Available Space Art Project (ASAP) sees community art projects taking place throughout the region, including participatory, ephemeral, semi-permanent and permanent installation, depending on the location. This project provides opportunities for artists to exhibit their works in non-traditional spaces.
The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Canada was announced on January 25, 2020. As case numbers increased, a state of emergency was declared on March 17, 2020. This state of emergency led to the implementation of restrictions on gatherings and commerce, impacting the day-to-day life of everyone in Ontario. Communities, schools, and workplaces had to work quickly to adapt to these changes. Working to adjust to the “new normal” while coming to terms with the closure of businesses deemed non-essential by the government.
Over the past year we have all had to adapt and change the way that we connect with our friends, family, and co-workers. COVID-19 and provincial lockdown orders have led to increased feelings of isolation, sedentary behaviour, an increase in stress, and anxiety. However, this year of has also highlighted the ways in which people have been able to adapt to these challenges, maintain relationships, and re-evaluate what is important to them.
This online exhibition showcases works that demonstrate responses to COVID-19 and the ways that these artists have been able to stay connected despite the isolation and fear that have come as a result of a global pandemic. These works of art that demonstrate slivers of hope in times of fear and uncertainty.
We would like to thank the Town of Midland for their ongoing support of this project!
