IMPACT
At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to creativity, collaboration, and making art accessible and exciting for everyone.
We aim to use her curatorial and entrepreneurial skills to create engaging, interactive, and community-filled spaces that amplify emerging and mid-career artists. Through the creation of public art, exhibition pop-ups, and print publications, Imani aims to increase access to the arts for all communities.
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COMMUNITY IMPACT
FOR US BY US
Over 200 Artists Supported Through Community- Driven Programming
Year-Round Workshops and Professional Development Initiatives
Intentional Third-Space Community Events
Over 1,000 Community Members
... And Counting
"I am writing to express much gratitude and appreciation for having been a part of the Gift Shop series. My participation in The Gift Shop was a launching ground for many of my successes that followed including invaluable industry contacts, a solo exhibition, a Canada Council for the Arts grant, and finding gallery representation for this year’s Art Toronto. This initiative is an unparalleled resource for local artists, especially for young QBIPOC folks who are often underrepresented in art and gallery spaces. Your commitment does not go unnoticed, and I am confident many artists have seen tremendous opportunities come their way as a result of their involvement with The Gift Shop. I wish you all the best in the future and I am excited to see you grow and be a leading force in the industry!"
- SARA, The Gift Shop Alumni <3
MEDIA IMPACT
PARTNERS, SPONSORS, AND COLLABORATORS
HIGHLIGHTS :)
EXHIBITION CURATION
IBI TI A TI WA, IBI TI A WA, ATI IBI TI A NLO
Presented by TT and curated by Imani Dominique, Ibi Ti A Ti Wa, Ibi Ti A Wa, Ati Ibi Ti A Nlo is a thought-provoking exhibition that delves into TT’s journey as a Nigerian - Canadian immigrant artist with Yoruba heritage.
We’re Coming From, Where We Are, Where We’re Going
LIVE MUSIC PRODUCTION
LIVING ROOM CONCERTS
“Living Room Concerts” is a performance series presented by The Gift Shop that showcases emerging singers, spoken word artists, rappers, and more. The series not only provides QTBIPOC artists with a space to perform to an intimate and supportive audience, but also works with them to develop their business acumen - empowering them to thrive in the industry.
ACTIVATIONS AND MARKETING CAMPAIGNS
THE GIFT SHOP: OPEN STUDIO
Located at The Combine, a Toronto-based hub for creative agencies, this open studio activation provided emerging QTBIPOC artists with an innovative environment for creativity and play. Artists were invited to sign-up to use the space, create artwork, and meet other inspiring creatives. The walls of “The Gift Shop: Open Studio” featured beautiful artwork by program alumni. For fun and freedom.
WORKSHOPS
VINYL PAINTING AT SUNSET
Creating memorable experiences through hands-on learning, creativity, and collaboration. We design and lead workshops that inspire, educate, and bring people together.
COMMUNITY-DRIVEN PROGRAMMING
THE GIFT SHOP
“The Gift Shop” is an immersive art gallery and business incubator for artists.
Since our founding in 2023, we have hosted programming in Mississauga, Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal, and supported over 60 QTBIPOC visual and performing artists. The artists are given space to showcase their art, develop as entrepreneurs, and build community. Through engaging in professional development workshops and creative activations hosted in the space, this program also provides emerging and mid-career artists with an opportunity to incubate their businesses and develop their entrepreneurial skills.
ARTWORK
MLSE and Sports and The Arts commissioned Curated By Imani to create a unique artwork for their new permanent art collection. We created a large-scale original artwork celebrating the Scotiabank arena’s legacy of live music.
What Kind of Art World Do You Want To Create?