As the only comprehensive gathering of performative arts in the Treaty 7 region, M:ST’s 9th Biennial opens up a temporary and transformative context. This fall we offer diverse opportunities to entangle with media differently, to make and witness artworks that reject the market object, that question our faith in the redemptive power of technology, and that recognize the affective power of politics.
In an attempt to claim and share our own histories, this year’s roster of artists question the physical and metaphysical boundaries between body and territory. They pit their agency as individuals and citizens against the built environment, ideological organizing systems, and the biopolitical control that characterize our contemporary moment.
Temporarily taking over theatres, galleries and public space all over the downtown core, M:ST 9 will present interactive installations, performances, and interventions that promise to disrupt conventions. Navigating the personal and the political, these works find their relevance in the live presence of the politicized body.
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All events are free and all are welcome.
This program would not be possible without: Alberta College of Art + Design, The Alex Community Food Centre, CSIF – The Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers, Contemporary Calgary, EMMEDIA Gallery & Production Society, HIV Community Link, Luma Quarterly, National Music Centre, The New Gallery, Trapdoor Artist Run Centre, TRUCK Contemporary Art in Calgary, Southern Alberta Art Gallery, Stride Gallery, University of Calgary Department of Art, Untitled Art Society
+ Media Partners: Local Drop Magazine (Biennial sponsor) + Beatroute Magazine + CJSW
+ Community Partners: Sidewalk Citizen
+ Funders: Alberta Lottery Fund, Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Calgary Arts Development, Rozsa Foundation, Canada Council for the Arts | Conseil des Arts du Canada
M:ST acknowledges that we stand on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot and the people of the Treaty 7 region, which includes the Siksika, the Piikuni, the Kainai, the Tsuu T’ina and the Stoney Nakoda First Nations. The City of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III. Amidst the ongoing social, cultural and environmental effects of colonialism, we are committed to dialogue and collaboration with Indigenous artists and communities as part of our mandate to foster performative art practices in Southern Alberta.
All photos courtesy of Mike Tan.