www.paarc.ca/infest

"InFest: INTERNATIONAL ARTIST RUN CULTURE InFest will be the largest gathering in Canada of representatives from Artist Run Centres around the world. Spanning five days, it will include discussion forums, exhibitions, a networking session, Artist Run Centre presentations, public education programs, and an assortment of social events. The focus is on exchanging ideas and strategies to advance artist run culture, generating a sense of community that transcends national borders, and encouraging international collaborations. The goal of InFest is to strengthen the presence of Artist Run Centres within the cultural ecology and public imagination on both local and global levels.

The current international growth of Artist Run Centres is unprecedented. There is, however, no consensus of what defines an Artist Run Centre. Structures, funding models, modes of criticism, and curatorial practices vary according to differing social, cultural and economic contexts. But central to these initiatives is a stronger role for the artist in determining culture, and the provision of creative spaces that add an alternative to established public or private art institutions. InFest is an event that proposes and expands notions of what Artist Run Centres can be.

Artist Run Centres from all regions of the world are encouraged to attend InFest. It is a timely and meaningful opportunity to share our collective experience and knowledge, as well as to instill a sense of confidence within this growing cultural activity."