
About Blank Canvas
Blank Canvas is an initiative of the Brampton Downtown Development Corporation [BDDC] in an effort to beautify the downtown core.
Art is hung in the windows of vacant store fronts made available to the BDDC to create a street gallery for public enjoyment and contemplation.
If you are interested in displaying your art in a Blank Canvas Gallery please read on.
Art Selection
Works of art are selected and approved by a committee of art experts and appreciators assembled by the Brampton Arts Council.
We do not censor or suppress an artists work but we do edit what can and cannot be placed into each property based on the community that the property is located in.
We are guests in someone else's space and we respect and appreciate the opportunity that we have been given and work within the limitations of that invitation.
The Process
- Interested Artists must fill out a Blank Canvas Submission Form and submit electronically to julie.grondin(at)brampton.ca of the BDDC.
- The BDDC will reply to the Artist via email to confirm that the submission has been received including information as to when the committee will be convening to review the submission.
- The submission is reviewed by the committee.
- The artist is contacted by the BDDC shortly after the committee review & the BDDC will search for an appropriate gallery location.
- Once a property is chosen you will be sent photographs via e-mail of the property. We can then make an appointment to evaluate the property in person.
- Artist must agree to terms and sign the waivers
- Times and dates are secured for installation.
- Determine specific procedure for installation, maintenance and removal of exhibit.
- Installation Agreement approved by all parties.
- The Artists is contacted in writing to remove exhibit per terms of Installation Agreement. And or it is predetermined how long the installation is to be kept up.
- Artist must remove exhibit within 10 days of notification and the window and surrounding area must be returned to original condition within established timeframe.
The Artists Role
- Design, install, maintain, and dismantle the installation.
- Provide installation materials.
- Upon notification, return vacant space to original (or better) condition within the time period requested by the property owner.
- (Definition of Better condition: this is to be discussed and evaluated before installation. In general better condition means the deinstallation does not result in any additional labour or material costs beyond what has been discussed).
- All artwork must be appropriate for public windows. No Nudity, discriminatory or violent subject matter
- Julie Grondin or Sudan Cashin of the BDDC will be present for all installations and removals and are the point persons for all concerns.
Important Information
- The artwork is not covered by insurance. Artwork is placed at your own risk.
- Waivers releasing BDDC and the Property owner of all liability must be signed before the installation.
- Every precaution is taken to keep the Artist informed of the type of situation we are placing your work in. All parties will do our best to protect your work from damage or theft.
- Coordinating installations and reinstallations can be complicated and your patience is requested.
- If appointments need to be cancelled please give as much as advance notice as possible.
- The important thing is that all parties are kept updated and informed of all relevant information at all times.
Protocol
- Typically we are guaranteed a 10-day notice to vacate. Sometimes we have less in most cases we have had over a month to prepare. All efforts will be made to accommodate artists with de-installations that must be unexpectedly removed.
- The BDDC will work hard to keep everyone feeling rewarded by their efforts.
- Blank Canvas is managed by the BDDC whose goal is to help create an economically strong Brampton Downtown.
- Many of our locations are unfunded and or partially funded.
- We do not rent or own the properties that we install exhibits in.
- We are guests of our generous hosts and benefactors the property owners.
- Our priority is not to cause injury or harm to the reputation of our generous hosts.
- We are respectful and grateful for this opportunity and do not engage in any activities that will place at risk or cause injury or harm to the reputation of our hosts.
- Protecting the property owner's interests and reputation are always our first priority. We are not a traditional gallery, or museum.
- Each window installation is a site specific partnership between Artist, Curator, Property Owner, and the BDDC . Every window is a one of a kind experience that requires all parties to communicate about what is appropriate and what is inappropriate content for each location and requires that everyone work together to create a rewarding experience for all.
- Each participating Arts Organization, Independent Curator, Artist is informed about what is and is not appropriate to show at each location.
- If an artist work arrives and is in breach of what had been discussed and or agreed upon, verbally or in written form, than it is relocated to a more suitable location. If that cannot be accomplished that the art is removed.
- Work is placed in public pedestrian view. We cannot knowingly choose work that will offend or intentionally provoke or incite numerous complaints. Clearly we would no longer be desirable guests if we were to do so and would be asked to leave. We are only able to offer Artist's opportunities if we have participating locations for their exhibits to be in.






