Re-Opening Our Doors

After four weeks of designing and installing our new space, we’re ready to open our doors! We are so excited to welcome you to Possible Worlds new headquarters and studio at Arts Court, in the heart of downtown Ottawa. Our grand re-opening celebration on June 10th.

In our short time as a new tenant group, we are already loving the hub atmosphere and downtown energy - at any moment of the day, there is something going on, whether it is hosted by our fellow tenants or hosted by other art groups. Many of our past collaborators are here, and future ones, too, which makes for a very interesting mix of programming ideas. You’re sure to bump into someone you know. If you need a projector or stick of butter, someone probably has it.

At the same time, we continue to embody our grassroots, DIY attitude and practice to running Possible Worlds. While we may no longer be located in a storefront, our values of independence, flexibility, experimentation, care and community will guide us. As one of the few groups in the building that seeks to support itself using different models and resources, we are so grateful to the community that continues to engage with and support this project. We hope our model will spark discussion about the sustainability of models of organization in the arts and culture sector, and how thinking differently can advance the city’s cultural milieu.

Our re-location to Arts Court has provided a moment of reflection for us as an organizing duo. Over the last 20 years we have been involved in the Ottawa arts and music community, this building has provided us many opportunities - from producing events to building relationships to important life events - so it seems somewhat of a homecoming.

Stay tuned for projects that harness this new energy.

Melanie + Jason

Big Moves, New Directions

We’ve been mentioning it here and there to some of you…after receiving the keys last month, we’re excited to announce that Possible Worlds is moving to a new downtown location in April!

Our new headquarters will be at Arts Court, one of the city’s key arts hubs. We’ll be next door to Ottawa Art Gallery, SAW Gallery and the Rideau Centre, and with a more central location, we hope to welcome even more of you to the space.

We’ll also continue to have a “satellite” home in Hintonburg, thanks to our friends at Morning Owl Parkdale, with whom we will be collaborating to present programming.

We’ve been reflecting on where we’d like to take Possible Worlds in the next few years. Possible Worlds has always been an artist project for us, where we explore with how we engage and give voice to communities through art, music and print.

At this point in time, we are looking to renew our focus on innovative programming, such as events, workshops and exhibitions, as well as strengthen our publishing activities. We’re also looking for more flexibility and mobility to be out in the community more. As we start to gather again, we want to go back to our roots and have more freedom to work with partners, different venues, and experiment with how we engage with publics. This new blended model will allow us to do so.

Selected prints, records, books, apparel and other artist works will continue to be sold at our Arts Court location, with either weekend storefront hours or by appointment. You can also find works through our online shop, pop-ups with local partners, and through artist book and zine fairs.

Our last day at 1165 Wellington Street West will be Sunday, April 16. Until then, we’ll be open Wednesdays 5-8 PM and weekends 12-5 PM for the rest of March, and weekends 12-5 PM in April.

You can follow along with us on our Instagram account as we get ready for the move. Stay tuned for our goodbye party next month.

A big, big thank you to all of you for your support over the last three years in Hintonburg (and our first five years in Chinatown). We couldn’t have done it without you! We can’t wait to welcome you to PW's new location in the coming weeks!

Melanie + Jason

Spring Forward

So much has happened in Ottawa, the world, and our own lives during the first three months of 2022, and we've been on the down low like many of you.

We’ve taken some of the time to process everything and to reflect. It’s been so many starts and stops in the last two years. We moved into a new space in February 2020, ready to go, and then everything changed with the pandemic.

During the first week of spring, as the days get longer, and as we cautiously open up, we feel very lucky to be here and (cautiously) optimistic. We’re coming out of hibernation with a new sense of purpose.

As we enter year 7, we’re ready to reconnect again with all of you in-person. We’ll draw on our strengths in DIY, learning, community and experimentation in an institutionally-driven town. We will continue to champion and amplify underrepresented and emerging voices. We’re ready to embrace our alternative model of arts engagement and share our learnings.

We’ll be posting on the blog more often, and newsletters will come frequently, our way of reaching out again and share opportunities to get involved. As always, thank you everyone for all your support during this time. Stay tuned for what’s next!

~Melanie + Jason

We're Hiring!

We can’t believe it’s been already one year in our new space. Thanks to your support, we’re still here…. and growing! We are now currently hiring for a few hours per week:

> Retail and Marketing Assistant
> Design + Print Studio Assistant

We’re looking for new team members who are energized by connecting with artists and the community, putting their ideas into action, and making an impact on Ottawa's cultural scene. And of course, share a strong interest in independent art, music, DJing, design, print, and DIY culture.

We welcome applications from those who self-identify as members of equity-deserving and underrepresented groups. We value the perspectives and contributions of all our team members -- their diverse backgrounds, abilities and experiences.

More details on how to apply are available by clicking the link below. Let us know if you have any questions!

A New Look

We want to thank you all so much for your love and support in 2020. It’s been a rollercoaster to say the least. It’s hard to believe it was PW’s 5-year anniversary last year! But we are moving ahead, excited to reimagine what Possible Worlds will look like in 2021. First up, we've got a new look: check out our recently installed backlit signage. We’ll also be taking more advantage of our street level windows this year. Stay tuned.

Music at Home

In-person music gatherings at Possible Worlds won't be happening for a while. So in the meantime, we're offering up playlists to get you inspired. Each playlist will feature our current electronic and experimental music picks, like the mixed tapes we have on rotation at the space. Click below to listen to our first playlist for 2021.

We're Officially Opening!

From your words of support, to helping us move, to spreading the word, to contributing to the crowdfunding campaign, and more - thank you everyone for your support over the last 6 months.

We have some good news to share - it’s the update you’ve been waiting for:

Possible Worlds is officially open at its new location starting this weekend!

Drop by Saturday October 3 and Sunday October 4 from 1-4 PM at our new digs in Hintonburg: 1165 Wellington Street West. Purchase items from the shop, and check out the space.

Outdoor music performances by Ottawa artists:

MELO-T and Golden Eyes

Up to 3 people maximum will be let in at a time in 15-minute slots. Masks, social distancing and contactless payment will be in effect.

PS: Our ribbon-cutting ceremony and larger grand opening will be rescheduled for spring 2021. The second-wave of the pandemic is here in Ottawa and our community's health and well-being is our priority.

VIRTUAL OPENING + TOUR

Not able to join us in-person this weekend or living outside Ottawa? Join us this Sunday October 4 at 5:00 pm on Instagram for a live tour of the space.

The Update You've Been Waiting For

After 6 months of waiting on repairs, we’re finally seeing the light.

Our grand opening at the new space is Saturday October 3.

Stay tuned for more details (taking it day by day now).

We are so excited to welcome you to PW’s new location.

Update + Crowdfunding Rewards on The Way

We’ve been pretty quiet on the interwebs, posting on Instagram and Facebook every so often. But we wanted to share some updates with you all.

1. Thanks to everyone for your patience as we work on crowdfunding rewards. We sent out digital rewards earlier this month, now working on prepping and shipping physical rewards.

2. There was a major water issue in the new space last month and we’ve been dealing with the aftermath of it. We would have loved to share more progress but it's been pretty much at a standstill. As of now, we’ve had to move works and print operations to our small one-bedroom apartment. We will keep you updated once we hear more news.

3. Unfortunately we won’t be opening physical doors any time soon and we will be focusing our attention online for now. In the meantime, check out our updated website with what would have been the look and feel of the new space. 

• Check out our online shop, which is being updated weekly with records, artist books, zines, prints, shirts and more. 

• You'll soon be able to take online workshops like Silkscreening 101 from Home, Risograph 101 from Home and Zinemaking 101 from Home. 

• Check out our print commissions and screen making services. Plus we're happy to be now offering new print packages: send us your artwork and we’ll print them on t-shirts, tote bags or as Risograph prints.

  Please help spread the word! If you have any questions, feel free to email us at info@possibleworldsshop.com.

Thanks again to everyone who has passed on words of encouragement. It’s been a pretty tumultuous last month but we are hanging in there. Your support means a lot during this time. xo

We're Moving Again...Online!

Possible Worlds' physical space is temporarily closed to the public until further notice. But it doesn't mean we haven't been active! 

In addition to fulfilling campaign rewards and building out the new space, we've refreshed our website and online offerings.

Shop for new records and zines, participate in upcoming virtual workshops, pick up silkscreening-at-home kits, and request us to have your artwork printed using the Risograph.

Local curbside pickup will be available on Saturdays and Sundays starting May. We offer Canadian and international shipping.
 
Check out our website, which will be updated weekly. Plus get an idea of the look and feel for the new space. 

Here For You, Just in a Different Way

As the emergency order in Ontario is in effect at least until May 12, and to ensure the safety and wellness of Possible Worlds staff, artists, and community, our physical space is temporarily closed until further notice.

Starting the week of April 20, we'll be "open for business" again, but delivering programming online and and refreshing our services and online shop.

We’re closely monitoring the situation with COVID-19 and taking all necessary precautions. Subscribe to our newsletter, check our blog and keep an eye on social media for more updates on opening hours, programming, printing and the online shop . We're here for you, just in a different way.

Take care and stay safe.

Gratitude

Sincere gratitude to you all - we are completely blown away by your support during these crazy times.

Two weeks ago our Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign for the new Possible Worlds space ended. We had no idea what to expect when we started it at the beginning of the month. Then Covid-19 hit. It’s been a roller coaster of feelings: excited to reach out one day to the community about our plans, then the next day thinking about other more pressing life and societal issues, and then the next day thinking about what would Possible Worlds be in the future?

At 11:59 PM we checked the numbers: we had surpassed our $10,000 goal with 200+ contributors from Ottawa, across Canada and internationally! So many of you sent us kind and reassuring words that you want PW to be here when the pandemic is over, or that it’s one of the first places you want to visit.

We’ll be spreading the love, too - once final numbers are in, we’ll be donating a portion of funds above the goal to Parkdale Food Bank, the neighbourhood food bank in our new hood.

We’ll also be continuing to highlight friends, artists and supporters in our IG Highlights. We have been taking the time to highlight their skills in each story so we can get to know each other and what they might have to offer. Please check them out and reach out to them if you like what they’re doing and want to support.

If you wanted to contribute but didn’t get a chance, you can still do so by purchasing a gift certificate or Possible Worlds merchandise like a shirt or slipmats. Click on the button below. Every little bit helps.

With gratitude,
Melanie + Jason

Zine Making 101 Mini-Guide

Here’s our mini-zine on zinemaking 101 if you are looking for a creative project while self-isolating.

You can work on these on your own or with family members, and you will definitely have materials around the house right now to make them. The zine you create can be about any subject you like.

What are zines?

Zines are self-published, non-commercial, DIY booklets. A zine contains a collection of text/and or images. It serves as a creative space to share feelings, opinions, ideas and artwork. Zines can be made by anyone and are easily reproducible in printed format or shared online. They offer the opportunity for connection, community, and networking. Zines offer an alternative outlet for niche topics ignored by mainstream media. They are a vehicle for marginalized voices who want to share information and express themselves.

From ZINES: A Mini How-to-Guide, you’ll get an overview of:

• What zines are

• What they can be about

• How to design your zines

• Materials for zinemaking

• How to reproduce your zine and

• How to share your zine.

What can your zine be about?

• Journal entries

• A collection of collages

• Drawings or mini-comics

• Illustrated recipes

• Poetry

• A manifesto

• Historical research

• Photo zine

• Fanzine

• How-to guide

To assemble the guide:

1. Download the file and print on an 8.5 x 11” sheet of paper.

2. Fold the sheet in half, then fold in half again.

3. Open the sheet back up and cut down the middle only between the four middle panels lengthwise.

4. Fold the sheet back together like an accordian to make a mini-book with 8 pages.

We first provided these at our After Work Club last October, printing them up on our Risograph machine. We’ve been also distributing printed versions in the space, at artist book and zine fairs, and as part of our workshops off-site at schools and meetups.

Feel free to share this resource with any who you think is interested. If you make any zines, feel free to also send us photos!

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Here’s a few examples of zines we made with the students at Ashbury College and The Element High School:

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Renovation Updates

Never did we think we’d be in a global situation like this two weeks ago. It’s a surreal time where we are all trying to find our bearings. As an independent art space, we are tremendously grateful for your support during this challenging time.

We were a bit quiet this week, taking a pause and practicing social distancing. Here’s a few photos of progress so far:

Putting the print and publishing room together: installing shelves, inks, screens, tables, Risograph machine and drums.

We are being resourceful and environmentally conscious: All shelving and furniture in the print and publishing room is reused from the previous location

Building three record bins with help from our friend Bruno (who previously ran the local art space General Assembly with his partner Sothea)

Repainting our main counter, reused from a local shop specializing in crystals and retiring after being in business for many years (hoping their good vibes rub off on us)

In the coming week we will slowly continue our work. We will continue to keep you posted.

Stay safe, friends.

Artist Editions for Our Kickstarter Campaign

Thank you so much everyone for your continued support during these times, it means so much to us.

Although the space is closed for the moment, you can still order works, gift certificates and lots more online through our Kickstarter campaign and online shop.

We have collaborated with some of our fave Canadian artists to create Possible Worlds artist editions, exclusive to the Kickstarter campaign. These are limited edition runs but to keep them affordable, we are offering them at pledge levels at $30 and $40 CAD.

1) Alicia Nauta (Toronto): @klassic_kool_shoppe
2) Robin Richardson-Dupuis (Ottawa/Toronto):  @richardsondupuis.studio
3) Jon Vaughn (Regina): @jon_vaughn_

We are so grateful to Alicia, Robin and Jon for generously sharing their talents and fully supporting us over the years. Please show them some love, too, by checking out/purchasing/sharing their work.

Grand Re-Opening Rescheduled + Stay Safe, Everyone

Out of concern for the safety and health of the community in light of Covid-19, we will be doing a slow opening of the new space in early April rather than this month, with the hopes of hosting a grand re-opening weekend in April or May. We’ll be closely monitoring news and health and safety guidelines and will keep you updated.

In the meantime, please consider pledging to or sharing our Kickstarter campaign:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/possibleworlds/possible-worlds-local-art-music-space-re-imagined

Every little contribution helps our independent space during this time we are closed and helps us get closer to our all-or-nothing funding goal. We’ll continue to post updates of building out the new space and KS campaign on social media and our newsletter.

We‘ll also continue to give shout outs to some of our campaign supporters on Instagram stories or Twitter - please consider supporting their work, art/music initiative or small business during this time as well.

Stay safe everyone and take care of each other. Give thanks to the health care providers in these challenging times. We hope to welcome the community to our new space soon.

We've Launched! Possible Worlds Kickstarter Campaign is Now Live

We kicked off our Kickstarter campaign three days ago! Thank you so much to everyone who has backed our project so far. We’ve reached 30% of the fundraising goal in 3 days with over 50 backers from the community!

We’re also super excited that Kickstarter staff have selected Possible Worlds as a Project They Love! Look for the K stamp of approval on our campaign page, or as one of the Fresh Favourites on their home page.

Discover & share this Exciting GIF with everyone you know. GIPHY is how you search, share, discover, and create GIFs.

We'll be posting updates along the way here, of the campaign and of the new space as we start to set it up. Don't hesitate to ask us any questions along the way.

Other ways you can support? Please share our campaign by word of mouth or:

• Sharing the Kickstarter link

• Sharing this Instagram post

• Sharing this Tweet

• Sharing this Facebook post.

• You can also sign up for our e-mail list if you aren't on it already.

Thank you!

Melanie + Jason

Kickstarter Crowdfunding Campaign Launches Wednesday!

The countdown to moving in to our new space is here! And with that comes the launch of our Kickstarter campaign to help Possible Worlds be the best art and music space it can be.

Here’s a sneak peek at our campaign video before we officially launch Wednesday March 4.

Many thanks to the talented Matthieu Halle for being our videographer extraordinaire!

To be notified of our campaign launch, click on the link below.

Last Days in Chinatown

The countdown is on to our move! Only 11 more days left.

We can’t believe we’ve spent five years in our 330 square foot space on the corner of Arthur and Somerset Street West. So many events, exhibitions, workshops, meetups, artist works, records and friendly peeps who have come into our space. We are going to miss it!

So to fully say goodbye we are having one last party in our Chinatown space on Friday February 28 from 7-11 PM.

Stop by during that time for DJ beats, live sets, refreshments and a peek into our crowdfunding campaign launching March 4. Also be sure to check out the last artist installation in our space, a window installation by Ottawa-based artist Emmanuel Okot.

Plus find out more about our 2020 exhibitions, workshops and how you can get involved with PW this year. We have lots planned for our five year anniversary and in our new space. 

A big big thank you to all the artists, collaborators, customers, friends and family who have supported PW during our five years on Somerset Street West!

Getting Ready: Printing New Bags

Some of the things we need to do for the new space is update our branding elements (new business cards, bags, etc.) We' are doing some of it in-house, like hand screenprinting our new paper bags. You can also spot our new address!