Imani Dominique
Project:
The Gift Shop
Description:
Curated by Imani Dominique and located in Square One Shopping Centre, “The Gift Shop” is an art based-pop-up shop that brings together four talented and multi-faceted Black artists: Laneigh Ramirez (external link) , Percy Eriamiator (external link) , Shaza Tarig Elnour (external link) , and Isabelle Loobie (Ella's Precision) (external link) . This exhibit provided emerging and mid-career Black artists with an opportunity to sell their artwork and incubate their businesses.
The four selected artists participated in business development workshops: Art Of The Sale (A Guide to Art Dealing) (Facilitated by Kristopher Sakamoto Marshall from LUMAS Gallery Toronto (external link) ), Intellectual Property and Artist Legal Rights (Facilitated by Daniel Pink from Artists’ Legal Advice Services (external link) ), Sustainable Content Creation (Facilitated by Gerda Boateng (external link) ), and Accounting 101 (Facilitated by Kelly Ross from Ross Professional Corporation (external link) ). These workshops gave the artists multi-disciplinary business skills in preparation for the Square One pop-up shop.
The Square One pop-up event was held within the “Black Owned Toronto” storefront and was an opportunity for the artists to sell their work utilizing the skill sets developed throughout the program.
Over 150 people visited the pop-up and the artists collectively made over $2,200 in sales. 100% of the artwork sales went back to the artists.
“The Gift Shop” was a space for Black artists to develop their business skills, build community, and celebrate their craft.
Content:
- Project Website: The Gift Shop 1.0 (external link)
- includes video summary (external link) , pop-up virtual walkthrough (external link) , artwork catalogue (external link) , event photos, and workshop series summary.
- Media: Mississauga - “New Mississauga pop-up shop showcases Black artists (external link) ”
- Media: Insauga - “Art-based pop-up shop set to hie Square One in Mississauga (external link) ”
- (Continuation of Project) Website: The Gift Shop 3.0 (external link)
Funding:
$5,000 towards event and workshop expenses (e.g., printed promotional materials, workshop supplies, artist fees, meals, etc.).