Studio Béluga Wants You to Create Your Dream Art Project

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What if someone told you that they would create your dream artistic project… for free? Studio Béluga has teamed up with Faux-Cadres Canal for the second time since 2012, and are proposing just that. This year they’ve also added C.O.A Gallery and Fero Transport to their list of incredible collaborators. I chatted with Alina Maizel, founder of Studio Béluga – a cross-Canada non-profit organization run by artists, art professionals and curators, for artists in the community – about this great opportunity.

Maizel broke down just how amazing this year’s Possible Dimensions contest is for emerging and mid-career artists: “Everything you would need as an artist, that you would get at an expensive price, we are offering to emerging artists. For free.” Faux-Cadres Canal, for example, has made custom canvases for artists like Sandra Chevrier. Maizel explained how they manually manipulate the wood to create unique shapes; they can add hinges and create larger-than-life structures, taking canvases to a whole other level.

Their client list is exclusive to established artists, but they are offering their services to the two Possible Dimensions winners for free. C.O.A Gallery, a street-level gallery on Saint-Laurent, where the winners will be offered a curated solo show, has huge international exposure. “It’s very popular for international collectors,” said Maizel. Finally, Fero Transport, specializing in art transportation – even down to temperature regulation in their vehicles, as Maizel described – will ensure that the winning artworks stay safe.

Maizel explained that this nationwide contest seeks to offer “super quality to people with limited resources.” She continued, stating that the “initial boost for emerging artists – first shows, collaborations with more known entities – is the most difficult.” Besides all the perks from collaborators, the winners of Possible Dimensions will receive consultation sessions prior to fabrication.

So how can you win? I asked Maizel what they’re looking for, and she said: “We want to be impressed. We want to see innovation, strong creative and artistic merit. Something we haven’t seen before.” Although they’re calling for ‘your dream project,’ it does have to be realistic and make use of Faux-Cadres Canal’s services in some way. According to Maizel, as long as it doesn’t defy the laws of physics, you’re all set. Their call is geared to emerging and mid-career artists, preferably – but not limited to – painters. “If we can create something that you can’t, then apply,” said Maizel.

The call for applications ends on April 30. You can find all the details on Studio Béluga’s website. Add them on Facebook for updates on other exciting events, like their monthly Drink and Draw drawing parties and monthly Art-Up exhibits, where they feature new artists (next month’s exhibit has its vernissage on May 12 at Theatre Saint Catherine at 6 p.m.). Submissions are always open and welcome! E-mail [email protected] if you have questions about Possible Dimensions, or any other Studio Béluga initiative.