Celebrating 45 years of Mercer Union

A lot has changed since 1979, but not the collective energy at the core of Mercer Union’s mission. We were founded out of a common desire, by and for artists, to create an alternative space for artistic expression, risk-taking and collaboration. From the original twelve artists who banded together to rent our first home at 29 Mercer Street to the present day, Mercer Union has been propelled through the decades by thousands of engaged artists, volunteers, supporters, and friends who sustain a vital life force for contemporary art in Toronto. Forty-five years on, the need for spaces like ours—that support artists at pivotal stages in their practice, and encourage critical dialogue—is more potent than ever.

Help us celebrate 45 years of artist-driven programming by making a contribution to our anniversary campaign, here. Contributions of any amount will help us kick-start a new year of milestone exhibitions for our artists, and engaging programs for you to enjoy!

DONATE NOW

With our appreciation, our friends and supporters are invited to attend our 45 DEGREES party, on Friday, 13 December from 10pm until late. Like all of Mercer Union’s programming, this party is free and open to the public—our way of thanking our community for being the beating heart of our mission!

In addition to an incredible lineup of DJs, the party will also feature special installations that take us down memory lane, an ice cream pop-up by Ruru Baked, and a birthday cake service led by Mercer Union's alter-ego persona, Marcia Onion.

10:00 PM -11:30 PM | R-oderick
11:30 PM | Ice cream service by Ruru Baked
11:30 PM - 1:00 AM | Marnigurl
1:00 AM | Birthday cake service by Marcia Onion
1:00 AM - 2:30 AM | Venus in Foil

Advance Tickets are SOLD OUT
Limited Door Tickets Available

We hope you can attend, and celebrate with us in person.

JOIN WAITLIST

Information

Multifaceted DJ/Producer R-oderick has deep roots in Toronto’s techno/electronic music scene as a pillar to its sprawling communities. It is his true to craft techno and EBM/Industrial/New beat hybrids that have brought him world wide acclaim as a much needed voice and representation of authenticity to these genres locally. His sound runs the spectrum of bleak Detroit futurism to dark and heavy compositions having graced club sets for the infamous Tresor in berlin, with work on such labels as Sonic Groove, Pinkman, Nodding heads, Jericho One, Forth, Heist mode, R-ZONE and Opal tapes.

Marnigurl is a staple in some of Toronto’s hottest underground parties as a cross-genre selector with an emphasis on moody and seductive techno, acidic electro, and fast paced club from across the world. Her selecting focuses on deep cuts spanning from the first generation of Detroit techno, to the fresh voices of London, Moscow, Tbilisi, and beyond.

Venus in Foil is a Toronto-based DJ whose sound fuses everything from tribal techno rhythms to gritty guitar, slippery psychedelia to sleazy new beat, steamy house to dark disco and beyond. Known for taking the dancefloor on an unexpected journey, she’s bound to play something you didn’t know you wanted to hear. A dedicated community organizer, Venus also throws events via Combo Breaker, Dirt Rave, Club XXX and SOAK.

Thank you to our Event Sponsors: