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About Mercer Union
Mandate / Vision
 Mercer
Union is a not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to the
existence of contemporary art. Conceptually and aesthetically engaging
art acts as a catalyst for a new conversation, and we insist on providing
the place for its production and exhibition. We pursue our primary concerns
through critical activities such as exhibitions, lectures, screenings,
performances, publications, events and special projects. In addition,
our Platform programme enables us to respond to a wide range of non-exhibition-based
artistic activities.
Brief History
Established and incorporated in 1979, Mercer Union began as an artist-run
centre through the collective efforts of artists who believed in alternative
art production and presentation. Throughout our twenty-four year history,
we have maintained ambitious programming, exhibiting national and international
artists and presenting cultural professionals both in formative and
established stages of their careers.
Artistic Policy and Role
We support the professional development of artists and provide a place
to stimulate discussions between national and international artists.
One of our main objectives is to support the creation and development
of new and site-specific work, and often premiering international artists'
work alongside that of local artists.
We maintain an open call for submissions for artists
working in all media. The Board and Co-Directors also assume an active
role in programming, soliciting projects and curating group exhibitions
in order to maintain an overall cohesion and perspective from year to
year.
Constituency
Located in downtown Toronto, we recognize that our primary audience
is made of local art producers. Our objective is to inform our local
and international audiences and stimulate artistic practice by producing
and presenting challenging work and by creating ways for our local audience
to participate on an international level, while promoting Canadian art
and artists internationally.
Please see our floorplan for more details.
Past Members of
the Board Of Directors
Lois Andison, Isaac Applebaum, John Armstrong, Rebecca Baird, Shelley
Bahl, Michael Balfe, Mary Anne Barkhouse, Arlene Berman, Peter Blendell,
Therese Bolliger, Nancy Campbell, Nadine Chan, Millie Chen, Claire Christie,
Moira Clark, David Clarkson, Wendy Coad, Anna-Marie Cobbold, Michael
Davey, Reid Diamond, Peter Dykhuis, Eshrat Erfanian, Ric Evans, Andy
Fabo, Robert Fones, Linda Genereux, Eric Glavin, Lee Goreas, Will Gorlitz,
Sandra Gregson, Kenneth Hayes, Greg Hefford, Jill Henderson, Peter Hill,
Richard Hill, Marla Hlady, Bill Huffman, Spring Hurlbut, Jack Jeffrey,
Nancy Kembry, Kim Kozzi, Anda Kubis, Carol Laing, Colette Laliberté,
Stacey Lancaster, Ginette Légare, Colin Lochead, Jamie Lyons,
Donna Lypchuk, Gwen MacGregor, David MacWilliam, Arnaud Maggs, Jorge
Manzano, Dionne McAffee, John McKinnon, John McLachlin, Jennifer McMackon,
Robert McNealy, Kate Monro, Regan Morris, David Morrow, Janet Morton,
Svitlana Muchin, Lisa Naftolin, Natalie Olanick, Jaan Poldaas, Kelly
Richardson, Mario Scattoloni, Sue Schelle, Judith Schwarz, Brian Scott,
Cheryl Smith, Susan Speigel, Greg Staats, Arlene Stamp, Max Streicher,
Ho Tam, Jeannie Thib, Joanne Tod, Renée Van Halm, Evelyn Von
Michalofski, Joy Walker, Ben Walmsley, Carolyn White, Robert Wiens,
Jay Wilson, Robert Youds
Top Image: Some of the members of
Spontaneous Combustion in a London exhibition
space, for an article appearing in "The Independent" newspaper in the
U.K. Photo courtesy of Spontaneous
Combustion collective
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