ABOUT
Founded in 2015, Possible Worlds is a community-driven, artist-run, woman platform specializing in graphic art, print and electronic music. It is the independent project of Melanie Yugo and Jason Skilz.
We present and produce works and programming that amplify the voices of underrepresented, emerging and experimental artists locally and internationally.
This includes the presentation and in-house production of artist prints, records, artist books, zines, shirts, and cassettes, in conjunction with programming such as workshops, meetups, exhibitions, performances and events.
Through our outreach arm, we operate a physical art space, record shop and print studio embedded in a local neighbourhood, as well as design community-driven art and music programming at different sites in Ottawa and beyond.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: We humbly acknowledge that Possible Worlds is located on unceded, unsurrendered Territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation.
MISSION: To provide an inclusive space and support for experimental and underrepresented art and music in Ottawa; to serve as a hub for artists and creative-minded folks to connect and explore shared interests and curiosities; and to foster empowerment and community engagement through culture.
VISION: To build independent culture and creativity in Ottawa and beyond. To be a vital platform in Canada and internationally recognized for championing alternative models to arts engagement, centered in values of learning, sharing and inclusion.
PLATFORM: In occupying physical spaces, Possible Worlds re-imagines the traditional institutional models through which the public engages with culture, combining familiar consumer or public sites with approachable learning and social sites. We are inspired by record shops, print studios and libraries as community hubs.
REVENUE: Any revenue generated (from the sale of works, exhibitions, events, workshops and services) goes back to operate the space, programming, community initiatives and fundraisers, and the artists involved.
PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY: Possible Worlds is at street level and is wheelchair accessible. Contact us to request more information about accessibility at our venue, or accommodations.
WHAT WE DO
PROJECT SPACE: Artist talks, meetups, and workshops such as our popular silkscreening workshops, are hosted in our convertible project space. Contemporary artists, musicians, designers, writers, curators, educators, cultural workers, social practitioners, activists, students and the community-at-large gather to network and share knowledge, tools and experiences with their peers. The space also hosts live electronic music shows, exhibition openings, book launches and other art gatherings.
GALLERY: The Possible Worlds gallery walls showcase the latest in contemporary and emerging graphic art from local Ottawa artists, across Canada and internationally. Rotating solo and group art shows feature selected artists, illustrators and designers. Entry to view the exhibits is free and open to all.
PUBLISHING + SMALL PRESS: With expertise in silkscreening and Risograph printing, we collaborate with artists, designers and community-minded organizations to produce art posters, artist books, zines, t-shirts, album covers, cassette covers and other printed matter. Selected projects contribute to contemporary graphic art or electronic music, building community, advancing cultural dialogue, and social change.
SHOP: A curated selection of works is sold in our space, featuring new and affordable limited editions and multiples created in-house as well as by local, Canadian and international artists. Our selection includes prints, vinyl records, cassettes, apparel, artist books, zines, pins and ceramics. Many of these works can be found only in Ottawa at our shop.
DEVELOPMENT: A large part of our work is discovering and developing new and promising talent, and providing community members access to resources and services. We offer volunteer opportunities for people to gain experience and skills beneficial to their professional development.
C0-FOUNDERS: Melanie Yugo + Jason Skilz
ART DIRECTOR: Melanie Yugo
MUSIC DIRECTOR: Jason Skilz