ABOUT THIS APPLICATION

This application form will ask you to provide the following:

• Information that helps us determine if you are eligible for the program 
• Your contact information
• A description of your photography or animation project idea

A select number of youth will be contacted for an interview based on their project idea.

 

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION 

Media Art for Youth is a media arts program of the The Arab Community Centre of Toronto (ACCT) done in partnership with Charles Street Video (CSV) for youth living in Toronto. Over the summer, youth will learn photography or animation from artist mentors, create independent projects focused on diversity and inclusion, and present their projects at an in-person exhibit at CSV in the winter.

Youth will choose whether to be in the Photography Stream, where they will learn photography, or the Animation Stream, where they will learn animation film. Through their projects youth will contribute to a greater understanding of and counter narratives to racism and hate in Canada from their perspectives as diverse, young people living in Toronto.

Ten youth will be selected for the class in 2022. We will offer this program again in winter 2023.

Deadline to apply: Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at 11:59 pm

 

WHAT YOU WILL GET

• $411 for presenting your photography project or animation film at the exhibit 
• DSLR camera for the length of the program if you choose Photography
• MacBook for the length of the program if you choose Animation

 

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Photography Stream

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12-3 pm, July 2022, Zoom

Animation Stream

Thursdays from 5-8 pm, August to November 2022, Zoom

 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Youth living in Toronto or the Greater Toronto Area
• Between 13-24 years old in 2022
• Passion for learning photography or animation film
• Commitment to attend virtual workshops and create your project outside of class
• Commitment to present project at in-person exhibit at CSV in the winter

  

COME TO OUR INFO SESSION!

Information Session Date: Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at 4 pm

Where: Zoom

Register via: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqcOqvqDwtH9QkvRFoOmhy9ZwdE7xYTGsT

After registering, you will receive an automated email with the Zoom link for the meeting.

 

 

PROJECT EXAMPLES

To help you come up with a project idea for this program, here are two examples of youth projects that address issues around diversity and inclusion.

You will be asked to describe your project idea after the examples.

 

Photography Project Example:

Kids don't know what most of it means by Reem (2018)

 

This photography project explored microagressions and gender. 

In her project artist statement, Reem writes:

"I wanted to focus on racism that Black people experience. I'm not saying only Black people suffer racism, because it happens to all People of Colour. But I focused on Black people because it has been a reality for a long time.

In my project, I photographed only the eyes of three teenage, Sudanese boys. I want the viewer to feel uncomfortable. They are looking at you. And, they are just kids. They don't know what most of it means. They don't know why they are being watched or targeted.

I photographed three boys because men are seen as the stronger gender. Racism tears that down. Even though they are male, racism strips them of that power."

Photography Project Example

By a refugee, with refugees by Hager (2019)

 

This is one of the photos in Hager's photography project that explored her settlement journey in Toronto.

In her artist statement about the project, Hager writes:

"Moving to a new country, learning a new language, adapting to a unique system, making friends and feeling safe are the story of many, a story that can be told in different ways, a story that can connect the world together and a story that can make you feel blessed, appreciate your freedom, safety, and your life compared to others. 

In these photos I’ve captured my journey to Canada, a long journey of struggling, dealing with new systems, working and connecting to find solutions. I wanted to share the story of many newcomers to Canada who struggled to communicate because of English, who struggled to use the transportation and who struggled to find places to go to. These little things can make your life difficult and full of stressed moments, but at the same time these moments could help you to connect with a wonderful community who supports you to learn the Language, access services, and feel safe. 

You welcome people, answer their questions and make them feel safe. Learning a new language is hard, struggling to adapt is harder. These newcomers were forced to adapt. It takes time and people like you can help by listening, answering, and connecting. Appreciate your life and be part of their journey. 

This was done by a refugee for you to learn, connect, and be with refugees. "

Go ahead and click submit at the bottom of the screen!

Please note that submitting this form does not guarantee a spot in the program. As this program is a project under the Youth Program of ACCT, youth who are contacted will need to register with our settlement and community centre before the interview.

 

To learn more about ACCT, please visit:

Website: www.acctonline.ca     IG: acctyouth     FB: acctonline

 

To learn more about CSV: please visit:

Website: www.charlesstreetvideo.com     IG: csvtoronto     FB: charlesstreetvideo

Instagram: @csvtoronto

 

For program inquires please contact Kasia Knap, ACCT Youth Team Lead, by email at kasia@acctonline.ca