LONDON, ON - The ARTS Project has unveiled their new brand image and identity as TAP Centre for Creativity. As an incubator for emerging theatre, visual and performing artists, this change encompasses everything the organization does and its role in London’s arts scene.
With a gallery, black-box theatre, multi-use workshop spaces, and ten resident artist studios all within their historical building downtown, TAP provides a variety of facilities and programs for artists to present and create work, that not many people knew about until now.
“It was very common hearing people who engage in our gallery say they did not realize we had a theatre space. On the other hand, we have avid theatre attendees who did not know we have resident artists working in studios upstairs. Even though we collaborate with all different types of artists and creators, many people thought we only focus on visual art because of our name,” said Sandra De Salvo, TAP’s Executive Director.
“With changing our name to TAP, we are able to tell our full story and truly be an open, lively space where the community and all kinds of artists can connect, experiment in their work without risk, and tap into creativity.”
While artists and groups can affordably rent space at TAP to develop or present their work, the organization has grown significantly in terms of its educational programs and creative initiatives for the community to engage in. This includes the Emerging Artists Studio Program, Arts on Tap workshops, Unscripted speaker series, LDN Convergence, and the annual Ting Comic & Graphic Arts Festival. Along with their re-brand, TAP is launching a new initiative called LAB203 where artists can apply to present new installations in TAP’s front studio that looks out onto Dundas Street, giving them the opportunity to test their ideas and create new work.
“When we started developing this new brand, a focus group was held where a participant told us how they have always known us as TAP – not only because it was the acronym for The ARTS Project, but because they know they can come here to tap into the local arts scene and engage hands-on in a variety of creative forms,” Said De Salvo. “That’s when it clicked and the team realized this brand was sitting in front of us all along.”
The announcement of the new name occurred earlier today online, and there will be a launch party tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. to celebrate the news. This is a free event for everyone to attend and experience the space.
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TAP is at the centre of creativity in London, supporting emerging and developing theatre, visual and performing artists. Through quality facilities and innovative programming, TAP’s doors are open to artists and the public to overlap, participate, and experience how creativity can transform and enrich us and our community. Tap into creativity.
For all media inquiries, please contact:
Emma Joy, Communications Specialist
519.642.2767
communications@tapcreativity.org
tapcreativity.org
@tapcreativityon (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram)
#tapintocreativity
List of Programming
Emerging Artists Studio Program
The Emerging Artists Studio Program is a fully-funded residency at TAP for recent visual arts graduates launching their artistic careers. This program includes one year of 24/7 access to their own private studio space, a materials budget, marketing support and mentorship, as well as culminating exhibition in TAP’s gallery. Emerging artists can explore their art without the fear of financial failure. Coming up: Our current emerging artists, Joanna Skiba and Holly Pichette, will be presenting their final exhibitions from May 8 to 26. Opening event is Tuesday May 8, 6 - 8 p.m.
LAB203
This is TAP’s new initiative where artists can apply to present new installations in TAP’s front studio that looks out onto Dundas Street, giving them the opportunity to experiment with their ideas and create new work. The artist would have the freedom to program an installation in the studio for a two-month period in which the community can engage in and see what’s being created right in the downtown core. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis.
Unscripted: the speaker series
Unscripted is TAP’s free speaker series that features different professionals in the arts, ranging from performers to musicians, writers, designers, and many more. This series is where people can come together to hear “unscripted” stories, ask questions, and learn more about the creativity that exists in all aspects of the arts. Upcoming events: Britta Johnson on May 25, Keira Loughran and Jordi Mand on July 6, and Theatre Soup Company on July 21.
Arts Classes and Arts on Tap
Year-round, TAP provides educational classes and hands-on workshops in a variety of mediums for both beginners and practicing artists. TAP is home to London’s longest-running life drawing sessions, which occur every Monday evening (7-10pm) and Tuesday afternoon (1-4pm). TAP also recently launched a new workshop series called Arts on Tap, where you can try your hand at different art forms, enjoy a drink, and let creativity flow. Spring/Summer Arts on Tap nights and art courses for teens and adults are now open for registration.
LDN Convergence
This is a two-week rapid creation convergence for London artists of all disciplines to work together and develop interesting new work. LDN Convergence includes side projects, community workshops, an Umbrella Project, and an Open Lab presentation. Coming to TAP July 3 - 15, 2018.
