Outside the Box - Toronto Design Offsite Festival, Toronto & WantedDesign, Brooklyn NY 2017

‘Outside the Box’ builds a map of design in North America.

This third annual travelling exhibition features the work of over 70 designers from 11 cities across Canada and the U.S. Curated by local correspondents, each Bankers box houses a collection of thoughtfully designed objects, reflecting the particular resources and makers of that area.

Set against the dramatic cliffs of the South Saskatchewan River in Medicine Hat, Alberta, the 150 acre Historic Clay District was once home to some of Canada’s most important clay factories, providing Canada with over 75% of its ceramics.

After the industry declined many of these factories sat abandoned for decades. Through the work of dedicated creatives and grass root community effort, the old factories are being refurbished into dynamic cultural hubs. The unique Medalta Potteries site now provides the setting for a living, working museum, contemporary gallery, vibrant education centre, and the Medalta International Artists in Residence Program.

Artists come from all over the world to work in Medalta’s studios, bringing their unique experiences, techniques and ideas to the Historic Clay District.

This box highlights several of the artists who have decided to make Medicine Hat their home after completing their residency, and the cultural impact this influx of artists with international careers has brought to the community of Medicine Hat.

Jennifer Demke-LangeSeptember 24, 2017