About

EBlast

Updated bi-weekly, this e-publication includes calls for entry, jobs, contests and grant deadline information.

Artist Referals 

A database of local artists. While we do not give out addresses or phone numbers without the artist’s approval, we do pass on the names of interested clientele.

Grant Information and Grant Writing Support

Contact phone numbers and grant information for the different agencies such as Canada Council, Ontario Arts Council, Hamilton Community Foundation etc. We also have hand outs on grant writing for individuals who need help with the application process.

Meeting Space/Event Planning for Artists and Organizations

When possible, other arts groups may use our facilities for meetings. As with grant writing, we also aid small groups with advice on planning events and activities.

Equipment Rental:

Arts Hamilton has a slide projector, portable dance floor, lights and a P.A. system available for rent at affordable rates. Call 905-481-3218 for more information.

Projects & Activities

Advocacy

Much of our advocacy work is immersed in all our activities. Additional advocacy has taken the form of the many articles and opinion pieces presented in ARTSbeat; some by our editors, some by guest writers. Other activities have included letter writing on behalf of the Ontario Arts Council to provincial and local politicians, plus ongoing advocacy at committee meetings, particularly the Arts Advisory Commission and VISION 2020 Sustainable Community.

EBlast Publication

EBlast is one of the largest programs run by Arts Hamilton. It is used to inform our members and the local community of arts and cultural events and as a tool to promote ourselves, regional artists and community groups. The publication contains topical articles, stories, reviews and editorial commentary, as well as calls for entry, theatre listings, gallery listings, and some advertising. We welcome stories and articles from the public as well as encourage discourse and discussion amongst cultural community members. When the budget allows it, we pay an honorarium to the writers. The paper is free and members receive their copies via email.

Craft Awards

The Craft Committee every year sends out a call for submissions to the craft community for the annual Craft Awards. Three awards are given out each year; 1. Education Bursary; 2. Materials Bursary; 3. Appreciation Award. Recipients must send in a current CV, slides of work, and a letter addressing what award they are applying for. Individuals are nominated from the community for the Appreciation Award. Winners are invited to a social evening during which the awards are presented.

Literary Gala and Awards

The Literary Committee plans and implements annual book and article/short story awards. The awards are open to Hamilton area authors. The Lit Committee finds adjudicators from outside the region. Once the selection process is complete, the winners names are announced at the Annual Literary Gala. (Usually in November)

The objectives of the award are two fold; 1. Recognition of our local authors; 2. Audience development and support for local authors. Every year since its inception, the Annual Book Awards and Gala has grown, with both participant and audience numbers having increased.

Designer Crafts

Designer Crafts is a biennial, one-of-a-kind, juried craft show held at the Carnegie Gallery in Dundas. Three jurors are chosen from three different mediums. Work must be original (no moulds or kits) and well executed. Local businesses and organizations sponsor awards and prizes. The show traditionally kicks-off Dundas Arts Week. There is a nominal fee to entrants to help offset some costs. Any surplus at the end of the show is divided equally amongst the accepted participants in the form of small artists’ fees. Arts Hamilton does not keep any revenues from this project.

Workshops for Artists 

We plan workshops throughout the year to help artists from different disciplines. We bring in accountants to talk about taxes, senior artists to discuss grants, studio design, portfolios, etc.

Arts Hamilton Gallery in the Village is located adjacent to our office in the International Village. This public space hosts individual artists’ shows, collectives, community project shows, poetry readings, multi-media programming and other events. It helps to promote Arts Hamilton, the cultural community of Hamilton and to develop partnerships with other non-profit organizations.