We are an organization run by local artists to support artists in their creative pursuits by providing affordable studios, exhibition opportunities in a collaborative and interactive environment. We believe in sharing creative experience and inspiration among our community.
2333 Government St, Victoria, BC V8T 4P4
2503820442
Tell us about your organization:
What kinds of installation setup does your space have to offer?
Solo and shared studio spaces that include use of an office space, equipment and kitchen area. Gallery space that can be 3D and 2D works where juried exhibitions take place. Floor plan is available on our website.
Are there artists from specific regions that you are interested in showcasing?
Local Artists
Regional Artists
Is there a specific medium/genre of art making that your organization focuses on?
Ceramic
Contemporary Art
Crafts
Folk Art
Indigenous Art
Media Art
Public Art
Sculptural
Socially Engaged (that takes place outside of the traditional white-walled gallery)
Textiles
Xchanges does not focus on one particular medium or genre.
Are you a member of CARFAC?
No
Does your organization have a membership(s) that artists can join?
Yes
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
Do you have an active relationship with the local First Nations and Indigenous communities?
3
Do you have a diversity strategy, anti-racism or decolonization statement in place and can it be found on your website?
Yes
What are your current actions and future commitments to build or maintain your relationship with the First Nations and Indigenous artists and community?
We continuously have calls for exhibitions that invite and actively seek participation from First Nations artists.
Are you aware of Indigenous Protocols for the visual arts in your community?
Learning
Do you offer land acknowledgements?
Yes, during events and programs
Yes, on our website
Are there specific power dynamics that your organization has identified? And what are your current actions to address them?
We have a volunteer Board of Directors. All our juried exhibitions are decided by jurors (artists and directors who have active participation in the arts community) from outside the organization to determine the success of the juried calls. This allows us transparency in terms of selection, as it is taken out of the hands of the Board. We actively attract groups in equity/diversity positions for exhibitions and each year make efforts to ensure those groups are represented in our exhibition schedule. We have local partnerships with the Intercultural Association of Greater Victoria.
We do have the standard “white cube” gallery space; however, we also allow for that space to be used in the fashion each artist prefers, whether hanging from walls or ceilings, for example. They are also able to use the outdoor balcony space, if it suits their purposes.
Is your organization accessible via any of the following?
Image and/or video descriptions for in person content
Image and/or video descriptions for online content
Map of space with room/hallway dimensions
What opportunities do you offer for emerging artists?
Exhibitions
Studio Space
Workshops
Submission Process
How does your exhibition selection process work?
Submissions to a Programming Committee/Jury
Requests for Proposals/Calls for Submissions/ Expression of Interest
Do you offer other methods or opportunities for artists to showcase their works?
Artist Talks
Art Markets/Fairs
Community/Programming (ex: member shows)
Open Studios
Workshops
What supports do you provide for exhibiting artists?
Listings and newsletters
Pages on Xchanges’ website dedicated to each presenting artist.
CARFAC Fees
Which CARFAC Fees do you pay for exhibitions?
The gallery component of our organization does not have sufficient funding levels to allow for full CARFAC fees. Our fees are subject yearly to our funding success and budgets. We pay fees for exhibitions (3 weekends, plus an opening night) and for an artist talk.
Which CARFAC Fees do you pay for digital programming?
N/A
Which CARFAC Fees do you pay for non-commercial reproductions?
N/A
Which CARFAC Fees do you pay for commercial reproductions?
N/A
Which CARFAC Fees do you pay for artist professional services?
The organization has been able to afford a nominal fee for jurors but not the full CARFAC fee.
Other Offered Support for Artists
What accessibility supports do you have for artists?
Alternative Submission Methods (ex: video submissions vs written, etc)
What ways do you compensate artists?
Artwork Sales and Commissions