Welcome to Picasso Pro 

Picasso PRO, a long-term project, was formed to facilitate genuine opportunity for artists with disabilities and Deaf artists in the performing and media arts. It springs from the passionate conviction that Deaf and disabled artists belong on Canada's stages and screens and among our audiences, professional staffs, teachers and cultural leaders.   

Since 1993, Picasso PRO, originally called DIS THIS!, has enjoyed five programming cycles under the management of Rose Jacobson. Picasso PRO offers an evolving program of skills development, artist support, networking, creation, collaboration and services for the up and coming professional. All activities are grounded in a strong commitment to the artists' creative, professional and human rights.  Our current program is in collaboration with Creative Trust, made possible through a province-wide grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Government of Ontario.

TBA

From the Field

Here we feature events, notices, and news about other projects, associates and activities relevant to Picasso PRO and Disability Arts.

National Call to Visual Artists from KickstART Disability Arts & Culture

H/E/R/O/S is a multimedia, visual art exhibit to be presented by KickstART Disability Arts & Culture. It will showcase twenty artists with a disability at the Pendulum Gallery in downtown Vancouver, February-March 2010. For complete information log onto; www.

The Greek word “hero” originally referred to a demigod, the offspring a mortal and a deity. Various dynamics are observed in relation to the disability community and the concept of “heroism”.

KickstART is looking for artists who wish to convey something about the idea of heroism or to reinterpret “heroism” on their own personal terms. We encourage artistic adventurousness, and work that draws from the disability experience.

Up to three pieces from twenty artists may be selected by a curatorial committee. We welcome submissions of painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, assemblage, fibre etc. New media works will not be considered in this call. Two dimensional works are generally limited to 3 feet by 4 feet in size, or works that will disassemble or fold down to that size. Larger pieces MAY be considered but please speak to us before submitting your proposal.

A fee will be paid to artists chosen to participate. Collaborations are welcome, but for the purpose of payment, artist teams are considered single artists.

If you would like to participate, send a letter indicating your interest, accompanied by a sample of past work (limit of 10 images), and/or a sketch or brief description of your idea(s) for this show. Your proposal must be postmarked by Wednesday, June 17th 2009. Please do not send original artwork, and if you want any material returned, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Shefrin, co-curator, at visualarts@kickstart-arts.ca . Submissions must be mailed to: KickstART HEROS Exhibit, 2702 Norland Avenue, Burnaby, BC V5A 3A6

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