MAS 2026/27 - Call for applications!

Due July 27th, 11:59PM Atlantic Time

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Due July 27th, 11:59PM Atlantic Time 〰️

Want to learn something new?! The CFAT Media Art Scholarship program is a rigorous six-month education and mentorship opportunity for five emerging artists who propose to make a media art project. Selected applicants are required to make a media art piece in a medium in which they have little to no previous experience. Scholars are responsible for learning the skills required for completing their piece within the parameters of the program. The Media Art Scholarship is open to any member of the public who does not currently have access to this type of focused education and skill development (current students are not eligible).

This year the Media Art Scholarship program will focus on media art projects that involve interactive installation!

An interaction can vary from incredibly subtle to highly active (from inviting a micro-gesture like a tilt of the head to a Dance Dance Revolution-style experience). Anything from a film to a video game, to a performance or robotic assemblage can be interactive. Think about how you want visitors to engage with your work and what mechanisms you will use to invite this interaction.

An installation can similarly range from simple to complex (from a wall projection to a sculpture that transforms the space, to an online game). An installation takes specific consideration of the way the project interacts with the space where it is presented (ex. gallery space, film screening, digital space).

You do not need to be an artist to apply, but you do need to have a clear vision/concept for your art project.

  • The Media Arts Scholarship program can help you generate work in the form of video, recorded sound, animation, electronics, and virtual reality. CFAT will make every effort within their capacity to serve projects in the above media. The program will be followed by a final exhibition where all works will be viewable by the public.

  • Anyone who wishes to make their first independent work in a media art form that is new to them may apply for the scholarship. Applicants cannot be currently enrolled in a similar program; students are not eligible. Applicants must be available for workshops and meetings on Thursday evenings throughout Fall 2026 and as needed in January/February 2027. This program is an extended in-house residency, so we will not be accepting applications from outside of Atlantic Canada.

  • Scholars will receive:

    - several intensive months of free skill-building workshops towards the realization of their projects, one-on-one mentorship with professional media artists, and support from CFAT staff (The total value of mentorship and support in this program is over $6,000)
    - a free one-year CFAT membership and $500 worth of CFAT rentals of CFAT equipment and facilities
    - A final group showcase with a $1,000 honorarium

Program Requirements

Scholars must be prepared to attend ALL workshops (every Thursday, 6:00pm-8:30pm from September to early December, 2026 with ~two workshops in January/February 2027), mentor meetings, scheduled critiques, and installation sessions for the Group Showcase.

It is expected that Scholars will dedicate at least six hours per week to the program. Extended periods of absence may result in dismissal from the program.

Scholars must have basic computer literacy. Scholars must be enthusiastic, self-motivated, excellent communicators, and willing to follow program requirements.

Timeline

September - November: Workshops every Thursday, 6:00pm-8:30pm in-person at CFAT

(early-mid) December: Rough Cut Review & Feedback session, mentor meetings

January: Installation Planning Sessions & mentor meetings

February: Installation & Group Showcase

March: Deinstallation & Cleanup

Selection process

A rotating Peer Selection Committee selects scholars. The Committee bases their decisions on the applicant’s creative approach to the subject or medium, the quality of the completed application, and the feasibility of the project as a first work. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. CFAT's Programming Coordinator will facilitate the jury process.

How to apply

Applications are open for the 2026-27 Media Art Scholarship Program. Please fill out the application form or submit your responses to each component in your preferred format, including audio or video recordings. With enough notice, we are happy to arrange for verbal applications over the phone or over a Zoom meeting. Please reach out to programs@cfat.ca if you are interested in submitting in an alternative format or have any questions about the application process or program.

To apply please submit the following by Monday, July 27th at 11:59 PM Atlantic Time. The entire application is viewable on the first page of the link. We recommend you work offline and then submit your answers all at once.

  • General information (Preferred Name, Pronouns, How did your hear about the scholarship program?)

  • Bio (max. 250 words)

  • Proposed Project Title (This can be a placeholder! You don't need to commit to it)

  • Project Statement (max. 700 words)

    • Project Description: How will your proposed project look/sound/function. If the audience walks into a space to see this work - what do they see? Show the project's relationship to interactive installation.

    • Conceptual Framework: Describe the idea behind your project. Why do you want to make this?

    • Reason for MAS: How will the Media Arts Scholarship support this project’s development? Why is this a good time in your artistic development to participate in the program?

  • Experience: What past experience, if any, do you have with media art? This is so we can best prepare the program, experience is not required! (max. 250 words, can be bullet point/list format)

  • Commitment to Participation: Confirm your availability to participate in the program fully.

  • CV (max. 4 pages)

  • Up to 5 samples of previous work (5 digital images, max. 1MB each, or max. 5 minutes audio/ video). If you are submitting audio/video files, please include them as URLs on the Image List document.

  • Image List (For each item, please specify title, medium, year, duration, and include passwords where necessary).

Apply

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