THE GIFT SHOP: OPEN STUDIO
The Combine asked Curated By Imani to activate their pop-up space for a month. We conceptualized and produced an interactive exhibition and creative studio space.
“The Gift Shop: Open Studio” provided emerging QTBIPOC artists with an innovative environment for creativity and play. The walls of “The Gift Shop: Open Studio” featured beautiful artwork by program alumni. For fun and freedom.
Located at The Combine, a Toronto-based hub for creative agencies, this open studio concept offered artists a warm, guards-down, space for play. Artists were invited to sign-up to use the space, create artwork, and meet other inspiring creatives. They also brought their own materials and store them in our space and/or purchased canvases when they arrived. Paint, brushes, paper, and markers were provided.
“The Gift Shop: Open Studio” featured artwork by: Chawntay Barrett, Ehiko Odeh, Ella’s Precision, Imani Dominique, jetlag, Neigh Ramirez, Percy Eriamiator, Pixel Heller, and Yinkore.
KEY IMPACT
• Over 30 artists utilized the free studio space throughout the month
• The activation reached over 20K users across platforms
• Hosted community-building events, live painting, professional development workshops, and creative activations
• High attendance across creative activations and events
