make·a·thon - A Collaborative Creative Challenge & Exhibition at CoQuest
The CoQuest make·a·thon is a collaborative challenge and open studio where creatives, artists, and makers come together to build new work, culminating in a public exhibition in the Y’UNO? Arts & Music Festival at the Hamilton Farmers Market from March 27 - 28.
Collective Piece
Throughout the week, participants will contribute to a shared Collective Piece, guided by a loose structure and medium introduced by Odder Seeds & Corduroy Earth. This provides a foundation, but participants are encouraged to bring their own materials, mediums, and ideas to expand and augment the work. The final piece will be exhibited as a central part of the Y’UNO? showcase.
Independent Works
Alongside the Collective Piece, participants are invited to create Independent Works, either solo or in collaboration with others. You’re encouraged to meet new people, form new creative partnerships, work with old friends or create a solo work. There are no limits on how many works you can submit, the more the merrier.
All submitted works will be displayed a in a public exhibition at Y’UNO? Arts & Music Festival, a two-day celebration at the Hamilton Farmers’ Market showcasing local artists, music, and community-driven creative work.
👩🎨 Who Can Participate
This is open to all types of creatives, including:
🛠️ Makers
🎨 Visual artists
✍️ Poets & writers
🎶 Songwriters & musicians
💻 Technologists
🖌️ Designers
✨ Anyone interested in creating new work
No prior experience or specific medium is required.
✅ Participation Expectations
Participants are not required to attend all sessions and are welcome to contribute as their schedule allows. However, you are encouraged to attend the Kickoff at CoLodge on March 22 at 6:30pm, where the theme and direction for the Collective Piece will be introduced.
All works submitted must be new. Participants may arrive with broad ideas or early concepts, but are encouraged to use this time to conceptualize and create new work, embracing the process without overthinking or dwelling.
The only required moment is:
Submission and drop-off of work by March 25, 9:00pm at CoLodge at the latest
📆 make·a·thon timeline
💬 March 22 (1:30pm – 3:30pm), Town Square Retro
An open discussion reflecting on themes from the weekend and exploring directions for the Collective Piece.
🎉 March 22 (6:30pm – 9:00pm), Formal make·a·thon Kickoff
Odder Seeds & Corduroy Earth introduce the theme, answer questions, and begin early brainstorming.
🎨 March 23 – 25 (1:30pm – 9:00pm), CoLodge Open Hours
Drop into CoLodge (2nd Floor, 288 James St. N) to contribute to the Collective Piece, develop Independent Works, and submit completed pieces.
🏁 March 25 (9:00pm), Submission & Drop-Off Deadline
All works must be submitted and dropped off at CoLodge by this time to be included in the exhibition.
✨ March 27 – 28 (12:00pm – 5:00pm), Public Exhibition at Y’UNO?
Completed works will be displayed and available for purchase at the Hamilton Farmers’ Market.
✅ March 28 (6:00pm), Artwork Pickup
Participants must pick up unsold works at the Hamilton Farmers Market. If unavailable, arrangements must be made in advance.
✨ How to Participate
There is no approval process. Once you’ve registered through this page, you’re welcome to join the make·a·thon and begin creating. Participants may register and jump in at any point leading up to the submission deadline on March 25 at 9:00pm.
In addition to registering, you must submit your completed work. The form for this will be provided when the make·a·thon kicks off on March 22.
TLDR:
Register as a participant through this event page
Attend the kickoff on March 22 at 6:30pm, or check back here afterward for full details on the theme
Contribute to the Collective Piece during open hours at CoLodge
Create Independent Works:
At CoLodge, or
On your own time
Submit and drop off your work at CoLodge by March 25 at 9:00pm
💰 Economics
There is no fee to participate
Collective Piece:
75% of sales are split evenly among registered contributors
25% will go toward the Organizers (Corduroy Earth & Odder Seeds)
Independent Works:
Artists keep 100% of sales
Minus:
13% tax
5% payment processing fee
For collaborative Independent Works, contributors determine their own splits at submission. Participants may optionally choose to share a percentage with organizers, but this is not required.
💬 Questions & Community
Join the community chat (Signal) here.
DM @odderseeds on Instagram
Email: [email protected]
👀 Next Steps
Register as a participant
Attend the kickoff on March 22 at 6:30pm
Or check back here for full details (released by 10pm on March 22)
Start creating and collaborating ✨