Awarded the 2013 MOCCA Award in Contemporary Art
The Canadian art scene celebrates an important milestone this week.
Partners in Art (PIA), a volunteer based organization of Toronto art supporters with a shared interest in promoting contemporary visual arts within Canada and internationally, celebrates its 10th anniversary this week.
“Since its modest beginning, PIA has helped change the Canadian art scene through the creation of a different type of patron involvement that includes a collaboration of ideas and active engagement with chosen institutions,” says Mimi Joh, 2012 PIA co-chair. “We look forward to creating future collaborations in the years to come,” she added.
Over the years, PIA has partnered with 14 art organizations ranging from The Power Plant, to the AGO, the Canadian Art Foundation, The Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) University, and The Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art (MOCCA) among others, helped fund 31 projects, and raised $800,000.
The group solicits sponsors to fund its activities, organizes fundraising events, and accepts donations from the public.
Goal to reach $1 million in sponsorships
“Thank you to all of our corporate sponsors and donors for helping us raise $800,000 over the past 10 years. Together we have made a difference in Canadian contemporary art,” adds Yvonne Fleck, co-chair of PIA. “In our tenth anniversary year, we have set a significant milestone to reach $1 million sponsorship raised.”
PIA recently announced its projects for this year: PIA is the lead sponsor of the annual photography symposium at the new Ryerson Image Centre in Toronto as well as a multifaceted, multimedia project at the Art Gallery of York University with artist Deanna Bowen.
PIA becomes fourth recipient of the MOCCA Award
At a reception last evening, Partners in Art was named the fourth recipient of the MOCCA Award. PIA is recognized for its 10 years of tireless championing of contemporary art through meaningful collaborations.
“The very name ‘Partners in Art’ embodies a spirit of active collaboration towards the creation of culture – an objective that is also at the core of the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art’s mandate and mission. The efforts of PIA have been key in supporting the success and advancement of MOCCA’s artistic and operational vision,” states David Liss, Artistic Director and Curator of the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art.
“On behalf of PIA we are honoured to receive this prestigious award from MOCCA,” comment co-chairs Ms Fleck and Ms Joh. “Indeed, to be in the same league as past MOCCA Award recipients is such a privilege and we are very thankful to MOCCA.”
