A wealth of community-minded programming and workshops
Whether you’re working, an active artist, student, enthusiast, or someone who doesn’t really know much about art, there is a wealth of workshops and other resources in Guelph for those inclined to the sublime side of things. Art objectively enriches one’s life and that of the community, so these various venues and organizations, even if you don’t know anything about art, are crucial staples to Guelph’s cultural scene, and they offer endless enjoyment, education, and inspiration.
Musagetes: A socially-minded, interdisciplinary art institution, Musagetes values the integration of arts scenes with communities at large, and much of their programming reflects this. Between ongoing exhibitions at the Boarding House Gallery, and the multi-use performance space at the newly renovated Heritage Hall (in cooperation with the Guelph Black Heritage Society), Musagetes’ ongoing projects are a case-in-point example of how art can engage with social issues and community in a proactive way.
Vocamus Press: Vocamus Press is a local organization that acts to support local authors with publication services, writing workshops, and editing services. With an incorporated non-profit group, Friends of Vocamus Press, the two organizations promote the preservation of both Guelph’s historical and contemporary literary culture. If you need advice on publishing, editing, or just want to chat about books with the people who make them, Vocamus is the place to go.
Silence: An accessible, multi-purpose performance space on 46 Essex Street, Silence is a home to Guelph’s experimental/improvised music scene, but hosts bands, installations, and artists of all styles. With admissions mostly on a PWYC (pay-what-you-can) basis, it’s great to catch a show at Silence on a weekend for a more intimate alternative from the downtown scene.
Publication Studio: Held every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Silence, Publication Studio (PS) is a group that offers DIY publishing materials, binding workshops, and printing technique instruction. Ever wanted to bind that collection of poems you’ve been working on? Or make a totally awesome handmade notebook that stands out in class? Head down to PS for some fresh coffee, fresh books, and enriching conversation.
Macdonald-Stewart Art Centre: The University of Guelph’s art gallery and performance centre, probably best known for the bear out front by the Gordon bus stop, is a vital place for local, national, and international artists to host film screenings, performance pieces, and art installations. Recent exhibitions include “Carl Beam: Aakideh” – a stunning collection of one of Canada’s most significant postmodern artists.
Ed Video Media Arts Centre: For filmmakers, photographers, video artists, and A/V geeks, Ed Video is Guelph’s spot for A/V equipment, workshops, and film and video screenings. With a swath of workshops focused on editing, videography, editing, and documentary filmmaking, Ed Video makes expensive equipment available to rent at fair prices, and makes learning how to use A/V gear fun.
Renann Isaacs Contemporary Art Gallery: Located on Quebec Street, this small contemporary art gallery consistently hosts stunning exhibitions from the Guelph area and the rest of the country. With an unpretentious atmosphere and inviting, friendly programmers, this gallery is small but vital to the scene. A recent exhibit showcasing local cartoonist Seth, and Toronto-based artist and former OCADU president Ron Shuebrook, is just one of many inspirational exhibits held here.
Zavitz Gallery: The home of the University of Guelph’s Studio Art program, the Zavitz Gallery hosts weekly installations by undergraduate students, print sales, and various gatherings and openings. If you’re looking for a break from classes and the bustle of campus life, take a stroll through the gallery and support your school’s arts!