Call for Participants - All a We: In Common Ink

"All a We" is a beloved Caribbean expression that speaks to unity, kinship, and the deep ties that bind us across geography and generation. It reminds us that even as we create from many places and perspectives, we are connected through shared histories, rhythms, and acts of care.

In Common Ink, a project within the broader theme of ‘All a We’ for FUZE Caribbean Art Fair 2025, brings together artists and designers of Caribbean descent from OCAD University—students, alumni, and faculty—whose work spans a range of mediums and lived experiences. Though their individual practices vary, they converge here through a shared act of making: the creation of varied-edition risograph prints.

Prior to the fair, all participating artists will join a collaborative risograph workshop led by Shea Chang, accompanied by Bahamian artist and curator John Cox. Together, they will explore how existing or newly developed works can take on new life through this accessible and experimental print medium.

Risograph printing—bold, tactile, and democratic—offers a powerful metaphor for diasporic expression. It’s a medium that welcomes experimentation, thrives in community, and privileges process as much as outcome. Like the diaspora itself, riso is about layering, repetition, remixing, and circulation. It allows for affordable editions that can be shared, carried, and owned—inviting collectors of all backgrounds to bring a piece of this conversation home.

In a world where art can often feel distant or exclusive, In Common Ink invites participation, connection, and kinship through print. Side by side, we print in common ink—each work a distinct voice, each layer part of a larger imprint.

Call for Participants

We are currently seeking OCAD University students, alumni, and faculty from the Caribbean diaspora to participate in In Common Ink as part of the upcoming FUZE Art Fair in the Bahamas. Participants will take part in a collaborative risograph workshop and contribute a print-based artwork to be exhibited and sold in limited edition.

Artists may submit elements of new or existing work to be translated into collaborative risograph prints bringing together all participants' imagery. We welcome contributions from all disciplines—illustration, painting, photography, design, digital media, and beyond. Photographs or documentation of three-dimensional work are also welcome.

Ideal submissions should emphasize strong graphic qualities such as bold contrast, flat areas of colour, linework, and layered shapes. Photographic and tonal work can also be adapted, and we'll work closely with each participant during the workshop to ensure the final piece translates effectively to riso.

Explore experimental and playful image-making approaches such as remixing, collaging, and layering. Participants will learn risograph techniques, how to prepare both analogue and digital files for print and will produce editions of each artist’s work. Final prints will be displayed as part of the In Common Ink booth at FUZE 2025 and offered for sale at accessible price points.

Applications will be reviewed by John Cox, who will select the participating artists. All applicants will be notified of the outcome by Wednesday, July 25th, 2025.

For questions, please contact internationalprograms@ocadu.ca

Selected participants MUST be available to participate in the collective risograph workshop on Wednesday, August 6th, 12pm –5 pm- OCAD University, 100 McCaul Street