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.

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What’s On & Featured

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!

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.

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 – 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.

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!

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.

A look back on our 1st Residency Cohort

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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