Local Pairings brings together artists, venues and event organizers

Local Pairings creates partnerships with artists, venues, and event organizers of York Region to activate arts, promote local engagement in culture and tourism, and strengthen connectivity between municipalities. This program provides artist fees, rehearsal space, skill sharing opportunities, and networking events like our upcoming Artists’ Circle in February (details to follow).

The goal of Local Pairings is to offer mutually beneficial opportunities to engage local artists with the region’s public spaces and share space for cultural expression. YRAC will provide paid opportunities for artists of various mediums to perform and exhibit their work, while providing administrative support and artist fees for venues and event organizers to animate their spaces with local art. Through collaborative placemaking, we hope to strengthen and nurture the community of York Region.

We invite you to share information about your art practice, venue, or event using the forms below. Limited spots available.

 *You must be an active YRAC Creator level member to apply.

Fill out the form HERE.

Artists:

Local artists and collectives will be selected to animate spaces with their work, ranging in disciplines, mediums, and styles. Artists are invited to submit a proposal for participation.

CURRENT CALL for activations: JANUARY TO MARCH 2023.

Artists are invited to submit their work for the 2023 Winter Season. Selected artists will receive:

  • Up to $1,500 towards your Artist Fee

  • Connect with rehearsal space, work opportunities, and mentorship

  • Partner with local venues, events, and community organizers

  • Marketing support for the event/performance on experienceyorkregion.com and  yorkregionartscouncil digital channels

  • Regional campaign related to the Winter Experience Trail and Local Pairings

  • Mentoring support (if requested) on animating art in non-traditional spaces

  • An opportunity to be featured at an upcoming Artist Circle event

 Eligibility:

  • Must be a current YRAC Creator level member. Register HERE.

  • Must be aged 18+

  • Must have (min. 2 years) professional performance/exhibit experience

  • College or University graduate from performing arts or fine arts program or  indigenous arts program

Venue and Event Planners

A partnership with YRAC means creative ways to animate your space and diversify your event. Tell us about your venue or event! 

CURRENT CALL for activations: JANUARY-MARCH 2023. 

Locations/Venues will be selected to receive financial support towards artist fees to animate their space for the 2023 Winter Season. This will be a regional campaign that will offer the venue marketing exposure for the event and the featured artist!  

Local Pairings offers venues and event planners support in activating their spaces. Selected venues/events will receive:

  • Art activation selected from the list of participating artists 

  • Artist fee will be covered to a maximum of $1500 by YRAC 

  • Marketing support for the activation on YRAC and Experience York Region websites and social channels 

  • Opportunity to appear in regional marketing campaign with other participating venues 

  • Administrative and mentoring support to engage artists in your venue 

 Eligibility:  

  • Host venue must sign agreement to confirm all terms below 

  • Venue offers a local artist a “Spotlight” opportunity under the umbrella of “Local Pairings” to create or present a piece of work or performance in their space 

  • Event must be accessible and free to the public 

Join us in our mission to celebrate the diverse artistic community across York Region! 

*This is a pilot project, with a limited budget each year. For 2023 applications, each application will be assessed as they are submitted and Local Pairing partners will be contacted on an ongoing basis. 

If you have any questions, please contact: tiajulien.yrac@gmail.com