Abstract
In 2020, worried about the capture of the artistic sphere by money interests, Francis Morris, Director of the Tate Modern stated that what was needed was art as a “social space not a marketplace.” This paper looks at the alternative art world in Toronto between 1993 and 2007 as a case study in how this can be achieved. Using archival material and personal story, this study charts the interconnection between art and social, political and community life The paper is anchored in the over thirty year relationship of the presenters and their work in artistic creation, curation, network creation, activism and community involvement. Based in relationship and community this overview examines what factors allow for the creation and maintenance of vibrant artistic communities.
Presenters
Gillian Mc CannAssociate Professor, Religions and Cultures/Sociology, Nipissing University, Ontario, Canada
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2026 Special Focus—Modeling Life Systems: Art, Algorithms, Ecologies
KEYWORDS
Community and Politically Based Art, Rejecting Art As Commodity
