Established in 1979, Mercer Union began as an artist-run centre through the collective efforts of artists who believed in alternative art production and presentation. It remains a hub of artistic activity and local culture in Toronto, and is also part of a framework of peer organizations found internationally — artist-driven project spaces and contemporary art institutes. We seek to channel new artistic currents by presenting Canadian practices alongside those of international artists in a way that serves the wider dissemination of contemporary art. One of our main objectives is to support the development of new work, often giving first exhibition opportunities to emerging artists who go on to prominence in the wider international sphere.