ArtWorksTO Indigenous Program
This is a fully Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) workforce development program that aims to create a customized, culturally rooted, and supportive environment for Indigenous artists, enhancing their representation and success within media arts. The program includes a $5,000 paid creative contract, OCAD U skills training, and workshops with Indigenous leaders in the media industries.This program was developed by Indigenous artists and facilitators and built around reciprocal relationships. Each participant brings their skills, lived experiences, and unique vision to projects, and in turn receives paid contracts and connections in their industries.
Eligibility
This program is for Indigenous Media artists who are between the ages of 18 – 35 and can travel to Toronto for events/workshops/on location projects. For the purposes of this program, Indigenous is defined as status and non-status First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada. All applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of Canada. Please read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section in the ArtWorksTO website and make sure you're eligible to apply before you complete your application. If you need help with your creative portfolio, and/or would like to see a sample of one please check out the learning room of our website. We strongly encourage your participation in the OCAD U Portfolio Development Workshop. For more information about this offering, and/or for information about the program, and application process please email kennedy@torontoarts.org.
Application Information
Name
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First Name
Last Name
Date of Birth
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-
Month
-
Day
Year
Date
Email
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example@example.com
Phone Number
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Please enter a valid phone number.
Address
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Street Address
Street Address Line 2
City
State / Province
Postal / Zip Code
Pronouns
How did you hear about the ArtWorksTO Indigenous Program?
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Access & Equity
This program is for Indigenous media artists, do you identify as First Nations (status and non-status), Inuit and/or Métis?
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First Nations
Inuit
Métis
No
Other
Please share your story with us! Where you came from, how you are connected to your community/communities, lived experiences as an Indigenous person etc.
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If you have access to supporting documents for your Indigenous identification, please upload them here. This could be a Métis Nation Citizenship card, Status Card, Band ID, Inuit enrolment card etc.
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Disability is understood as any physical, mental, developmental, cognitive, learning, communication, sight, hearing or functional limitation that, in interaction with a barrier, hinders a person’s full and equal participation in society. A disability can be permanent, temporary or episodic, and visible or invisible. Do you identify as a person with a disability?
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Do you require accommodations to participate? (ASL accommodation, closed captioning, translation etc.)
Tell us about yourself
What do you hope to gain from the ArtWorksTO Indigenous Program?
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How will this program support your goals as a media artist?
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What challenges have you faced as a creative and how do you hope this program will help you overcome them?
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This program runs from January 2026 to August 2026, and includes in person activities. Can you commit to participating in scheduled training, mentorship, and work placements? Please consider your current academic, work, and personal responsibilities before answering.
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Your media arts experience
What primary discipline do you work in? (Select only one)
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Photography
Videography
Illustration
Digital Animation
Graphic Design
User Experience UX Design/User Interface UI Design
3D Rendering
Public Relations/Communications/Social Media
Other
What secondary disciplines do you find you excel in? (Select All that Apply)
Photography
Videography
Illustration
Digital Animation
Graphic Design
User Experience UX Design/User Interface UI Design
3D Rendering
Public Relations/Communications/Social Media
Other
Please describe your experience as a media artist. Include details about your practice and the types of projects you’ve worked on (e.g. screenings, commissions, festivals, collaborations, exhibitions, finished pieces etc.)
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Are you a professional artist? (This refers to if you actively create and share media art as part of your career, through exhibitions, screenings, publications or paid work)
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Education
Please indicate your level of training.
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Undergraduate degree
Undergraduate course work
Graduate degree
Continuing education
Community training
Self taught
Not Applicable
Other
Please specify your area of study.
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Creative Portfolio
Please upload your digital creative portfolio in PDF format.
*
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Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the portfolio development training offered by OCAD U through the ‘portfolio workshop’. The virtual sessions will take place November 10th and November 17th.
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Additional Information
Is there anything else you would like us to consider about your application and eligibility that isn’t mentioned above?
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