Guelph Arts Council (GAC) is proud to launch Common Ground, a collective exhibition featuring seven emerging artists from Guelph and Wellington County. Joining GAC’s year-long 50th anniversary celebrations, the exhibition is the culminating event of the Guelph Emerging Artist Mentorship Project (GEAMP). GEAMP returned this fall thanks to renewed financial support from the RBC Foundation’s “Equip people with the skills for a thriving future” program.
Common Ground brings together artists who differ in background, medium, and perspective, but share a deep commitment to creative exploration. The title highlights the shared beliefs, ideas, and artistic values that connect people even when their experiences and viewpoints differ.
This year’s participating artists are: Mackenzie Anderson, Matthew Donaldson, Isabella “Issy” De Tullio, Natalie Gillis, Olivia Jaszcur, K Percival, and Jennifer Storey.
About the Guelph Emerging Artist Mentorship Project
GEAMP supports emerging artists during one of the most pivotal transitions of their careers–the move from academic or early independent practice into the professional arts world. The program pairs each emerging artist with an established mentor from the Guelph arts community. Past mentors include curators, arts administrators, practicing artists, composers, and musicians.
Throughout October and November, mentees participate in one-on-one mentorship, group collaboration, professional development workshops, and community networking. Participants gain essential skills in areas such as starting and sustaining an arts practice, writing CVs and artist statements, building relationships with galleries, understanding arts administration, producing creative work, and learning about the arts landscape in Guelph.
For nearly a decade, GEAMP has strengthened the ties between emerging and established creatives, helping artists build community, confidence, and the tools needed for a sustainable creative career.
A Legacy of Impact
The project began in 2017 as part of the Ontario 150 Partnership Project with a focus on young artists, and continued in partnership with the University of Guelph’s School of Fine Art and Music (SOFAM), with financial support from the RBC Foundation’s Emerging Artists Grant.
- 2025 marks the 15th round of GEAMP
- More than 90 emerging artists have completed the program
- Over 50 mentors have contributed their expertise
This long-standing commitment shows how impactful mentorship can be during the early years of an artist’s career, which are often some of the most challenging and formative.
Exhibition Details
The Common Ground exhibition represents the final stage of the mentorship experience. With support from GAC staff and guidance from their mentors, mentees plan, promote, and install the exhibition, gaining practical experience in all stages of gallery preparation from concept development to installation.
Exhibition Dates: December 6-20, 2025
Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 10 AM to 4 PM
Weekend Hours: December 6-7 and December 13-14 during Spirit of the Season
Opening Reception: December 12, 7 PM to 9 PM
Location: Guelph Arts Council’s newly opened Sally Wismer Gallery, Old Quebec Street Shoppes, 55 Wyndham St N, Suite 22B, Guelph, ON N1H 7T8
The public is invited to visit the exhibition and celebrate the next generation of Guelph’s creative community.
About Guelph Arts Council
For 50 years, Guelph Arts Council has served as a steward, advocate, and catalyst for the arts in Guelph. As the city’s creative landscape continues to grow and evolve, GAC remains committed to fostering opportunities that uplift artists, build meaningful community connections, and support cultural vitality.
