30th anniversary party on July 10th” The theme is “Saturn Returns” “In astrological terms this 30-year cycle brings on a time of profound change and growth. This is a time to look at what we have done in the past, but also looking towards the future. Using this broad thematic we have also structured a lot of our programming around this event.
The party will be great fun; Bands, Booze, Food, and very recession-friendly. This will be a really great way to celebrate our new space.
Mercer Union has a new show coming up running July 3rd- August 13th
Front Gallery: SARAH GREGG MILLMAN | Back Gallery: JOHANNA BILLING