CFAT is an inclusive artist-run centre that supports artists who use video, audio, and electronic media to express ideas and stories that are under-represented in mainstream culture.
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2020/2021 Media Art Scholarship Applications are OPEN!


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About the Media Art Scholarship Program:

The CFAT Media Art Scholarship program is a rigorous six-month education and mentorship opportunity for 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 by the deadline set by CFAT. The Media Art Scholarship Program is open to any member of the public who is not currently attending a similar program. You do not need to be an artist to apply, but you do need to have a clear vision/concept for your art project.


Robyn Badger working on her 2016 animation ‘Bubbles for Mum’

What kind of media art can you produce through the scholarship program?

The Media Arts Scholarship program can help you generate work in the form of video, recorded sound, animation, interactive presentation, electronics, and/or installation. The Centre will make every effort within their capacity to serve projects in the above media. The Centre is able to support a final presentation in the style of a screening, however this should not limit the form of the scholar’s project to video/audio works. Depending on the presentation venue, other forms of presentations/installations/performances may be possible.

Who can apply for the scholarship?

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 weekends and weekdays.

Still from ‘Hot Ice’ by Beck Gilmer-Osborne, 2015

What are the benefits of the scholarship?

Scholars will receive several intensive months of free workshops to gain skills required for the realization of their projects, one-on-one mentorship with a professional working in media arts, group mentorship, support from CFAT staff, a one-year CFAT membership, free access to CFAT equipment and facilities and a public premiere of the work created. The total value of support in this program is over $6,000.

Program Requirements

Scholars must be prepared to attend ALL workshops, monthly mentor meetings, scheduled critiques, and other related events. While the Centre will try to arrange classes and meetings with the schedules of the Scholars in mind, 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 and a working knowledge of Apple computers. Scholars must be enthusiastic, self-motivated, excellent communicators, and willing to follow program requirements.

Timeline - Please see our note on COVID19 below

  • August: Orientation meeting, mentor introduction, and project development.
  • September-November: Workshops and training: approximately twelve workshops in total, production of works
  • December: Completion of works
  • February: Public presentation

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 Executive Director will faciliate this jury process with the assistance of the Programming Coordinator, however they will not be apart of the decision making process.

How to apply

Applications are open for the 2020-2021 Media Art Scholarship Program. In previous years, CFAT has accepted written applications, however this year we will also be accepting applications in any preferred format, including audio or video recordings, or we are happy to arrange for verbal applications over the phone or over a Zoom meeting. We are open to the form of communication that works best for you.

Deadline: Friday, June 19th at 11:59pm (Atlantic Time)

In your applications, please include the following:

-All questions that are included below, along with your answers
-Up to 5 samples of previous work (digital images, max 5 minutes audio/ video)
-CV or resume if you have one

Application Questions:

1. How did you hear about the scholarship program?

2. Why do you think you would benefit from a mentorship program? Why is this a good point in your life for mentorship?

3. Title of Proposed Project

If you don't have a title, that is fine!

4. Conceptual Outline

Describe the concept (idea) for your project. Remember that the jury does not know you or your idea, so the clearer you are, the better.

5. How will the project look/sound/function?

6. How do you envision the project being presented?

7. What past experience, if any, do you have with media art?

No applicant will be judged for a lack of experience in media art!

8. What programs/skills do you think you will need?

9. Are you able to attend regular Thursday evening workshops from August- December 2020.*

*Note: For the month of September, workshops will be moved online. We will give scholars ample time to prepare if additional educational components are done virtually past September.

Note about COVID-19:

Due to the current COVID19 pandemic, we are preparing to offer the Media Art Scholarship digitally for the month of September, and potentially further into the program. Workshops will be presented in a combination of live virtual workshops, as well as pre-recorded instructional videos. Typically, all M.A.S. scholars have had 24/7 access to our facilities and unlimited access to equipment rentals. We are working hard to ensure that scholars will still have all of the resource offerings as we have had in previous years, despite anticipated social distancing regulations. We expect we will be offering curbside pickup of equipment, potential limited access to facilities (dependant on social distancing regulations), as well as access to laptops for remote workshop attendance and audio/video software.

We are considering the ways in which the exhibition, typically held in a gallery space in February, may have to be presented during these unprecedented times. Applications will not be evaluated based on whether or not they are proposed to fit in a virtual exhibition. Rather, CFAT will work with the scholars throughout the program to adapt if necessary, while honouring the artist's vision for their work.

For further information:

Cortney Cassidy
Interim Executive Director
cortney@cfat.ca
Centre for Art Tapes, 2238 Maitland Street, Halifax


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