In early March 2024, Kseniya Tsoy, a community-engaged artist, hosted a children's workshop at Remote Gallery, funded by her 2023 Space Award. The excursion to Graffiti Alley, conveniently located nearby, allowed kids aged 2 to 6 to dive into street art, finding inspiration to create their own "tags." Upon returning to the gallery, they turned their initials into imaginative characters and abstract artworks. Both children and parents displayed remarkable talent and had a thoroughly enjoyable time.

Kseniya Tsoy is a new Canadian community-engaged artist originally from Uzbekistan. Whether it's community murals, illustration or cultural production, Kseniya’s work has a distinct social purpose and focuses on diversity and inclusion. As a visual artist, her work is inspired by folk motifs and legends of different cultures that influenced her throughout her life. As a person of mixed heritage, Kseniya’s art is a visual expression of her never-ending exploration of identity and belonging.

You can learn more about Kseniya’s practice at www.ktsoy.art and on Instagram at @ktsoy.art

“I am very grateful for the Space Award. Having access to a venue like Remote Gallery where I could test my ideas, bring people together and showcase art is huge and very much appreciated.”

Kseniya is a 2023 Space Award Winner. The Newcomer Space Award is a partnership between Toronto Arts Foundation’s Neighbourhood Arts Network and Akin. This award focuses on providing affordable shared studio and/or exhibition space to newcomer professional artists who are past recipients of our Newcomer Arts Access Award (formerly known as RBC Arts Access Award). This award not only provides funding and space essential for professional artists to grow their practice, but also supports artists in growing their network through the shared studio space model.