Our Programs and Initiatives
The Hand Eye Society is a Toronto-based nonprofit arts organization that supports independent game makers, digital artists, and the game-curious public with inclusive, engaging media arts programming. Through our year-round programming — from festivals and workshops to mentorship and community projects — we celebrate video games as a form of creative expression and media art.
Festivals & Exhibitions
Torontron Summer Tour
Hand Eye Society’s Torontron Summer Tour is a summer-long program that brings custom arcade cabinets and indie games to festivals, events, and public spaces across Toronto. The tour highlights local developers and artists while connecting their work with new audiences across the city.
Learning & Development
Online Workshops
Ever wanted to learn how to use a game engine, write a grant, make 3D Models, or countless other game development topics? Our online workshops got you covered. For a small fee, you can learn online with us no matter where you are in the world. Keep checking as we’re always adding new workshops and rerunning past ones. Sign up today!
Futures Forward
Have a game concept ready and aren’t sure how to navigate the business end of game development? The Futures Forward program is an annual initiative that takes several early stage game developers and gives them the business knowledge they need to succeed and start their own studios. Applications usually open in the Fall.
Commissioned Jam Games
For some events, the Hand Eye Society pairs diverse artists across Canada and the world to work together over a few months to create original new games! Come check out their creations.
Community Projects
Mixtapes
The Hand Eye Society’s Mixtape initiative combines several indie games submitted by the community into one curated package for people to download for free. All game developers participating are compensated and gain more reach in the community through the Mixtape. We use this as a way to support the developers and help them gain an audience. You can find our Mixtapes on our Itch Channel to discover new games!
Programs on Hiatus
These are successful programs that Hand Eye Society has historically done and hopes to continue, but are currently on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors.
Game Curious
Like a book club, with buttons! Through play and group discussion, Game Curious provides a fun, inclusive environment to explore games as an artform.
Camp Make-A-Game
A week-long summer camp where kids get to design games and play indoors and outdoors all day long!
Comics x Games
Collaborations between nationally and internationally renowned independent comic and game creators during the Toronto Comic Arts Festival.
Past Initiatives
PAST WORKSHOPS
Hand Eye Society has historically conducted countless workshops for various organizations for diverse communities across Ontario.
