(((I know this assessment must be accurate, because I'm a "creative," and whenever I'm typing sci-fi novels really fast,
I see whole lines of dispossessed proletarians out on the pavement, begging spare change.)))
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
STRIP MINING FOR CREATIVE CITIES?
Curated by Heather Haynes and Izida Zorde
The Creative City is a fairly recent invention. It followed on the heels of the economic and social changes that have come to define the era of post-Fordist, neo-liberal globalization. Creative City planning and policies are being replicated all over the world as cities jockey to attract tourists, financial capital and the middle class urbanites that Richard Florida crassly categorizes as the tolerant and talented
"creative class."
Creative Cities are built on top of existing communities, strip-mining them of their natural resources, displacing residents, cultural practices, community infrastructure and replacing vital social safety nets with simulacra of pre-existing forms. Middle and upper middle class consumers are celebrated for their ability to consume and territorialize hip, urban spaces. Meanwhile, the working poor are left to work in precarious, low-wage "uncreative" jobs that sustain creative lifestyles, living in increasingly expensive and inaccessible neighbourhoods.
While Creative City rhetoric touts a potential to invent economic powerhouses of major cities across the world, with trickle down benefits to existing communities, the practices of these economic initiatives often leave behind a devastation of neighbourhoods. Once culturally rich and economically viable, they become a playground for developers and investors looking for short term gain.
With this exhibition we are looking for artwork that explores processes of strip-mining, replica and simulacra as they relate to
Creative Cities.
Please submit a one page proposal, samples of your work, and tech and installation requirements. If this is an intervention or site-specific work please note site with 2-3 alternative sites.
Deadline for Proposal Submissions: August 2
Exhibition Date: September 11 — October 11, 2008
Artist Fees available
Proposals can be sent via email to:
[email protected]
Or send via mail to:
Toronto Free Gallery
1277 Bloor Street West
Toronto, ON M6H 1N7
