Central to its educational mandate, Prefix Institute of Contemporary Art’s public programmes encompass a wide range of activities. At the core of its public programmes is the Urban Field Speakers Series, an international lecture series that is presented from January to April each year. Exhibitions are accompanied by ancillary public programming, including lectures, talks, conversations, walk-throughs and other activities conducted by artists, curators and scholars and presented on an ongoing basis. Symposia and screenings are presented on an occasional basis.
In addition to its public-programming events, Prefix ICA provides additional services and resources to the community, including class visits, group tours and a public reference library.
The Urban Field Speakers Series centres on the role of art in transforming the experience of the city. Through lectures, audio-visual presentations and discussions, it explores how creative practices can help improve the quality of urban life and planning in Toronto and around the world. This series of monthly events brings together international and local participants—including artists, architects, curators, designers and scholars—who are working at the intersections of technology, communications and aesthetics. Reflecting a broad range of perspectives and practices, the events build upon one another to inspire dialogue on the role of the city in art, and art in the city.
Current Programme
The Urban Field Speakers Series has been suspended for the 2023 season.
Past Programmes
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 January 28 to July 30, 2020 Urban Field Speakers Series 2020 Programme |
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January 24 to April 25, 2019 Urban Field Speakers Series 2019 Programme |
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January 25 to April 17, 2018 Urban Field Speakers Series 2018 Programme |
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January 24 to April 27, 2017 Urban Field Speakers Series 2017 Programme |
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January 21 to April 21, 2016 Urban Field Speakers Series 2016 Programme |
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January 22 to April 23, 2015 Urban Field Speakers Series 2015 Programme |
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January 30 to September 25, 2014 Urban Field Speakers Series 2014 Programme |
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January 24 to April 25, 2013 Urban Field Speakers Series 2013 Programme |
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January 19 to April 24, 2012 Urban Field Speakers Series 2012 Programme |
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January 20 to June 9, 2011 Urban Field Speakers Series 2011 Programme |
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January 21 to April 29, 2010 Urban Field Speakers Series 2010 Programme |
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February 19 to May 14, 2009 Urban Field Speakers Series 2009 Programme |
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January 17 to May 3, 2008 Urban Field Speakers Series 2008 Programme |
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February 1 to May 17, 2007 Urban Field Speakers Series 2007 Programme |
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November 17 to April 26, 2006 Urban Field Speakers Series 2006 Programme |
Of particular use to students, as well as to artists, scholars and the general public, is Prefix ICA’s public reference library. It currently holds more than 3,000 hard-to-find books and periodicals on contemporary art, and its study station provides detailed information about artists exhibited in the gallery.
Prefix ICA welcomes educational and other groups for guided tours of our exhibitions and facilities. In order to ensure the availability of a staff member and to avoid scheduling conflicts with other visitors, we require that groups of more than six individuals book their visits in advance. To schedule a group tour, please contact the Operations Manager at 416-581-0357 or info@prefix.ca.
