Mission
OBORO is an artist-run center dedicated to the presentation and production of current practices in visual, media and digital arts.
Field of Action
OBORO’s field of action covers visual and media arts, new technologies, performing arts and emerging practices. The centre’s two main galleries are dedicated to the presentation of solo and group exhibitions. The New Media Lab offers a variety of services and specialized spaces for digital and media art production. The multifunctional studios are spaces of creation and experimentation for artists who benefit from the expertise of a professional team. OBORO’s residency studio allows artists to stay for varying lengths of time, with access to the center’s facilities and services. OBORO’s programming encourages innovation, experimentation, the exchange of ideas and the sharing of knowledge.
Objectives
Founded in 1982 with the conviction that the living transcultural artistic experience contributes to the betterment of humankind, OBORO’s objective is to stimulate reflection in the artistic field and in society in general, and to contribute to a culture of peace by aiming to build a more just and equitable society, while allowing room for a multiplicity of perspectives.
Values Statement
Care: We value kindness and care in everything we do. This includes the ways in which we approach our work and strive to support artists and the quality of our listening. Our work is guided by a deep respect for others, which translates into an attitude of openness and gestures of solidarity, empathy, patience, and flexibility.
Equity: We recognize that in order to achieve social justice, the ways in which we operate must be re-evaluated regularly, and the historical and structural inequities that pervade our milieu must be redressed. We are committed to building an anti-oppressive workplace and continuing to support equity through our programming activities.
A sustainable approach: We are committed to ensuring that our actions have a lasting and responsible impact on the development of communities by promoting the recognition of artists and members of our team, by advocating environmentally responsible approaches, and by being mindful of future generations.
Accessibility: We are committed to reducing barriers (physical, structural, and otherwise) to access our spaces and activities. We strive to make our spaces inviting and open, available to artists, visitors, and collaborators. We aim to provide a welcoming and respectful space that encourages exchange, sharing, and collaboration.
Structure
OBORO is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in 1984 under the 3rd part of the Loi sur les compagnies du Québec, and recognized as a charitable organization by the Canada Revenue Agency.
The Board of Directors consists of a majority of working artists and professional cultural workers. Programming is built by a programming committee composed of member artists of the organization.
Operations are managed by a team of friendly and experienced individuals, the majority of whom are also professional artists.
Activity & Services
We organize concurrent research, production, presentation, dissemination, and training activities. They take the shape of residencies, work commissions, exhibitions, live performances and concerts, visual, sound, and multimedia presentations, lectures and meetings, panel discussions, publications, workshops and experimental labs, and online performances using information and communications technologies, as well as large-scale special events.
We also offer a wide variety of services through the New Media Lab. Amongst others, a production studio, sound studio, video+dvd/multimedia post-production facilities, multi-purpose spaces, conference and meeting rooms as well as an array of video, audio, and multimedia mobile equipment.