Programming

Since its inception, Third Space’s vision has been to present exhibitions, installations, multi-media works, and performances that represent the diverse cultural and political issues being discussed by artists today.

Each year, Third Space creates, adapts, and reworks its ongoing programming to better respond to the needs of Saint John’s creative community. Below are the current active programs that are hosted each year. Details for each activity, such as open calls for members and artists, are refreshed at the end of each year. Make sure to check back occasionally for updates!

Show + Sale Series

Through partnerships with various Uptown venues, Third Space facilitates and organizes the exhibition of local, regional, and national artists in a commercial show + sale format. The following venues have generously offered their wall space for our members to showcase their art:

  • Uncorked Tours (inside the Saint John City Market, accessible via N. Market St)
  • Haven Music Hall (201 Union St)
  • Ustation (87 Prince William St)

Third Space members can submit up to 25 small, medium, or large 2D works to show in a designated space. This low-barrier opportunity provides artists of all skill sets, mediums, and backgrounds to present their artwork in a relatively formal setting. Third Space manages the sales and payments of all works. There are no venue fees, commission fees, or participation fees to participate in this program, simply an active membership with Third Space will do!

Duration of program: Year-round. Individual shows will be up for 2-3 months at a time in any given space.

Calls: Opening soon for members!

Requirements to participate:

  • An active Membership with Third Space

Group Art-Making Sessions

Group Art-Making Sessions intend to exist as an open-ended gathering of artists to create at their own pace. We will have some attendees (board members and/or staff) who have formal training in the arts to support anyone who may be stuck or need help in their creative process, but the primary goal of this group is to experience a semi-formal artistic event without the pressure of an academic system or otherwise.

This program was originally pitched as “Live Drawing at the Library”, a monthly gathering in 2024 on the main floor of the Saint John Free Public Library’s Main Branch. Moving forward, Group Art-Making Sessions will take place once every two months, with tentative dates and locations to be announced on Third Space’s social media platforms and newsletter. This program is BYOS: Bring Your Own Supplies, and will change its location depending on a variety of reasons, such as weather, venue availability, and potential overlap of holiday weekends.

On occasion, Third Space will invite a live model to be the subject of the art-making session. All models will be clothed and will take on various 10-15 minute sitting and standing poses during the beginning of the session, and a final 45 minute sitting pose till the end of the session. Models are paid a stipend of $125 total for every 2 hour session they participate in.

Duration of program: Year-round, once every two months.

Calls: Currently closed for live models.

Requirements to participate:

  • BYOS: Bring Your Own Supplies

THIRD SHIFT

THIRD SHIFT is a contemporary art at night festival presented by Third Space. This 3-day, free, all-ages festival includes temporary installations, interventions, performances, projections, and events.

Created as a platform for new experiences and communal exchange, THIRD SHIFT aims to offer Saint John citizens and visitors to the city a unique opportunity to engage with contemporary art and re-imagine urban space.

More information about the festival can be found here.

Duration of program:

  • 3-day weekend in mid-August of each year in Uptown Saint John.

Calls:

  • Calls for Proposals & Submissions go live from late January through early March of each year. Successful applicants receive contracts outlining the agreement of their participation in the festival. Artworks are expected to be completed by the festival dates.
  • Calls for a Festival Associate go live in late March/early April of each year, with a contract from late May through early September.
  • Calls for a Graphic Artist to create the poster, brand identity, and merchandise for the festival go live in March, with a contract from April through June. Depending on the year, this position may not be available/open for applications.
  • Calls for a Photographer to document the festival throughout the weekend go live in June, with a contract for the duration of the festival weekend. Depending on the year, this position may not be available/open for applications.
  • Calls for a Social Media Intern go live in late April/early May of each year, with a contract from mid-June through the end of August. Depending on the year, this position may not be available/open for applications.

Requirements to participate:

  • Artists: completed application forms
  • Festival Associates: CV & Cover letter
  • Graphic Artist: CV & Portfolio
  • Photographer: CV & Portfolio
  • Social Media Intern: CV & Portfolio

Virtual Indigenous Artist in Residence Program

Each year, Third Space commits to welcoming an Indigenous Artist in Residence to be the “headliner” of the THIRD SHIFT festival. This virtual residency takes place from early spring through late summer of each year and is made possible through the support of ArtsNB.

The Artist in Residence’s participation is a key component in the success of THIRD SHIFT: They provide a theme that guides the Call for Proposals and curation of the festival, they present their project during the festival weekend in conjunction with successful applicants, and finally they participate in an artist talk, concluding their residency. The work presented during the festival can be ongoing, in-progress, or completed. There are no limitations to scope, medium, or size of the project the artist wishes to propose to the festival lineup. A budget will be created in conjunction with the artist’s needs in order to advance or complete their creative endeavour.

Previously, selection of an artist for this virtual residency had been an internal process between the Executive Director and potential Indigenous artists located in Atlantic Canada. Moving into 2025, we would like to invite those who are interested in being a part of THIRD SHIFT as our Virtual Artist In Residence to reach out to the Executive Director via email at <tiersespace@gmail.com> for more details about the selection process and timeline.

Duration of program: Once a year, <6 month period, typically between April and August.

Calls: Open for inquiries beyond the 2025 edition of the festival.

Requirements to participate:

  • Artist is of Indigenous background/roots
  • Project proposal is suitable for a festival context

This page will be updated regularly with future projects, programming, and opportunities. Thank you for your patience as we work on building up our website!