About us
Riverdale Art Walk 2008
Artists' Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Riverdale Art Walk?
The Riverdale Art Walk (RAW) is an annual, juried fine art exhibition and celebration that takes
place in Toronto’s Queen East neighbourhood (Riverdale and Leslieville). The Riverdale Art Walk
showcases 100+ artists, organizations, galleries, and businesses and attracts 10,000+ art-lovers
and participants.
2. Who organizes the Riverdale Art Walk?
The Riverdale Art Walk is organized by the Artists’ Network, in association with the
arts, business and residential communities of Riverdale and Leslieville. The Artists’ Network is a non-profit, membership-based initiative dedicated to
supporting professional visual artists in their business practice. We promote professional
development and entrepreneurship of artists by organizing seminars, providing exhibition
opportunities and the facilitation of networks in various areas. Through the Riverdale Art Walk,
the Little Art Show, Hang Man Gallery, as well as other events, we strive to offer artists
affordable opportunities to exhibit, promote and sell their work. For more information on the
Artists Network, visit: www.artistsnetworkofriverdale.org.
3. I have a question about the Riverdale Art Walk. Who do I contact?
Please review these answers to Frequently Asked Questions to check whether your question has
been answered. If you still have questions, please contact artistsnetwork@bellnet.ca.
4. What are the dates, times and location of the RAW?
The RAW takes place Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8, 2008 from 11am to 6pm in
beautiful Jimmie Simpson Park located in the heart of Riverdale, and in galleries, studios, and retail venues from the DVP on Queen Street East to Leslie Avenue, and on Carlaw Avenue
between Queen East and Dundas East. The park is located at 870 Queen Street East at the
midway point between Broadview Street and Carlaw Avenue.
5. What is the deadline for submission?
There are two deadlines for submission:
The Early Bird Deadline is February 1, 2008 at 5pm.
The General Deadline is February 22, 2008 at 5pm.
Yes, these dates are earlier than last year!
6. Why are there two deadlines?
Establishing two deadline dates assists in effective management of both the jury process and the
administrative process. The incentive for the applicant to register early is a reduction in the
participation fee.
Establishing two deadline dates assists in effective management of both the jury process and the
administrative process. The incentive for applicants to register early is a reduction in
participation fees.
7. Do I need to be a member of the Artists’ Network to exhibit
with the RAW?
No, we accept applications from all artists who wish to submit.
8. Do I need to live in the Riverdale neighbourhood to become a member of
the Artists’ Network?
No, membership is not geographically-based.
Visit www.artistsnetworkofriverdale.org to find
out more about Artists’ Network member benefits and services.
9. What methods of payment do you accept for the participation fee?
The Artists’ Network will accept a cash, certified cheque, money order or personal cheque made payable to Artists’ Network of Riverdale (on memo line write Riverdale Art Walk) or a Visa/Mastercard card number
with expiry date. If you are using the Visa credit card option, you must add $10.00 to cover the
additional incurred by Artists’ Network. All cheque NSF will be charged to the artist.
10. Why can’t I apply with one cheque and not the two requested?
The cheque for $25 is a submission fee; the cheque for $150 or $175 is an exhibition fee.
Regardless of submission date (Early Bird or General), members of the Artists’ Network pay a total $175, reflecting a $25 member discount.
In the event that your submission is not juried in, and you only provided one cheque, it will be
cashed, your $25 submission will be retained, and the balance will be mailed back to you.
It is in your best interest and the Artists’ Network, to provide two cheques with
your submission, as requested.
11. Can I submit by email?
No, we do not accept email submissions.
12. Can I postmark my package?
Sure . . . however, your package must arrive by the Early Bird Deadline (to qualify for the
reduction in fee) or the General Deadline. It is the artists’ responsibility to ensure that the
package arrives in time for the deadlines. Postmarked packages arriving after the deadlines will
be stamped on the date received. Late submissions (after February 1) will not be accepted.
13. Can I submit slides, photos or video?
No, only 7 images on CD will be accepted. Images must be a minimum of 300 dpi, with no
dimension greater than 500 pixels.
14. Can I share a booth with a friend?
No, two or more independent artists who are simply sharing the cost of a booth may not apply
together. This makes the administrative and jury process too difficult. Every effort has been
made to keep the participation fee affordable.
15. What do you mean by original art?
All artwork on display must be the original creation of the exhibitor. Reproductions of another
artist’s work will not be considered. Exhibitors are permitted, however, to sell reproductions of
their own work in the form prints. It is important to note that the selection committee will
favour original work over reproductions.
16. Can I submit more than one Media Category?
It is recommended that you submit your strongest or dominant media category. Work will be
juried anonymously in media category groupings. Only one media category will be shown in the catalogue and on our web gallery.
17. Why is the RAW juried?
It is the Artists’ Network intention is to provide equal and impartial opportunity to all artists wishing to exhibit with the RAW regardless of artist affiliations/memberships, or
degree of experience. Meanwhile, it is our intention to present an exhibition of quality to the general public.
18. How does the jury process work?
The Riverdale Art Walk includes the work of professional and emerging visual artists working in
drawing, photography, printmaking, new media, painting, sculpture, and mixed media.
Submissions are adjudicated anonymously by a panel of arts professionals who reflect varied
aspects of cultural production in the visual arts including gallery operations and management,
education and mentorship, editorial and critique, commissions & representation, sole and group
exhibitions, curatorial practice, and artist talks.
19. What is the difference between an Artist Biography and an Artist
Statement?
An Artist Biography provides a sense of your training, past experience and highlights from your
CV. An Artist Statement focuses on the artistic vision of your current work.
20. Who is eligible to submit an application?
Professional and emerging artists in the following disciplines will be considered for the RAW:
painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture, mixed media, and new media.
Established, mid career emerging and re-ermerging artists are encouraged to apply.
21. How and when will I find out if I have been accepted?
The results of the selection process will be communicated to you by email. The schedule for this
process is as follows:
Whether your submission was received for the Early Bird Deadline or the General Deadline, you
will be notified of the results by March 15, 2008.
22. Can I dispute or appeal the jury’s decision?
No, all decisions are final.
23. When should I expect the return of my submission package?
Candidates from both the Early Bird and General deadlines will receive their submission
packages, including a receipt, by May 1, 2008, only if you have included a self-addressed stamped
envelope which is big enough to hold submission materials. The Artists’ Network will
not add postage or supply envelopes. Artist applying from outside of Canada are reminded to
provide International Postage Coupons, and not self-addressed stamped envelopes because they
are only valid domestically (in Canada or in he US, not cross-border).
24. What if I need to cancel my participation?
If you are juried in to the Riverdale Art Walk and you decide to withdraw from the event, your
participation fee will be returned to you less a $75 administrative fee. Artists’ Network must be notified of withdrawal in writing by Tuesday, April 1st, 2008. Artists’Network will retain all fees if you cancel after April 1st, 2008.
25. How big is the space I will be exhibiting in?
Artists exhibiting in Jimmie Simpson Park will be assigned a 10’ by 10’ booth space.
Artists exhibiting in a retail venue will need to establish the details of their exhibition with the
host business. Venues have been asked to provide a minimum 6’ by 10’ area.
26. Am I guaranteed any venue I request?
No. Jimmie Simpson Park must be requested on the submission form at the time of submission.
There is a limited number of spaces, and they are assigned on a on a first-come-first-go basis, in
order of request (as determined by the date your submission package is received and stamped).
27. How do retail exhibition venues work?
Artists who wish to be in a retail space will be provided with a list of venues within the RAW
boundaries. Thenceforth, all arrangements are the artist’s responsibility. You must have the
address of the of your retail space confirmed by Tuesday April 1st, 2008. RAW representatives are
able to provide recommendations upon request.
28. Can someone else sit my exhibition?
No, all RAW artists must sit their exhibition sites on both days. RAW artists may arrange coverage
of their sites for short breaks.
29. Can I exhibit in more than one venue?
No, each artist must sit their solo exhibition site, during both days of the RAW, from 11 am to
6pm. This applies to all RAW artists in any venues—Jimmie Simpson Park, studios, galleries, or
retail venues.
30. How can I get into a gallery?
The exhibition mandate of gallery participation is to showcase the special curatorial focus of the
gallery. The galleries will not be juried as it is in their best interest to employ good curatorial
practices in-house. Galleries may exhibit as many or as few artists as they may wish; this process
occurs independent of the RAW in accordance with galleries’ submission criteria and guidelines.
31. Do you provide the tent or the display materials?
No, we do not. Artists must provide their tent, if they wish to have one, and all other display
materials. Display systems requiring construction are not permitted. Display systems must be
secured by weights, sandbags or bricks. Spiking of the ground at Jimmie Simpson Park is strictly prohibited as stipulated in our Park Permit with the City of Toronto.
32. What if it rains?
A great reason to invest in or rent a 10′ by 10′ tent! The Riverdale Art Walk is a rain or shine
event. * We have advertised and promised the public that each of you will be where your supposed to for both days. Fulfilling that covenant is crucial for your crediblity and ours.
33. Can I drive directly into the park to set up my booth?
No, Jimmie Simpson Park is a car-free zone. There are too many participants to risk motorized
vehicles being allowed into the park. Booth Avenue, which runs north/south on the east side of
the Park, is used as a load-in load-out area.
34. How does the load-in process work?
When you receive your participant package by email, it will include your load-in/load-out time.
Starting at 9am on the morning of the exhibition, pre-determined groups of artists will arrive at
the park in fifteen minute intervals. You will be greeted by a representative from the Riverdale
Art Walk and any new pertinent information will be shared at that time. You then have fifteen
minutes to unload your materials on the curb side.
Before you begin transferring your materials to your booth location, you must remove your car and find a place to park.
It is highly recommended that you bring someone along to help you with this procedure. The tire
of your car will then be marked in chalk with your booth number. This allows us to identify you if
you leave your vehicle unattended for longer than the allotted time. Remember, there are over
many participants in this event. Following the load-in procedure ensures a smooth, organized
start to everyone’s day. Once you have located your booth and set yourself up, stop by the
Riverdale Art Walk information booth to pick up your participant name tag artist package.
35. What do I do with my property overnight?
Artists are encouraged to remove all personal property at the end of Day One. You may, however,
choose to leave your tent assembled in the park overnight. Security guards will be engaged to
look after the park between 7pm on Saturday, June 7nd, and 10 am on Sunday, June 8. There be no storage in Jimmie Simpson Centre as of 2008.
Please note that Riverdale Art Walk is not responsible for stolen
or damaged property. Leaving any materials in the park overnight is done at the risk of the artist.
36. Does the Artists’ Network take a commission from my sales?
No. 100% of the profits you make from sales are yours. We may, however, inquire as to the
status of your sales over the weekend. This information is invaluable to us as organizers to gauge
the economic impact of the event as well the effectiveness of our marketing strategies.
37. How many people attend the Riverdale Art Walk?
Last year, the Riverdale Art Walk saw an estimated 8,000+ attendees.
38. How is the Riverdale Art Walk promoted?
The Artists' Network conducts an annual media relations and marketing campaign for
the Riverdale Art Walk including inclusion of our 12 page full-colour program in NOW magazine
(the issue published one week prior to the RAW). Print advertising, public service announcements
on community and commercial radio stations, distribution of postcards and posters, email
broadcasts and website postings. A full list of artists, activities and locations is posted on the
Artists’ Network website at www.artistsnetworkofriverdale.org in early May. Our
program includes a site map with corresponding site numbers for each artist.
39. How can I promote my participation in the Riverdale Art Walk?
Establishing a personal marketing strategy to promote your participation in the RAW is wise. The Artists’ Network can assist you with this process by providing you with a promotional
email that you can forward to your contacts. You can expect this email in the weeks leading up
to the RAW. Postcards are also available for your collection at a RAW Artist Orientation Session.
40. When do we find out about the RAW Artist Orientation Session?
When you receive accpetance notification, you will also receive an information kit including RAW
Artist Orientation Session dates and contracts.
41. Are the RAW Artist Orientation Sessions mandatory?
No, but attendance is highly recommended! RAW Artist Orientation Sessions are designed for
the benefit of RAW artists in order to facilitate the smoothest RAW experience possible.
42. What can I expect at a RAW Artist Orientation Session?
Useful information about venues and site locations, day-of details, contracts, tips on promotion
and Q& A. You'll also begin to meet your fellow artists.
43. Did you say contract?
Yes, all RAW artists will be emailed an exhibition/location contract, which artists are required to return as promptly
as possible. This is to confirm where you are showing. This document is a vital piece of communication between your and your retail site host and you and us while we put together the catalogue.
44. Where can I mail or drop-off my submission?
Mail or drop-off in person to:
Artists’ Network
Attn: Riverdale Art Walk
756 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON M4M 1H4
For more information on the Artists’ Network, visit
www.artistsnetworkofriverdale.org or call 416.465.0302