Into the Archives: Artist Workshop Series (2026-27)

Into the Archives is an artist workshop series for Muslim artists interested in learning theoretical and practical tools to critically and creatively approach archives and history in their practice.

Drawing from the Muslims in Canada Archives (MiCA) collections, the program takes up questions that are key to preserving the Muslim histories of Canada: What gaps and erasures do Muslim people navigate within mainstream heritage institutions? How do we reckon with the destruction of archives? How can we understand the dreams of those who came before us? And how can we approach archives to enrich our understanding of the past, present, and future of Muslim life in Canada and beyond? These conversations will be placed within the context of catastrophes that define many Muslim migrations to Canada including legacies of colonial and imperial intervention.

Join us

Are you a GTA-based Muslim artist at an emerging or mid-career stage and interested in learning, exploring, and sharing skills? Please review program details and apply (link below).

Program details

All sessions will take place in-person at the Jackman Humanities Building (170 St George St.) in Toronto, ON
Workshops will take place on Wednesday October 14 (6-9PM), Tuesday October 20 (6:30-8:30PM), November 14 (12-3PM), January 28 (6:30-8:30PM) and one more date to be announced.
Workshops include: (1) Navigating Archives 101 with the Muslims in Canada Archives, (2) Exploring Family Archives with artist Zinnia Naqvi (3) Occupying Subjectivities with artist-researcher Farida Rady, (4) Archival Processing 101 with the Muslims in Canada Archives, and (5) Deepening Imagination with Archives, led by archivist Melissa Nelson.
Upon successful completion of workshops, artists will receive a $350 participation fee which honours their time and can be used towards retroactively covering transit costs. Artists must attend all sessions to receive the fee. If you do not have a valid SIN but are interested in applying, please email us.

Eligibility

Self-identify as Muslim
Self-identify as an emerging or mid-career artist
Based in the Greater Toronto Area
Available to attend all in-person sessions listed above
Ages 18+ encouraged, if you are below 18 please let us know in your application

Apply now!

Apply here by Sunday October 4, 11:59PM.
*Selected applicants will be notified by October 9.

For questions, please email mica[at]utoronto[dot]ca