SUBMISSIONS

Submission Deadlines:
1 March / 1 October, yearly

Platform Deadline: Ongoing

Exhibition Assistance: 15 January, 15 October, yearly
Please refer to the Ontario Arts Council Exhibition Assistance Program Guidelines: http://www.arts.on.ca

Mercer Union accepts exhibition and curatorial submissions from artists and curators. The main exhibition venues include the Front Gallery and the Back Gallery. Platform programming encourages curatorial and artistic experimentation.

Mercer Union provides a supportive environment for artists and curators in all stages of their development. We support artists through the payment of artist and copyright fees according to the guidelines established by CAR/FAC (Canadian Artists' Representation/Fronts des artistes canadiens). Mercer Union provides installation assistance, documentation, and insurance. Exhibitions are promoted through the design, printing and mailing of exhibition brochures, press releases, and art publication advertisements.

Our current gallery space was originally built as a turn-of-the-century cinema by the renowned Toronto architect E.J. Lennnox. All gallery walls are drywall, approximately 14' high, with plywood backing to support heavier work. The ceiling is approximately 16 ft high and is clad with ornate pressed metal panels. Our highly flexible lighting system incorporates both fluorescent fixtures and incandescent track luminaires. Mercer Union has ground-level street frontage and is wheelchair accessible.

Front Gallery
The Front Gallery accommodates large-scale work and group shows (906 sq ft).

Back Gallery
The Back Gallery is highly suited to film and video projections, as light can be controlled effectively. At 446 sq ft, the space is also appropriate for intimate installations.

Platform
Concentrating on non-exhibition based or off-site projects, Platform is open to receiving submissions for: video programmes, performance, music events, and any projects that do not fit in any particular category.

Guideline for Submissions

Mercer Union would prefer to receive all components of submissions in electronic form. Please send all materials saved as a single PDF on one CD. DVDs may be included for video documentation. Please do not send any paper or include a return envelope.

All submissions must include:

A statement about the work and/or artists.
An exhibition proposal that outlines technical/installation requirements, including time-frame (if relevant).
A current resumé or curriculum vitae with full contact information.
A numbered image list indicating the year, size and medium of each image.
Ten to twenty images of current work or work intended for exhibition in electronic form. Images should be jpgs (1024x768 pixels maximum image size) and Macintosh friendly. Use consistent naming and number all images (e.g. 01Smith.jpg, 02Smith.jpg, &c).
Additional support material such as reviews and catalogues, preferably in electronic form. (note: we do not return submissions)

Submissions should be mailed or delivered in person. Mercer Union does not accept submissions by email. Exhibition submissions which arrive after the deadline will be held over until next deadline.

We will not return submission packages and will dispose of submission materials appropriately.

Address: 1286 Bloor Street West Toronto ON Canada M6H 1N9

Hours:Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 6pm.

In order to present a cohesive yearly program, our committees review materials from both deadlines, and decisions are often not made for many months. Please be patient.

If you have questions please call Mercer Union at 416.536.1519 or e-mail Sarah Robayo Sheridan, Director of Exhibitions and Publications.