Fem Assembly started as a critique group. Art can be an isolating career, especially with long hours alone in the studio developing work. These critiques are an opportunity to share work, ask questions, and create community with other emerging professional artists.
We meet regularly, 1 – 2 times per month, to engage in voluntary group critiques. In these critiques, artists meet in a designated studio space to share artwork and research in progress for the purpose of critical and constructive feedback. Group critiques are 2.5 – 3 hours in length, comprised of all members that are able to attend (core members, Friends of Fem and/or other invited individuals), typically around 10 people in total, with 3 – 4 members presenting their artwork and research in progress to the group.
It is important to the Fem Assembly that the group critiques provide:
- A safe space for artists to explore ideas and feelings around gender-based oppression
- A supportive, respectful, and engaged community
- Opportunities for personal and artistic growth and development
- Constructive feedback about artwork and artistic research
Currently Fem Assembly is run by volunteers, and this limits the number of artists that can participate. We are looking at ways to expand this opportunity to more artists in Calgary. If you are interested, you can join our email list, you can also send a direct email and introduce yourself and your work.
No!
You do not need a BFA or MFA to participate. We are committed to equity, inclusivity, and accessibility.
No!
Fem Assembly is committed to opening doors for artists, not making money from artists. Access to an artist community is often tied to a financial exchange -- for example, paid residencies and paid studio communities. We are committed to create a community that has no financial barrier to entry.
At each critique, 3 - 4 artists share their current work, and ask specific questions, or share things that they have been struggling with. The group present at the critique offer ideas, thoughts, connections, and perspectives about the work and questions asked. Everyone is encouraged to bring questions, because it helps the collective understand what you are struggling with.