UTSEC is hosting a community-created gallery for the first day of our SHAW programming (or Sexual Health Awareness Week).
The gallery will take place on February 9th from 6:30-10:00pm at the Tranzac Main Hall -- 292 Brunswick Ave, Toronto, ON M5S 2M7.
The theme is "Leaving Evidence" inspired by disability justice writer and educator Mia Mingus.
“We must leave evidence. Evidence that we were here, that we existed, that we survived and loved and ached. Evidence of the wholeness we never felt and the immense sense of fullness we gave to each other. Evidence of who we were, who we thought we were, who we never should have been. Evidence for each other that there are other ways to live—past survival; past isolation.”
When people's lives and histories are intentionally being lost, erased, and forgotten, what are the ways we document our own lives and histories as an act of radical memory-keeping? And how can we preserve the collective-memory of our communities?
We are looking for pieces that explore themes of self documentation, memory preservation, resisting categorization, community-care, and collective resistance. These themes are open to your own interpretation.
Accepted formats include:
Paintings
Prints
Sculpture
Mixed media (digital displays will require personal display equipment)
Photography
Research posters
Textiles
Written work (poetry, essay, etc)
Zines!
Interactive pieces (subject to approval)
*We cannot accommodate performance pieces at this time*
Priority will be given to Black, Indigenous, People of the Global Majority (BIPOC folks), queer, trans* and gender diverse individuals, sex workers, disabled folks, precariously housed & unhoused folks, folks with no post-secondary education status, survivors, and women.
If you are unable to attend the gallery in-person, or bring your art – worry not! We still want to include you! You are welcome to submit works that the UTSEC team can print for you and display on your behalf along with your artist bio, and artist statement! All works will also be uploaded on our website for folks to access if they are unable to make it to the gallery night
Accessibility information:
The first floor of the Tranzac is fully accessible for folks with mobility aids, and they have an accessible gender-neutral washroom on the same floor. We will be encouraging masking and providing masks at the venue, along with ear plugs and sensory toys for folks to use. We will also have both written and auditory visual descriptions of each piece, along with an online version of our gallery for those unable to come to the gallery night. And of course, any and all support/care personnel and animals are more than welcome at the event, and all UTSEC events are completely free to anyone who wishes to attend. All food we will have will have options for folks who are gluten free, vegan, halal, and kosher.
If there are other considerations we can build our event to incorporate, please reach out to us and we will make them happen! DM us or email sexed@secutoronto.org