About the Nordic–Canadian Fellowship in Environmental Journalism

Harbourfront Centre is looking for emerging journalists ages 18–25 to participate in the inaugural Nordic–Canadian Fellowship in Environmental Journalism (NCF). The NCF is an opportunity for emerging young journalists from Canada and the Nordic Region to connect and produce multimedia journalism on environmental and cultural issues affecting our world. 

This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for emerging journalists from both regions to learn and work together and effect change through storytelling. No previous professional journalism experience is required, however, candidates must be ambitious, collaborative and passionate about environmentalism and storytelling. This project supports all journalistic mediums – writers, videographers, photographers, producers and podcasters alike are encouraged to apply. Fellows will be grouped in teams of two (one Canadian and one Nordic) and paired with an experienced journalist who will serve as their mentor. 

Candidates will be assessed based on their creativity, awareness of current environmental issues, journalistic potential, engagement of Indigenous voices and general enthusiasm for the project.

Eligibility Criteria

Participants must be: 

• 18–25 years of age at the time of application
• Residents of Canada or the Nordic Region¹
• Eligible to travel domestically and internationally
  ¹ Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Åland

Opportunity

The majority of the fellowship will be conducted virtually on a part-time basis over the course of 18 months, along with three (3) potential travel opportunities (pending COVID-19 restrictions). During this time, fellows will participate in journalism boot camps, conduct reporting trips, and contribute to an exhibition as part of Nordic Bridges in 2022. It is possible for the fellowship to be conducted alongside full-time school or work.

Fellows will meet with their mentors on a monthly or bimonthly basis and check in with their team members at frequent intervals.

Travel

The Nordic–Canadian Fellowship experience will be both virtual and in person. Fellows will need to be able to travel both domestically and internationally. 

Fellows will receive an honorarium of $2,200 CAD plus travel and accommodation expenses as required.

Language

English will be the language of communication. Participants will need access to the internet. 

The Nordic–Canadian Fellowship and its participating partners will adhere to the principles of working with young people as outlined in the guide linked here (click to read). 

About Nordic Bridges 2022

Nordic Bridges, a Joint Nordic Cultural Initiative, is a year-long initiative taking place from coast to coast to coast in Canada that aims to foster cultural exchange between Canada and the Nordic Region. Harbourfront Centre, as one of Canada’s leading contemporary, multidisciplinary arts and cultural centres, will lead the programming for Nordic Bridges.

Building on the shared values of creativity, innovation, accessibility, resilence and sustainabilty, Nordic Bridges will serve to connect the Nordic Region (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Åland) and Canada through collaborations between artists, innovators and thinkers.

Over the course of one full year in 2022, Nordic Bridges will present contemporary art and culture in a range of disciplines including the performing arts (dance, theatre, circus and music), visual and digital arts, craft and design, literature, film, and culinary arts.

Nordic Bridges aims to generate dialogue between Canada and the Nordic Region on culture’s role in the creation and promotion of sustainable societies, increasing awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, most specifically, the environment, inclusivity, innovation and accessibility.

Four key pillars inform Nordic Bridges programming:

• Artistic Innovation
  Programming that challenges the status quo
• Accessibility and Inclusion
  Fostering belonging and participation through art and the engagement of diverse audiences
• Indigenous Perspectives
  Engaging Indigenous voices from Canada and the Nordic Region, in particular the Arctic dimension of these conversations
• Resilience and Sustainability
  Exploring how our shared, rugged, natural landscapes inform and shape our art and design, and the measures that are being put in place to preserve these landscapes for future generations

Working with cultural partners across Canada, Nordic Bridges programming will be presented as part of scheduled programming seasons, festivals and tours, as well as industry stand-alone events.