AGM Summer Exhibition Explores Art and Activism

Mississauga is the only Canadian stop for Chicago exhibition featuring the influential Delhi-based Sahmat Collective NEWS                                                                                                                            June 17, 2014 (Mississauga)-The Art Gallery of Mississauga (AGM) is proud to present the only Canadian stop of The Sahmat Collective: Art and Activism in India since 1989, on view from July 24 - October 19, 2014. Animated by the urgent belief that art can propel change and that culture can reach across boundaries, the influential Delhi-based Sahmat Collective has created space for an expansive group of artists and collaborators to present powerful works of art that defend freedom of expression and battle intolerance within India's often divisive political landscape. The exhibition features a selection of art and ephemera that situates two decades of contemporary Indian art within the political sphere while meditating on art's capacity as a force for change. The AGM will be presenting a series of exhibition-related programming throughout the summer, all thematically linked to the power of art to create change. Events include a panel discussion on art and activism, a public poster making workshop, and collaborative programming with the Bollywood Monster Mashup and the Mosaic Festival, among others. The Sahmat Collective: Art and Activism in India since 1989 is organized by the Smart Museum of Art, University of Chicago. The exhibition is curated by Jessica Moss, Smart Museum Associate Curator for Contemporary Art, and Ram Rahman, photographer and independent curator. The Sahmat Collective is made possible by The Smart Family Foundation; Helen Zell; the Efroymson Family Fund, a CICF Fund; The Joyce Foundation; and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support is provided by Larry and Marilyn Fields; Barbara Fosco, The Fosco Family Foundation; and the University of Chicago's Committee on Southern Asian Studies. The AGM leg of the exhibition is sponsored by RBC and Armstrong Fine Arts.   QUOTES "We strongly believe in the power of art to make change happen, and we look forward to having that conversation with Mississauga. Do you think that art has nothing to do with you? This exhibition proves that idea wrong - the Sahmat Collective has used art to make social change a reality. Artists all over the world are doing the same. How can art make change happen in Mississauga? The AGM as an institution aims to support and facilitate that kind of creative energy, and we see this exhibition as just the beginning." -Stuart Keeler, Director | Curator, Art Gallery of Mississauga   "It is a pleasure working with the Art Gallery of Mississauga to bring The Sahmat Collectiveto Canada. The issues and themes raised in this exhibition have formed a significant part of India's history, yet these are also subjects that will resonate strongly with contemporary audiences from around the world. Canada is known for its multiculturalism, and Mississauga in particular is rich in cultural diversity. The exhibition was very well-received in Chicago, and I look forward to seeing how audiences will respond to the exhibition at the AGM." - Jessica Moss, Associate Curator of Contemporary Art, The Smart Museum of Art, University of Chicago  QUICK FACTS  The Sahmat Collective was formed in 1989, after the death of playwright, actor and activist Safdar Hashmi. Sahmat is both an acronym for the Safdar Hashmi Memorial Trust and the Hindi word for "in agreement." The exhibition opens at the Art Gallery of Mississauga on Thursday, July 24 at 6 pm. There will be a free bus from The Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen St W) at 6 pm.  ABOUT THE ART GALLERY OF MISSISSAUGA The Art Gallery of Mississauga (AGM) is a public, not-for-profit art gallery located in the Mississauga Civic Centre right on Celebration Square across from Square One Mall. The AGM is proud to admit people free of charge, serve communities, and provide positive visual art experiences for all visitors. Engage. Think. Inspire. This phrase opens the dialogue at the AGM.  The Gallery connects with the people of Mississauga through the collection and presentation of relevant works from a range of periods and movements in Canadian art. Expressing multiple ideas and concepts, this visual art translates into meaningful cultural and social experiences for all audiences. The AGM employs innovative education, artist projects and other forms of dialogue to advance critical enquiry and community connection to the visual arts.The mandate of the Gallery is to "bring art to the community and the community to art."  CONTACT Jaclyn Qua-Hiansen - Communications 905-896-5131 jaclyn.qua-hiansen@mississauga.ca ART GALLERY OF MISSISSAUGA 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga, ON L5B 3C1 * 905 896 5088 * artgalleryofmississauga.com

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