Critical Mass

A Centre for Contemporary Art

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to Critical Mass!

We believe in Art for All!

Critical Mass is a not-for-profit contemporary art organization based in Port Hope, Ontario, on the traditional territory of the Mississauga Nations. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work, create and present art on these lands that the Williams Treaties First Nations have been and continue to be the stewards and caretakers.

We believe that art changes how we see the world and our place in it. We bring contemporary art experiences to Port Hope so that everyone in our community can have that opportunity.

Stay connected for updates to our programming schedule, artist residency calls and line up, artist talks & spotlights, volunteer opportunities, member events, and community engagement activities.

What’s On & Featured

Whats On December

We're off to see the Wizard – Costume & Puppet Parade! (Oct 20)

The Wizard of Oz was first seen at The Capitol Theatre in 1939. Follow the yellow brick road with us on October 20, 2023 to experience it in the very same place! Join us for an illuminated Wizard of Oz themed costume and puppet parade to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Vintage Film Festival, and the return of Wizard of Oz on the BIG screen. Click for parade and workshop registration details!

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Life of a Small Town

Life of a Small Town

Life of a Small Town by Greta Grip & Lee Jones will document a year in the life of the Port Hope community emerging from the pandemic together.

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illuminights poster

What's ON snapshot for 2023!

We kicked off 2023 (our 10th year) with a membership drive and event (Vinyl Night) and a new Spring gala event – The Goose Ball – the first Saturday of May! This year is full of artist collaborations, new community partnerships, art socials, and of course, community engagement. Together we can harness the power of contemporary art to build a vibrant, connected and more inclusive community. 

What’s ON
Greta Grip

Greta Grip – Life of a Small Town

Life of a Small Town by Greta Grip & Lee Jones will document a year in the life of the Port Hope community emerging from the pandemic together.

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Illuminights site map

Letting Go – Collaborative Art Show & Sale (Oct 4-13)

This June & July 10 artists (2 groups of 5) participated in a residency project resulting in 10 collaborative artworks. See all 10 artworks at Ganaraska Art & Framing from October 4th to 14th, with a closing Artist Reception on Friday, October 12th!

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Lee Jones

Lee Jones – Life of a Small Town

Life of a Small Town by Greta Grip & Lee Jones will document a year in the life of the Port Hope community emerging from the pandemic together.

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A look back on our 1st Residency Cohort

AIR Wrap Up Celebration

AIR Wrap Up Celebration Event

That’s a Wrap! Critical Mass celebrates the artists of our pilot Artist-in-Residence program, and our funders Ontario Trillium Foundation and Municipality of Port Hope who made it all possible. Join us Saturday, Oct 23rd at 5:30 p.m. for an early evening picnic to recap the highlights!

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Sound Art Sundays

Mast Year Collective – July 2021

During their residency, Mast Year Collective will explore how food – from making, to sharing, to eating – is entwined and grounded in our physical environments both past and present.

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Sound Art Sundays

2021 Artist-in-Residence Line Up

We are excited to announce our 2021 artist in residence line up! Made possible with funding from Ontario Trillium Foundation.

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Sound Art Sundays

Brian Hoad – August 2021

During his residency, Brian Hoad will explore personal narratives from his time coming-of-age in Port Hope, considering themes of memory, nostalgia, and an interest in how people connect with their envionment, both now and throughout history.

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Sound Art Sundays

Susan Campbell – June 2021

During her residency, Susan Campbell will be mapping the evolving cultural palimpsest of what our community values and preserves. How we talk to one another through messages, notes, posters, and official signs can be mapped from our environment.

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Sound Art Sundays

Lucas Morneau – September 2021

During their residency, Lucas Morneau will explore the cultural environment in sports (hockey in particular), and reclaim the racially charged and homophobic pejoratives often used to attack a player’s “manliness”.

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Find us online

Visit our Facebook page for recent event updates and announcements.

Find us on Instagram for event photos.

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The latest news from Facebook

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Our hearts are with our friends at Beyond the Blue Box this morning. Woke up to news that the main building has been destryoed by a fire. 

Yesterday we tallied our sales from our Thinking Beyond the Blue Box art show & sale. After paying artists 50% of proceeds, CM and BBB split the remaining proceeds of approx $1500 each. I suspect BBB will need many more donations in the coming days to recover. 

If you visit their website there is a link to their Canada Helps page to donate and e-transfers can be sent directly to them as well at bluebox@eagle.ca.

https://beyondthebluebox.com

Our hearts are with our friends at Beyond the Blue Box this morning. Woke up to news that the main building has been destryoed by a fire.

Yesterday we tallied our sales from our Thinking Beyond the Blue Box art show & sale. After paying artists 50% of proceeds, CM and BBB split the remaining proceeds of approx $1500 each. I suspect BBB will need many more donations in the coming days to recover.

If you visit their website there is a link to their Canada Helps page to donate and e-transfers can be sent directly to them as well at bluebox@eagle.ca.

beyondthebluebox.com
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3 days ago

Comment on Facebook

Time for another show! I love Beyond the Blue Box and all their staff and I am devastated for them today.

Oh noooo!! Devastating news for so many folks I know and care about!!

Dont fear everyone! We have been working hard today looking for a new "temprorary" location. Stay tuned!!!

Terrible News.

Terrible news, what a blow to a beloved institution in our community!

Oh no, so terrible 😞. One thing I know, this community will rally around them. ❤️

Im so sad about this.

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