Toronto artist launches free newspaper

Walking down Dundas Street on Sunday afternoon, I couldn't help but be drawn in by the blue posters hanging in the window of the Whippersnapper Gallery.

"If your hand were not tied, what would you hold?" asked one of the blue posters hanging in the window of the exhibition space. Another read, "Do you get along better with objects or people?"

As it turns out, the posters are part of artist JP King's effort to turn the small gallery space into a casual, pop-up newspaper office where he's exploring ideas and issues surrounding waste, value, labour, and art. The month-long, interactive exhibit taking place at the gallery will culminate on September 1st with the creation and distribution of a free newspaper.

When asked why he's doing this, he tells me the project is very personal. "These are questions that I struggle with, things I'm very curious about, concepts I keep returning to, and frustrations I have with myself, people, and the world." King also explains that he sees this project as a good opportunity to learn whether or not others are intrigued by the same questions, or perhaps more importantly, if they're able to help him answer them.

King is actively seeking people interested in contributing to the project through writing, photography, illustration, and interviews.

At the very least, he hopes that people will come out and talk to him. "Part of this space is about really trying to be open and encouraging of people coming in and engaging in conversation, browsing a book, and really creating something conversational."

Free City Paper will be hot of the presses with an edition of 2000 copies on September 1st. It will be distributed news-boy style on key intersections in the Kensington Market area. The project is open Thursday - Sunday from 12-6.