THE ART HUSTLE: The Do’s and Don’ts of Enterprising Your Art

The Art Hustle is a candid conversation with established artists about the ups and downs of building a viable artistic career. Be prepared for an interactive and fun workshop that will give you a first-hand look at what it takes to be a successful, self-sustaining artist.

EVENT SPEAKERS:

FIYA BRUXA - www.fiyabruxa.com

"Fiya" works with several mediums including painting, graffiti, video and installation. She is also the Co-founder and Co-Director of the International Essencia Arts Collective that is dedicated to using art as a tool for social change and community empowerment. Fiya is also an arts coordinator, interventionist, and teacher working with community initiatives and youth. She has taught mural and theatre workshops for at risk youth in many schools and marginalized communities in Canada, Chile, Brazil, Venezuela and Senegal. In her home city of Toronto, she has run youth workshops with the Art of the Americas, Proyecto Latino, First Nations’ Reztore Pride, Beloved Movement to end gender based violence, the Driftwood Community Centre, and the Finch Ardwick mural project.

NICOLAS KLEIMAN - www.whyhorror.com

Nicolas Kleiman is an award winning photographer and filmmaker. Born in Argentina, Nicolas has spent most of his professional life in Canada. His latest documentary, WHY Horror? premiered in Mexico and has played in important festivals around the world, including Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival, Paris International Fantastic Film Festival and Toronto After Dark.

He’s directed several music videos as well as the music documentary ‘Kazak: The making of Avraga’, a look at Canadian-desi band Kazak as they record and promote their first album. The documentary was broadcasted around the world. He’s also produced and edited the feature length documentary film, Greenwich Village: Music that Defined a Generation, narrated by Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon. In 2012, Nicolas directed the webseries Girls Night Out. Nicolas was also a creative director in advertising agencies, and has edited more than 150 short films.

JESS RIVA COOPER - www.jessrivacooper.com

Jess Riva Cooper is a ceramic artist and educator currently based in Toronto, Ontario. Cooper received her MFA in ceramics from the Rhode Island School of Design and her BFA from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. Cooper has shown work and participated in artist residencies throughout Canada and the United States, such as Brandeis University, Lillstreet Art Center, Medalta, Wassaic, and The Archie Bray Foundation.