The Community Arts Biennale 2000 is an umbrella initiative of A Space Gallery, one of Canada’s oldest multidisciplinary artist-run centres. A Space has long played a key role in the development of community based artworks and inclusive curatorial practices. CAB is a new step in A Space’s furthering of the dialogues between artists and their communities. In the wake of Ontario’s reckless 40% Arts Funding cuts, many community-based artists, indeed many communities themselves, have suffered the indignity of being alienated, or silenced. The Biennale provides the much needed exposure, documentation, context and support that these projects deserve. By focusing our attention on being a resource centre, we have been able to make connections between artists and communities, communities and venues, and between emerging venues and new audiences. Over the past year CAB staff have worked hand in hand with community groups, writing letters of support, providing consultation for grant applicants and helping project coordinators to explore new avenues of funding. A team of professional CAB photographers and videographers is capturing the spirit of the projects as they unfold, while our publicist, Sarah Hood, of Cadmus Communications, continues to push community arts to the forefront of the summer arts season.

The projects featured in the festival are as varied as the definition of ‘community’ itself: ethnic, racial, sexual, geographic, and shared interest. From theatre to photography, traditional community endeavours like quilting through to experimental soundscapes, every conceivable medium and message is featured at this festival. By sifting through over a hundred proposals, our tireless Programming Committee has specifically selected collaborative projects that they believe will have a strong, positive impact on Toronto’s communities. Whenever possible, the Programming Committee has chosen works that push the boundaries of community art practice. We hope that this year’s selection will stimulate vitality, promote artistic unity and further each community’s social influence. By situating these groups within the context of the CAB festival we have been able to promote a sense of harmony, without having the stigmas of ‘ghettoization’ or fine arts snobbery interfere with the wider dialogue between all of the groups involved and the public.

We hope you enjoy the first Community Arts Biennale, and share our anticipation for Biennales of the future. We are extremely excited by all of the wonderful projects programmed and groups involved. CAB has already been heralded as the perfect way to usher in a new millennia of socially active, engaging arts and culture. Keep an eye on your local arts publications, and our website for updates on our up-coming parties, forums, and schedule! Thank you again for your on going support and enthusiasm.