Image: Artworks by Ron Berberich and TK Workman.
Image: Artworks by Ron Berberich and TK Workman.
“Being Scene” is an annual juried exhibition of recent artwork by Workman Arts members and individuals who have accessed the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) services.
Over 20 years ago, “Being Scene” started in the hallways of the CAMH and has gone on to become a highlight event within Toronto’s cultural arts community. Previous venues include The Gladstone Hotel and Toronto Media Arts Centre (TMAC).Please take a look at these and other previous exhibitions here.
Every year, the jury that selects the exhibition’s artwork changes but consists of local artists and arts professionals with experience in exhibiting and curating visual artwork.
For other questions about what to expect or how to submit, please see the FAQ below.
Being Scene is open to Workman Arts members and individuals who have accessed CAMH services at any point in their lives. If you have not received services from CAMH and are not a member but are interested in becoming one, you can find out more information on how to here.
Late Fall: Call for submissions opens
Late January: Jury results
Mid February: Artwork drop-off//installation
Early March: The exhibition opens
Important Note: Things like installation and exhibition opening dates change each year.
The art you submit can be about anything and does not have to relate to mental health. Additionally, you can submit any type of visual art. For example, painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, sculpture, etc. Artwork must be original and created by the artist submitting. They must also have been created within the last five years and not displayed previously in Being Scene.
The cost to submit is free. If selected by the jury you will be paid a small artist fee for letting us show your work. The amount will be in line with the CARFAC recommended fee schedule.
The jury changes each year but does consist of people who are active in the local art scene. That can be local artists and arts professionals with experience in exhibiting and curating visual artwork.
Up to 5 images. If you want to submit a larger series of artworks, submit at least one image that shows them all together.
We accept both large and small artworks. To give yourself the best chance, submit both large and small works.
Yes. You can have your artwork listed for sale during Being Scene. Also, if you are a member in good standing at Workman Arts, you will be able to have your artwork available in the Workman Arts online store for a year (until the next Being Scene). Also at Workman Arts 100% of the artist’s sale price will go to the artist.
If you are selected to exhibit and have accessibility needs we can arrange transportation of your artwork locally.
Our budget has a small amount of money to help people exhibit their art. We divide our exhibition assistance money among everyone equally. The number of people we show each year varies therefore the amount we can assist varies. If the jury accepts your submission to be exhibited you will be notified of the amount of extra cost assistance we can provide.
Additionally, there is the Ontario Arts Council Exhibition Grant which you can apply to if selected to exhibit. Workman Arts is a recommender of this grant and can be selected for the Being Scene exhibition.
We do need your legal name for payment purposes but that name does not need to be posted anywhere. We can simply make public the artwork name, size, year, material and author alias/artist name.
If selected for the show, we pay people by EFT deposits (electronic funds transfer “Direct deposit” i.e.: bank to bank) but can pay by paper cheque if direct deposit is not possible.
There will be staff from the Visual Art department that can help you through the submission process when the call for submissions is open.
Unfortunately, no. You will still have to apply to become a member. You can find more information on becoming a member here.
Last updated: 26-02-24