“Into the Archives” is an exciting new artist workshop series for emerging artists interested in learning 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 can we document underwritten Muslim stories with care and consent? And how do archival collections enrich our understanding of the past, present, and future of Muslim life? Importantly, participants will be invited to locate these conversations within the context of catastrophes that defined many Muslim migrations to Canada including the legacies of colonial infrastructure and imperial intervention. The program will culminate with a keynote artist talk by one of Canada's leading Muslim artists.

Join us

Are you a GTA-based Muslim artist at the emerging stage of your career and interested in learning, exploring, and sharing skills? We want to hear from you! Apply here. 

Deadline

Apply by September 15, 11:59PM. Selected applicants will be offered a spot in the program no later than September 28.

Program details

  • All sessions will take place in-person at the Jackman Humanities Building in Toronto 
  • Workshops, discussions, and studio hours will take place on Wednesday October 1 (6:30-9PM), Monday October 6 (6:30-9PM), Sunday November 2 (1-3PM) and more dates to be announced
  • Facilitators include Zinnia Naqvi, Mélika Hashemi, Mitra Fakhrashrafi, and more
  • Upon completion of program, artists will receive a $300 participation fee as well as a $50 transportation stipend. Artists must attend all sessions to receive fee and stipend. 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 artist
  • Based in the Greater Toronto Area
  • Available to attend all in-person sessions listed above

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

Image credit: Ghulam Mustafa painting, courtesy of artist Ghulam Mustafa