Publics

Publics builds off of a context of increased privatization in the arts as established in and , exploring, this time, the multi-valenced and shifting understanding of the public. Public, as a designation, is used in many ways across various contexts be it public art, community, audience, or government ownership. This is further complicated by the understanding that art and cultural programs in Canada are valued as a “public good.” However, within a paradigm of increased reliance on private and corporate investment in the arts, it begs the question: how does this change our notions of public? Inevitably, these changes inform the work of cultural practitioners.

Curator and cultural strategist Sagan MacIsaac and curatorial collective Aisle 4 (Emily Fitzpatrick, Shannon Linde, Patricia Ritacca, and Renée van der Avoird) both have a long history of public engagement by centering meaningful community involvement and representation in their work. In doing so, Sagan and Aisle 4 both emphasize the public in public art. The event will begin with a presentation by Sagan on her work developing public art and cultural programming, offering tangible engagement tactics for artists, architects, and cultural workers. Aisle 4 will then present on their history of public engagement as a form of social practice, emphasizing the time and complexity it takes to work with communities.

Following the two presentations, Sagan and Aisle 4 will return for a panel discussion focusing on the political implications of working in public; as well as, an understanding of politics as inherent to the public itself. Through this discussion we hope to draw out some of the tensions latent within cultural production for the public in the face of greater privatization. Time for audience questions will follow the panel discussion.

is a curator and cultural strategist. A natural connector and collaborator, she works with artists, cultural producers, cities and organizations to bring big ideas to life. Sagan’s work in research, engagement, strategy, cultural programming, and project management has supported significant initiatives in Canada and the US. She has held key roles as Director, Strategy and Program at ART+PUBLIC UnLtd and as Cultural Strategist at Bespoke Collective. Dedicated to fostering a vibrant, sustainable arts ecology, Sagan is a member of Arts Consultants Canada and a 2025 MBA candidate in Arts Innovation at the Global Leaders Institute. In 2015 she launched Sagan Editions to bring contemporary Canadian art to collectors of all levels. Through the production of limited edition artist multiples, writing and pop-up exhibitions with established and emerging artists, it became a platform that broadened exhibition opportunities for artists and increased access to art for audiences.

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s a curatorial collective based in Tkaronto/Toronto working in social practice and public art. Formed in 2013, they commission artist projects in the public realm that respond to specific communities, geographies, and/or social issues. Their work involves deep collaboration with artists and publics, and in some cases partner organizations, embracing opportunities that favour long-term partnerships and occur outside of institutional structures. Over the past decade, they have presented projects that explore themes such as gentrification, public safety, alternative histories, and institutional critique. Aisle 4’s four members are Emily Fitzpatrick, Shannon Linde, Patricia Ritacca, and Renée van der Avoird.

Host or Publisher Pumice Raft