GivingTuesday is a global movement organized by Canada Helps dedicated to doing better for each other through acts of generosity. As a registered charity and non-profit, Forest City Gallery is proud to be participating in GivingTuesday and seeking community support to give back, while fostering an exciting and engaged artistic community.
This year's #GivingTuesdayCA falls on November 28, 2023.
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Support FCG in the delivery of our programming!
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We've gathered testimonials from our community—from our membership, exhibiting artists, and local supporters—to help describe our impact on local and regional arts and artistic advocacy.
Katie Wilhelm
Exhibiting Artist and FCG Member
I was part of the Baagaakige exhibition with collaborator in kinship, Summer Bresette. This exhibit marked my first showing of digital artwork at Forest City Gallery; a significant milestone in my artistic career. This experience led to inspiration and relationships that continue to impact my practice today.
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Because of the promotion of FCG, I have been recognized as a practicing professional artist in both the local and national arts industry. As someone who found their way into the artist profession in a non-linear way, I am grateful for the support, respect, and recognition of Forest City Gallery. Venues like Forest City Gallery are essential for emerging and established artists in our community. By bringing artistic communities together in safe and open-minded spaces, we are able to form supportive cultures and foster the conversations that lead to benefits for ourselves and our neighbours.
Rebecca St. Pierre
FCG Member
My motivation to become an FCG member was to connect with London’s artistic community, where I would be inspired and supported by local creatives and also have an opportunity to participate in the 2022 Annual Members’ Show and Sale. Being an FCG member has been an empowering experience. I feel heard. My feedback has not only been encouraged, but acted upon, and thanks to the Show and Sale, one of my pieces of artwork has found a new home.
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FCG contributes to the local and broader arts community by providing a supportive space for artists to grow their practice and show their work, regardless of their discipline, expertise or demographic. I see FCG’s role as a gateway to discovery where emerging artists can expand and enrich their artistic development in a nurturing, empathetic environment. I see FCG’s mission evolving into a hub of expertise where artists actively assist and support fellow creatives during this challenging time, when art’s vital contributions are sometimes overlooked in the overwhelming crises facing London.
Rain Bloodworth
FCG Board Member
I was on the cusp of graduating from Western University with my BFA, and I joined FCG to gain a comprehensive understanding of arts administration so I could see if that was a career path I wanted. Since my time on the board, we have hired a new Director, gained a paid Intern, established a donation and community art wall, and commissioned a new sign. FCG is also planning on creating and maintaining a collaborative "flex space" to provide FCG members access to tools and materials for art making.
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In addition to providing traditional exhibition opportunities to artists in SWO, FCG is also expanding their range of supports for local makers, including artist studios, a community wall, inclusive events, and volunteer positions. FCG is a key pillar of arts in the greater London area. I hope that in the future, FCG will be able to provide local artists with more resources, workshops, and events to expand opportunities and increase engagement. FCG may become a community hub for art making and knowledge sharing, which would be fantastic!
Shelby Weaver
Community Member
I visited your website today and I was immediately intrigued by your "Plan Your Visit" page. Many people, unless they meet me in person, do not know that I have cerebral palsy. I can honestly say that I research every single venue, coffee shop, workplace, etc. before I go to see how easy (or difficult) it might be to get inside and move around in the space. I don't use a mobility device, but that doesn't mean I don't have mobility considerations.
Before now, I have never come across an organization that clearly articulates exactly what people can expect from them in terms of accessibility, and in such spectacular detail, or an organization that clearly addresses shortcomings due to lack of funding. It shows awareness, and a deep commitment to doing better. Thank you so very much.
I encourage all organizations and people to think deeply about the ways in which their spaces and places they go are accessible, the ways they are not, and how this can change, as the Forest City Gallery has.
Support FCG's mission to foster creativity and culture by donating for #GivingTuesday!
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You can also support FCG by becoming a Member, making a one-time or monthly donation, or by becoming a Community Sponsor! Any contribution you make empowers artists and arts professionals, fuels artistic innovation and education, and helps us increase our capacity to support artistic practice while remaining accessible to all.
