| Collective Arts Brewing | |
| Location: | Hamilton, Ontario |
| Founder: | Matt Johnston and Bob Russell |
| Area Served: | Canada, USA, Italy, France, Spain, Sweden, and Australia |
Collective Arts Brewing is a craft brewery in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, founded by Matt Johnston and Bob Russell. It is a grassroots craft brewery whose mandate is to combine "the craft of brewing with the inspired talents of emerging and seasoned artists, musicians, photographers & filmmakers".[1]
Beer brewing is headed by brewmaster Ryan Morrow,[2] producing 6 craft beers that are available year-round, in addition to multiple seasonal brews. They produce a variety of different brews, including the Ransack the Universe India Pale Ale,[3] World Beer Cup winning[4] Stranger than Fiction Porter,[5] and their Rhyme & Reason Extra Pale Ale.[6] The brewery also produces their "Collective Project" which features different seasonal beers created by the brewmasters and cider in two flavours.[7]
The company's Audio/Visual Lager publicizes independent musicians with special limited edition band-themed cans, rotating every few months to promote a new selection of four artists.[8]
Collective Arts products are available across Canada in a variety of retailers including the LCBO in Ontario.[9] Products also available in the Northeast USA states; Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Illinois . Collective Arts also ships beer to Italy, Spain, Sweden and to Melbourne, Australia.[10]
Collective Arts Brewing invites artists and musicians to submit their work in bi-yearly Calls for Art. Since the first art and music call in May 2013 over 16,000 submissions have been received from artists and musicians representing over 40 countries.[11] Art and music is chosen by guest curators.[12] Each artist is paid to appear on the labels. Collective Arts does not own the art but is allowed to use it on cans and bottles for a limited period of time. To date, Collective Arts Brewing have produced and compensated over 650 artists and musicians for appearing on limited edition cans and bottle labels.[13]
The company also features all of the artists and musicians on their website, including "The Black Box Sessions"[14] in partnership with Indie88 Studios, showcasing Indie and Alternative artists.[15]
In 2014, Collective Arts Brewing leased the former Lakeport Brewing facility from the Hamilton Port Authority.[16]
Collective Arts built a co operative brewery with Nickel Brook Brewing in 2014.[17] Collective Arts purchased Nickel Brooks shares in the brewery in August 2017.[18]
In 2019, Collective Arts Distilling launched a flagship Artisanal Dry Gin, and a seasonal Rhubarb and Hibiscus Gin. Both Artisanal, and Rhubarb and Hibiscus won silver medals at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. [19]