Silence, a community artspace in Guelph, Ontario, stands as a cornerstone of the region’s cultural landscape, distinguished by its remarkable achievements as both an artistic showcase and a vital community hub. Since its inception, Silence has been dedicated to presenting diverse, challenging, and experimental art forms, with a particular emphasis on adventurous new music and visual arts that push creative boundaries. As an artistic showcase, it has hosted over 600 performers and program participants in a single year—such as in 2019—drawing talent from across North America and beyond, while welcoming nearly 5,000 audience members to experience innovative concerts, multidisciplinary installations, and exhibitions. Notable events like the “Keep Hope Alive Festival” in May 2022 exemplified its commitment to artistic excellence, uniting nationally renowned Guelph-based artists like Kevin Breit and Matt Brubeck with other Canadian creators in unique, never-before-seen collaborations, raising funds to sustain its mission during challenging times. Silence has also transformed its physical space to amplify its artistic offerings, notably redesignating its back studio into a dedicated gallery in 2023, enabling it to showcase a broader range of visual art mediums, from paintings and sculptures to immersive installations, with a 60/40 commission split favoring artists.
As a community hub, Silence thrives on accessibility and engagement, fostering a welcoming environment for both practitioners and audiences. It operates as an independent, charitable venue that prioritizes flowing revenue directly to artists, evidenced by its pay-what-you-can (PWYC) pricing model and affordable ticket options, such as $20 individual performance tickets during festivals. Regular events like the Open Jazz Jam and Audiopollination Guelph nurture local talent and encourage improvisation, while workshops and community gatherings strengthen social bonds and artistic growth. The venue’s resilience shone through its pandemic recovery efforts, including a board restructure in 2022 and the addition of a vibrant exterior mural by artist Lucy Bilson, enhancing its role as a visible community landmark. By maintaining rigorous safety measures and collaborating with local organizations like the Guelph Arts Council, Silence ensures it remains a safe, inclusive space that embraces risk-taking and experimentation. Through these accomplishments, Silence not only amplifies the voices of diverse artists but also cultivates a dynamic, supportive community where cultural expression and collective creativity flourish..
A message from the Executive Director
Silence is a very special place for me, and I have witnessed its power and gentle care impact hundreds of others. It is magic to watch young bands play their first show in our Pipedown series or to see audiences enraptured by world-class performers filling our small room with warm sound. Community building is a wild thing to witness in real time, and I am so indebted to just so many people for making this space what it has been and what it continues to become. It’s special to have a space like this in our small city – a place where ideas can come to grow or flop, where creativity is given room to run wild and for people to come out of their shell and learn new ways of being. In this world, it’s easy to lose just how precious these small things can be, and so I hope you’ll spend some time with us this year and feel the magic in the room and maybe make a little for someone else while you’re at it.