NEWS RELEASE
X-PRACTICE PROJECT
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This spring, Guelph’s youth and arts communities — two groups hit especially hard by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic — will come to life through an exciting new program.
X-Practice Project is a Guelph-based, collaborative, multidisciplinary youth arts incubator, funded by the Ontario Arts Council. Beginning this May, experienced facilitators and professional artists will guide a group of emerging artists as they create an original multimedia installation in Guelph and present it to the public this summer, in accordance with COVID-19 public health guidelines.
Applications are open now at bit.ly/xpp-application and on Facebook and Instagram at @xpracticeproject. There is no cost to participate. “Our goal with X-Practice Project is to crack open the art world for young artists — who so often find themselves on the outside, looking in,” explains X-Practice Project Facilitator, musician, and teacher Todd Harrison. “This is a unique opportunity for a group of artists to come together and build something fresh and new together, and experience what it’s like to design and launch a real exhibition.”
The program connects participants to the arts industry and one another, and supports them as they realize their collective vision and learn what it’s like to be a professional artist. “Most people think of the isolated artist working in a silo to complete their masterpiece,” says X-Practice Project Facilitator Monika Hauck, a multidisciplinary artist who also provides mentorship to post-secondary arts students in Guelph. “We want to present a different image of an artist — plugged in to their community, bringing together their strengths and abilities to create art that represents diverse voices and presents as distinctive and unparalleled.”
X-Practice Project is open to anyone between the ages of 15 and 21 who is serious and passionate about making art of any kind (ideally many kinds), and lives in southern Ontario. “We want to connect with young artists to help grow and perpetuate the artistic currency of our region, leading to more professional artists living and working here,” explains X-Practice Project Facilitator and Guelph-based music producer, performer and video artist Alex Ricci. “Guelph and KW need to attract and retain artists, who historically leave for opportunities in larger markets. Our program offers to forge a stronger bond between innovative emerging artists and how they might contribute to the cultural fabric of our region.”
Interested applicants can learn more by connecting with X-Practice Project on Facebook and Instagram (@xpracticeproject). The application is available online here.
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