Are you a struggling artist in Mississauga?

For artists struggling with their work and trying to take their art to the next level, a big opportunity is calling via the Resident Artist Program at the Living Arts Centre (LAC) in Mississauga.

The Resident Artist Program is geared towards recent graduates of arts and design institutions, and emerging and mid-career artists (and artisans) who are interested in the rare opportunity to hone their craft in a professionally equipped studio space. Eligible artists can apply online.

There are nine disciplines offered in the program, including photography, painting/drawing, woodworking, glass, flameworking, jewellery, textiles, ceramics, and interdisciplinary.

There are a variety of benefits to the Resident Artist Program:

Opportunities to exhibit your artwork in professional gallery spaces.

If you’ve dreamt of having your work displayed in galleries and at exhibitions, then the Resident Artist Program is for you. The program provides opportunities for its artists to display their work at exhibitions and events held at the Living Arts Centre and at various other locations.

This year’s artists’ work will be displayed at UTM’s Blackwood Gallery from May 24 to June 24 for the As It Happens exhibition, which celebrates artists as a catalyst for changing discourse and as the connectors to the creative community. The exhibition will ask artists to consider how they are exploring their medium and the world in new ways. As It Happens is a must-see event for aspiring artists looking for some creative inspiration.

Dania Al Obaidi, Painting & Drawing artist

Professionally equipped studios with all the tools you need to create.

Regardless of which of the nine artistic disciplines you’re working in, all artists get access to professionally equipped studios containing the specific tools and resources needed to ensure artists can freely create the art they’re envisioning. The equipment is high quality and well maintained, and the studios themselves are large and spacious, allowing artists to work on large-scale projects.

Other features include an on-site studio technician, storage space for supplies, Wi-Fi access, and reduced parking rates. Additionally, all utilities are included.

Matthew McIntyre, Wood artist

Chances to network, collaborate, and learn from other experienced artists.

There’s no better way to grow as an artist than to interact with fellow artists and learn from their experiences. The Resident Artist Program is a collaborative experience, providing opportunities for mentorship, critique, and professional development. Through the self-directed residency there are opportunities to work with artists from different disciplines, gaining access to new studio spaces and supplies.

Zishuo Li, Painting & Drawing artist

A relaxed environment with minimal distractions.

While community and collaborative experiences are always on the table for artists who want them, the program also grants a level of privacy that’s hard to get anywhere else. Studio space is either individual or shared depending on the studio selected, but studios are never too busy or crowded, allowing artists to focus on their work in an environment with minimal distractions or interruptions.

All these benefits combined provide a tremendous boost to artists who are eager to hone their craft, with several Resident Artists having shared their positive experiences with the program.

If this is the kind of opportunity you’ve been waiting for, be sure to apply to the program or check the eligibility requirements.

For more information on the Resident Artist Program and all other events and programs at the Living Arts Centre and the rest of Mississauga, visit livingartscentre.ca or follow the city’s culture division on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Amee Raval, Glass artist