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.

Opportunities

CFAT encourages the participation of artists from all backgrounds and stages in their careers in our programs to help facilitate the creation and presentation of contemporary media art.


  • Submission Information

    How to I receive support/submit work to CFAT?

    Thank you for your interest in CFAT! Please see the below list of frequently asked questions. If you don't see the answer you’re looking for, feel free to reach out at anytime to the Executive Director, Tori Fleming, at tori@cfat.ca.

    I would like to receive in-kind gear and facilities for my work as an individual artist.

    CFAT offers a few types of technical grants to help you finish your projects. See information about our Production grants below.

    I would like to get in-kind gear and facilities for my work with a non-for profit organization.

    In-Kind services can be accessed by filling out our in-kind application form. More info and form can be found at the bottom of this page.

    I would like to get in-kind gear and facilities for my work with a for-profit company.

    We do not offer in-kind support to for-profit projects.

    I would like to take part in the Media Art Scholarship program.

    The call for the media art scholarship happens once a year in late spring. The deadline changes yearly so please sign up to our newsletter to be kept up to date on submission guidelines. For more info on the scholarship and your eligibility see below.

    I would like to take part in a residency.

    CFAT holds residencies once a year with no set deadline. Our residencies are often thematic (curator in residence, e-lab artist in residence, etc.). Calls for residencies can be found on our current news page.

    I would like to screen my work.

    CFAT tries to support as many mediums of Media Arts as possible. As a result we only hold a screening about once a year. Stay tuned to our news page for future calls for submissions for screenings.

    I would like to propose a program to CFAT.

    CFAT is always up for hearing about new programs! CFAT’s programming is chosen by the Programming Committee. The Programming Committee is made up of working media artists who meet to review programming, grants and proposals once every six weeks. CFAT’s core programming funding is spoken for every year through our core programs (Media Art Scholarship, Residencies, etc.) If you would like to propose a program above and beyond those programs, proposals can be sent to the Programming Committee through the Executive Director.

    We receive a lot of proposals! We will try to review yours as soon as possible but it often takes a few months. The programs are chosen on artistic merit, feasibility, and how well they fit into CFATs vision and mission. If the programming committee decides to peruse your program proposal, the Programming Director will work with you to secure project funding. This process from proposal to presentation can often take 12 – 24 months. Be prepared for this timeline.

    CFAT pays CARFAC and IMAA fees to all exhibiting artists. Project proposals that do not include artist fees will not be considered. Proposals can be a one-page letter of interest forwarded to the Executive Director (Tori Fleming, tori@cfat.ca) at any time.

  • Media Art Scholarship

    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, virtual reality and/or installation. The Centre 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.

    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 weekday evenings. This program is intended to be an in-house residency, so we will not be accepting applications from other parts of Canada.

    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 group exhibition 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. 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

    • 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 2023-24 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. Please reach out to jesse@cfat.ca if you are interested in submitting in an alternative format.

    To apply please submit the following by July 16th:

    • An online application form which can be found here. 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.

    • Up to 5 samples of previous work (digital images, max 5 minutes audio/ video). If you are submitting a video, please submit it in the form of a URL.

    • CV or resume if you have one


  • Technical Production Grants

    Technical grants are a quick turn around grant for in-kind use of our facilities and equipment. These grants are great for small self funded projects, or for helping you get through that last push of a larger project. These grants will be offered three times a year on an annual schedule.

    CFAT offers a few types of technical grants to help you finish your projects:

    Intensive Post-Production Technical Grant:

    The successful applicant will receive a two-month Editing Membership, giving them free access to all of the editing suites.

    Intensive Production Technical Grant:

    The successful applicant will receive a two-month Production Membership, giving them free access to all of the mobile equipment.

    Four-Month Technical Project Grant:

    The successful applicant will receive a two-month production membership giving them access to all mobile equipment. This two-month period will be immediately followed by a two month editing membership where they will have free access to all editing suites.

    Technical Grant Annual Deadlines

    DEADLINE EXTENDED: November 1st (originally Sept 1)

    Jury meets second week of September, applicants informed on November 15th.

    2-month grants run from December 1st to January 30th.

    4-month grant runs from December 1st to March 31st.

    Deadline: February 1st

    Jury meets second week of February, applicants informed on February 15th.

    2-month grants run from March 1st to April 30th.

    4-month grant runs from March 1st to June 30th.

    Deadline: May 1st

    Jury meets second week of May, applicants informed on May 15th.

    2-month grants run from June 1st to July 31st.

    4-month grant runs from June 1st to September 30th.

    How to apply:

    To apply send the following information by email to our Production & Membership Services Coordinator Séamus Gallagher, at production@cfat.ca.

    • 1 page letter of interest. (What is your project? How will the grant you’re applying for help you complete your project?)
    • CV
    • List of Equipment you expect you will need (It’s OK if you need things beyond this list during the project)

    If you have any questions about our technical grants, feel free to reach out Séamus at production@cfat.ca

  • In-Kind Production Services

    The Centre for Art Tapes has a long history of supporting our community with access to our equipment and facilities – this support is made in the spirit of community engagement, accessibility and similar organizational values. Requests for in-kind support are reviewed by our Core Staff each month, please plan 4-6 weeks ahead.

    Please keep in mind that our rental rates are already subsidized through donations, government support and fundraising – and that CFAT is proud to offer equipment and facilities that are well below commercial rates, providing special discounted rates to non-profits and community groups all of the time. Please remember that our equipment and staff time is limited, and that we can’t prioritize in-kind support over our existing programs.

    Who is eligible for in-kind support?
    Ad-hoc/community groups, non-profit organizations, and arts and culture groups who share our vision of artistic communities and social/economic equity are welcomed to apply for in-kind support. CFAT has lots of other avenues for individual artists to get free access – if you are an individual artist please apply for one of our programs, including Technical Grants, or ask about volunteering in exchange for CFAT dollars. Commercial and for-profit projects are not eligible.

    What can I ask for?
    In-kind support means that you are asking us to reduce our normal rental fees or waive (remove) them entirely for your project. Every request is different and we are happy to talk through your specific needs, but we simply cannot provide technical support or education in-kind. If you have an idea for a collaboration that is more involved than asking for free gear, please look at our “Submissions” page or talk to our Programming Director about pitching a program.

    How do I apply for in-kind support?
    Please fill out an in-kind form application in one of the formats below and submit to tori@cfat.ca

    Google Form / Fillable form / By hand application

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