Jewellry artist Kathryn Cronin was awarded just over $700 in support of her latest project.
Matt Carter
On December 5, Fredericton’s artist-run-centre for contemporary art, Connexion ARC, held the first in a new series of fundraising events focused on community supported art development. Art Kitchen brought together 80 people from around the capital region for a simple meal and an introduction to five artists, each presenting a new project they have planned for the year ahead. Participants enjoyed soup prepared by a local chef before casting their votes on what project they would like to support.
December’s Art Kitchen event featured talks and presentations by artists Kathryn Cronin, Asa Fox, Erin Goodine, Indigo Poirier, and Dawn Steeves, with soup prepared by chef Robin Estey of The Palette Restaurant.
Ticket sales from the event as well as donations received throughout the evening resulted in the first Art Kitchen grant.
“We are overwhelmingly pleased with the turnout for Connexion’s inaugural Art Kitchen event,” said Connexion ARC executive director Kasie Wilcox. “Presentations by Kathryn, Asa, Erin, Indigo, and Dawn were fantastic and insightful, the soup made by Robin was delicious and nourishing, Picaroons continues to be so generous with us, and the support from the Fredericton arts community has been incredible.”
After the votes were tallied, jewellry artist Kathryn Cronin was awarded the first Art Kitchen Grant, receiving just over $700 towards the production of an experimental body of metal work to be exhibited by Connexion ARC in Spring 2018.
“Art Kitchen, and other grassroots funding initiatives like it, are a great way to get to know emerging artists in your community, and to support them in a meaningful, career-building way,” said Wilcox.
“You can see the immediate impact it will have on artists, all by making a small contribution. The grant allows for artists to explore new and experimental aspects of their practice. It is an investment in not only individual artistic and curatorial development, but also a thriving cultural scene here in the city,” she said.
Plans are already underway for the next Art Kitchen event set to take place in the fall of 2018.
“In the Spring we will be organizing an exhibition of Kathryn’s funded project, which will include a performative presentation and artist talk,” said Wilcox. “We will be keeping in touch with Kathryn and her progress, and sharing updates on Connexion’s social media channels and website.”
Connexion ARC’s Art Kitchen grants are open to all members and seek to support new or continued artistic and curatorial productions. Students, individuals, and collaborative groups are welcome to apply.
“The application process is streamlined, with considerations towards possible application barriers,” said Wilcox. “Applicants can submit audio and video applications, and the number of support materials required are optional. We understand that grant applications can be laborious and time-consuming”.
A call for proposals for the fall Art Kitchen grant will be posted later in the year.
Upcoming at Connexion ARC:
We Are Moving
Connexion ARC has found a new (but familiar) home inside of the Charlotte Street Arts Centre. As of January, our office and presentation space will be located in the newly completed, fully accessible building addition. Room 129 & 130 | 732 Charlotte Street | Fredericton, New Brunswick
Call for Project Proposals
2018-2019 Programming @ Connexion ARC. See social media and website for details, call will be posted on January 2nd.
Artist-in-Residence
Nick Howe (January 3 – 16, 2018)
In early January, we will host Montreal based artist Nick Howe in residence at Connexion ARC. Nick is originally from Fredericton, and will be developing a participatory residency project that will explore symbols and language in relationship to the body. We invite artists and members working at any level to participate in a series of artist-led life drawing classes held on January 4th and January 11th, from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm.
The classes will be offered free of charge with materials provided. Participants will be drawing and observing, as well as compensated for contributions to the project. Everyone’s welcome, no art background required.
Please register by sending an email to info@connexionarc.org with “Modeling Agency” as the subject line.
A reception will be held on January 16th, 2018 at 6:30 pm at the Charlotte Street Arts Centre (732 Charlotte Street, Fredericton, New Brunswick)
Performance & Visual Arts Fieldwork Workshop
D’Arcy Wilson (March 2 – 3, 2018)
In March, we are pleased to present artist D’Arcy Wilson‘s performance project The Memorialist: Keynote Address on Friday, March 2nd, 2018, followed by a Visual Arts Fieldwork Workshop, on March 3rd, 2018. Full event information will be announced in the new year.
Learn more at connexionarc.org
