TorontoCLICKS was a pop-up photo exhibit that showcased the talent of professional and amateur photographers from the Greater Toronto Area. What was unique about this exhibit is that it wasn't hosted by an art gallery, photography school or professional organization but by Toronto's vibrant Instagram community, specifically the Instagram group @StreetsOfToronto. The event was organized by TorontoCLICKS, a collective affiliated with arts & culture blog/digital media agency everythingYNTK.
The photo exhibit gave a diverse roster of photographers -- ranging from seasoned professionals to smartphone-toting enthusiasts -- the opportunity to share their work. While some of the exhibitors had to go through an application process, a number of well-known photographers were invited to take part and given free reign in displaying images of any size in any kind of framing.
The photos displayed in the exhibit were distinctly Torontonian, and captured scenes ranging from the city's iconic red streetcars to the skyscrapers of its bustling downtown core.
This kind of event goes to show that social media networks like Instagram are about far more than just sharing whimsical and self-important content, but rather have the power to bring together people who share a common passion and give them a platform to showcase their talent.
Socially Sourced Photo Exhibits
The TorontoCLICKS Exhibit Featured Work By Toronto Instagrammers
Trend Themes
1. Social Media-driven Exhibits - Using social media platforms to bring together and showcase the work of aspiring photographers creates opportunities for disruptive innovation in the field of traditional photo exhibits.
2. Amateur and Professional Collaboration - Encouraging collaboration between amateur and professional photographers offers opportunities for disruptive innovation in the production and display of photography.
3. Localized Art Exhibits - Creating localized photo exhibits with images focused on a specific city or region can provide opportunities for disruptive innovation in the art and tourism industries.
Industry Implications
1. Art Exhibits - Using alternative methods to showcase photography, like social media-driven exhibits, has the potential to disrupt the traditional art exhibit industry.
2. Photojournalism - Collaboration between amateur and professional photographers can lead to disruptive innovation in the field of photojournalism, expanding the perspective and quality of locally-sourced news and feature photography.
3. Tourism - Localized art exhibits featuring photographs of the city or region can help create unique tourist attractions that offer visitors a glimpse into the local culture and art scene, leading to new developments in the tourism industry.