Sagan MacIssac

Why did you choose to attend OCAD U?

It felt like the perfect place for someone like me. Someone who was eager to learn more about art and visual culture. I loved that OCAD U would bring me to Toronto, and that I’d be immersed in such a creative community.

Please briefly describe your current job / practice.

I am a Curator and Cultural Strategist.

In 2015, I founded Sagan Editions to make Canadian art more accessible to a broader audience by producing limited edition artist multiples. I release a range of works by both established and emerging artists at saganeditions.com and develop community partnerships for exhibition opportunities.

For over 8 years I have supported and managed projects at organizations including YYZ Artists’ Outlet, the Art Gallery of Ontario, Art of the Danforth and OCAD University, as well as many self-initiated curatorial projects.

I currently work with Bespoke Cultural Collective, a small consultancy that does strategic planning, arts/culture programming, engagement and communications for the arts, culture and city building sector. Some recent clients I’ve worked with include: School of the Art Institute of Chicago, The Toronto Biennial of Art, MOCA, Weston Foundation and TRCA (The Meadoway), Sidewalk Toronto, Waterfront Toronto, WoodGreen Community Services, Orchestras Canada, City of Toronto and City of Ottawa.

How did you get started in your career?

I did several internships for credit while at OCADU, which helped connect me to contract work later on. I was also an artist assistant to painter Margaux Williamson for around 6 years. My first internship was at YYZ Artists’ Outlet, where I digitized a decade (1990-2000) of archival materials for the Virtual Museum of Canada, and programmed some arts events. I loved learning about their publishing initiative YYZ Book. It’s where I fell in love with artist books, multiples, print culture, and so much more. I also had a second internship at the AGO, which later turned into a contract position.

What were your policies regarding internships, volunteering, and paid work?

Both of the internships I took part in while at OCAD U later turned into paid contract work. Over the years I have volunteered my time on other projects to gain experience. I think experiential learning is an essential ingredient in any art school environment, however I acknowledge that it’s a tough balance - working a job, going to school and finding time to volunteer or do an internship. Internships should be reciprocal for both parties - a good one gives you guidance, chances to learn, take risks and grow.

What do you enjoy most about your work? What is the most challenging aspect of your work?

I love the range of projects I get to work on, and I’m faced with new problems to solve every day. I find this range both exciting and engaging - I’m never bored and I feel like my talents are being fully utilized.

Being self-employed has its challenges. My workload is heavy and project timelines are often tight. Finding a balance between so many projects on the go at once can be a challenge - but I also love the variety. I often don’t work a typical 9-5 schedule— sometimes I will need to work into the evening and on weekends to meet deadlines or balance personal creative projects.

What skills or relationships developed at OCAD U helped you participate in your field? Is there anything you would have done differently?

I met some great people at OCAD U who I still meet up with or even collaborate with on occasion. Although the critiques are not always easy, going through them was incredibly valuable. They helped me listen to, and really value constructive criticism. I learned how to collaborate and co-create with other people, which is something I now do on a daily basis.
 

What are your personal and professional goals for the coming years?

I want to lead ambitious projects that aim to make positive change. I want to continue to support artists through production and exhibition opportunities. This past year I’ve dipped my toes into working at the intersection of art and health/wellbeing which I’m finding especially interesting - so maybe I’ll explore that more.