Curious about how to get exhibitions, residencies or gigs as an artist? Let’s Propose! is a skill-building workshop focussed on professional best practices and will hopefully provide aspiring and emerging artists with the means to formulate an effective answer to that question. By the end of this workshop each participant will have created a proposal tailored to a specific call out or opportunity that they have found and will also serve as a prototype for future proposals.

In this first half of the workshop participants will be guided through how to effectively find and identify art-based opportunities best suited for the artist and their individual practice. We will look at an extensive list of resources that can be accessed in the search for opportunities. During this section of the workshop we will look at what constitutes an artist statement, artist biography, CV and all the variations and differences therein. We will look at examples and discuss/critique our own. In addition we will look at specific examples of proposals and discuss strategies for how to best represent yourself and your practice throughout the application process alongside elements that are typical of the proposal process.

The second half of the workshop will involve the group honing their proposal materials in a group setting. Individuals can present materials they have so far for discussion and critique and/or simply follow along and glean what information they require. This will guide participants through best practices and the information needed to help you get a foothold in the professional art realm in Canada and beyond. Let’s get some shows and build some CVs!

-It is recommended that participants come with their own laptop or tablet or whatever suits their workflow. Working on their materials with pen and paper is also okay.  

-Participants are asked to come prepared with either an application they have started for an opportunity they are interested in OR an artist statement if they have one.

This workshop is facilitated by Steve deBruyn who holds a BFA from NSCAD University and an MFA from Western University as well as an Advanced Degree in Landscape Design from Fanshawe College. His practice is rooted in DIY processes, culture, and aesthetics and focusses on sculpture and site specific installation, mixing carpentry, painting, drawing, and fibre-based arts. So far in 2025 he has shown in London, Ontario, Ruse, Bulgaria, Bath, UK, and Reno, Nevada among other places.

Are you curious about how to set up your design files to get the best result when printing your digital artwork? This workshop will provide vital information for any artist who is creating work to be digitally printed. The goal is to demystify print industry terminology, practices and provide artists with some step-by-step guides on paper sizes, crop and bleed. 

Throughout this workshop, we will cover different ways to achieve print-ready files using Illustrator, and Canva. We will go over the difference between “print to fit” vs “crop and bleed.” Examine standard paper sizes and why they were created that way. Explore different finishing possibilities of a wide range of products. If you begin designing your project before knowing certain key elements about commercial printing, you may run into trouble down the road, which can cost you time and money. By becoming acquainted with the print industry before you begin designing your project you will have a much smoother experience.

In the workshop we will cover the steps from design to finished printed project. Participants will learn about how prints are processed in a print shop from London-based print shop technician and interdisciplinary artist Zane Pate. Even something as simple as a bookmark has certain guidelines that should be followed in order to create a professional finished piece. By covering just a few necessary steps, participants will be on their way to creating a variety of printed materials that can help further their career as well as make meaningful connections within their community.

Participants are welcome to bring their own laptop or note-taking tools, but supplies and how-to guides will be provided.

Facilitated by Zane Pate, a London based interdisciplinary artist who experiments with 3-dimensional pieces that utilize bold shapes and designs to create images capable of burning into your eyes. His work delves into 3-dimensionality while referencing op art, pop art, and he is in the process of researching the body art movement of the 1960s. Zane would like to explore the dynamics between artist and artwork through a contemporary lens as he transitions to performance and film. To complement the props he has been creating, he will also begin creating costume pieces. By stringing together printmaking, sculpture, film, and world building Zane’s practice is becoming an all encompassing experience.

Are you an artist working with Live & Interactive Art Tools? Do you want to meet other creatives who are too? As part of the Media Collaboratory's Soft Skills Drop-in Sessions we are launching a new Drop-in for people working with software like TouchDesigner, Max/MSP, Resolume, Processing, and more. 

Whether you’re into projection mapping, generative art, VJing, or immersive installations, this is your chance to experiment, share ideas, and jam alongside other creatives. Join us at Forest City Gallery for the Media Collaboratory's first Live & Interactive Art Tools Drop-in session - a night of discussion, project sharing and networking.  

Bring your laptop, your art practice, or just your curiosity — all levels welcome.

If you have questions or a project you want to share contact us at: collaboratory@forestcitygallery.com