Is SAVAC a gallery? No. SAVAC operates without a gallery space and collaborates with other artist-run centres, public galleries, universities and museums for exhibitions.
What is an artist-run centre? An artist-run centre is a non-profit organization started and managed by artists. Artist-run centres emphasize a non-commercial approach to operating by not charging admission fees and by remaining uninvolved with the sale of artwork. ARCs work with professional artists, with a focus on contemporary art. Exhibition programming is often complemented by public screenings, artist talks, panel discussions and publications. Canada has a unique history of artist-run culture, which began in the 1960s. For more information please check out the following resources:
When did SAVAC change its name to South Asian Visual Arts Centre from South Asian Visual Arts Collective? SAVAC formally changed its name from SAVAC (South Asian Visual Arts Collective) to SAVAC (South Asian Visual Arts Centre) in February 2008. The name change more accurately reflects the organization's structure as an artist-run centre: including our membership, being under Board mandate and receiving operational funding.
Can SAVAC sell my artwork? No. SAVAC is a non-profit artist-run centre, and we operate on a model that is not commercial.
How do you define South Asian? SAVAC maintains an open and inclusive definition of South Asian and is interested in the complexities of definition within the region itself, amongst the various diaspora communities in places like the Caribbean, Africa and South East Asia, and also within diaspora populations in the South Asian region. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan are all in the region of South Asia, and we acknowledge the importance of the history shared between these countries and the surrounding nations.
Do I need to identify as South Asian to be a member? No. We have a number of members who don’t necessarily identify as South Asian, but who support our mandate and it’s relevance to issues and ideas surrounding South Asian identity. Likewise we encourage members of other communities to support our activities by participating in committees and exhibitions. Members who don’t identify as South Asian are unable to vote at the Annual General Meeting, however they can participate fully as a member at all other levels, including taking part in guest juries, or the programming committee.
Can I pay for membership fees or publications by credit card or Paypal? Card and Paypal payments can only be made online. The membership page, and individual program pages will have the appropriate links to pay online (where applicable). If you wish to pay for membership, a workshop, or a publication using cheque or cash please mail or drop off your payment in person.
What is Member News? "Member News" is SAVAC's monthly email newsletter, which includes information about SAVAC's upcoming programming, member exhibitions and activities, calls for submissions and job opportunities. "Member News" is sent out around the 15th of each month. Members in good standing may send information about exhibitions or other activities, for inclusion in member news. If you are a member and are not receiving the newsletter, please contact us!
How early do you develop your programming? SAVAC is multi-year funded, so most of our programs are planned 1 or 2 years in advance.
How can I exhibit with SAVAC? Become a member or join our mailing list to keep up to date on our calls for submissions. We have two annual submissions-based programs: MONITOR and our yearly juried members' exhibition. If you wish to collaborate with SAVAC in a different way, please submit a proposal. For details see the Submissions page. We welcome proposals from artist and curator members, and submissions are accepted on an ongoing basis. Please allow sufficient time for the Programming Committee to review your submission. We are interested in contemporary visual art that critically engages ideas surrounding South Asian identity and experiences. Please view our Past Programs to get a better understanding of our work.
Do you pay artist fees? Yes.
Can SAVAC sponsor my event? SAVAC is a non-profit organization funded by the arts councils. We are not a funding body and are therefore unable to sponsor any events. If you are interested in collaborating on a project please check out the “Submissions” page for guidelines. SAVAC is also a recommender for the OAC Exhibition Assistance granting program. For details on how to apply through SAVAC, and deadlines please visit the OAC Exhibitions Assistance page under Submissions.
How can I get involved with SAVAC? Become a paid member to get the latest information about submission calls, upcoming events and other opportunities. Come out to our events, volunteer your time and stay in touch with us about what you are working on. For more information about joining SAVAC view the Membership page. If you’re interested in volunteering let us know when you sign up as a member. You can also follow SAVAC’s activities on Facebook and Twitter.
Can you promote my upcoming event / exhibition? If you are a paid member in good standing, we can include the details of your event in Member News. We do not send out members' press releases to our mailing lists, nor can we mail out invitations or other printed materials. Please send your details in as early as possible to ensure it is included in Member News. Member News is sent out around the 15th of each month.
Do I need to be member to apply for the OAC Exhibition Assistance Grant? No.
What types of volunteer opportunities are available? We always have a variety of volunteer opportunities in a number of different areas: photographic and video documentation, installation assistance, office assistance, events set up. If you have a specific skill, interest or area of expertise we can probably find something that fits!
Do you have internship positions? If you are a student interested in working with an artist-run centre for school credit and for general arts experience please give us a call to discuss your specific requirements.
"These films and lessons open up conversations about such topics as identity and social justice. Students can view and discuss issues that are already at the forefront of their lives. This material has the potential to make great changes in the lives of our youth." -- Kristin Kniehl, Etobicoke School of the Arts
