ArtWorksTO Newcomer Program - Media Artist (Stream 1) - Participant Application Form

ArtWorksTO Newcomer Program offers newcomer artists training, mentorship, and paid work opportunities in media arts and arts education. It supports 25 Canadians in developing sustainable careers by providing credentialed education, industry connections, and practical experience.

Please read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section in the ArtWorksTO Newcomer Program site and make sure you're eligible to apply before you complete your application.
Complete the checklist at the end of the form to ensure your submission is complete. Incomplete applications will not be assessed.
We strongly encourage your participation in the OCAD U Portfolio Development Workshop: To register, please visit our program website. For more information about this offering, and/or for information about the program, and application process please email ximena@torontoarts.org .
In the context of this program, we use the term 'artist' interchangeably and with openness. The program includes practitioners in Media Arts such as graphic designers, digital media creators and other related disciplines, as well as Art Educators who are also practicing artists. Our definition embraces a broad range of creative practices.

APPLICATION CHECK-LIST

1. APPLICANT INFORMATION

Full Name

First NameLast Name

Date of Birth

MonthDayYear

Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number

Email

example@example.com

Postal Code (open only to residents of Toronto and the regional municipalities of Durham, Halton, Peel, and York)

Postal code starting with 'M' (Toronto) or 'L' (Durham, Halton, Peel, York).

Date of landing in Canada - (Required to confirm eligibility as a newcomer artist)

MonthDayYear

Pronouns

Why we ask for pronouns: In Canada, it's common to share pronouns (like she/her, he/him, or they/them) as a way to respect each person's gender identity. We ask this to create an inclusive environment.

How did you hear about the ArtWorksTO Newcomer Program?

2. ACCESS & EQUITY

What country were you born in?

Do you require accommodations to participate? (ASL interpretation, closed captioning, translation, etc.)

3. TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

What do you hope to gain from ArtWorksTO Newcomer Program? How will this program support your goals as a creative/artist educator?

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What challenges have you faced as a creative/artist educator, and how do you hope this program can help you overcome them?

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This program runs from July 2026 to August 2027 and includes activities throughout the year. Can you commit to participating in scheduled training, mentorship, and work placements? Please consider your current academic, work, and personal responsibilities before answering

Do you have intermediate English skills to participate effectively in training, mentorship, and work placement opportunities? (Note: Fluency is not required, but applicants should be able to communicate effectively in both spoken and written form in professional settings)

4. YOUR MEDIA ARTS EXPERIENCE

What primary discipline do you work in (Select only one)

What secondary disciplines do you work in (Select all that apply)

Please describe your experience as a media artist. Include details about your practice and the types of projects you've worked on (e.g. exhibitions, screenings, commissions, festivals, collaborations, finished pieces, awards, etc.). Mention if this took place in your country of origin, internationally, or in Canada

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Are you a professional artist? (This refers to whether you actively create and share media art as part of your career, through exhibitions, screenings, commissions, publications, or paid work)

5. ABOUT YOUR EDUCATION IN MEDIA ARTS

Please indicate your level of training

Please specify your area of study

This refers to the specific focus or major of your academic studies in media arts. For example: Film Production, Animation, Digital Media, Sound Design, Interactive Media, Photography, etc.

If accepted into the program, you will be required to complete two mandatory courses and one elective course (virtual or in-person, depending on the course) through OCAD University. These courses are fully covered by the program. Do you commit to completing this training?

Upload your digital portfolio as a single PDF

Browse Files

6. PORTFOLIO

Please upload your digital portfolio in PDF format.
(Please refer to our FAQ on our website to see what should be included if you are applying for Stream 1: Media Arts).

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the portfolio development training offered by OCAD U through the "Portfolio Workshop". The Live session will take place on May 27, from 5:00 to 6:00 (Toronto time). To register, please visit our program website.

For those unable to attend the live session, the recorded workshop will be available here after June 1st.

Please note that applications that do not include a portfolio (submitted in accordance with the guidelines) will not be considered.

7. 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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Privacy Statement | Information submitted to this form is kept strictly confidential. Information provided by the user will not be forwarded, traded or sold to outside organizations. Users who register for any purpose may request their name be removed from our e-mail list or any other electronic distribution list at any time. All personal information you provide is protected under the Government of Ontario’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. For more information visit https://torontoartsfoundation.org/privacy-policy.

Newcomer Program - Media Arts (Stream 1) - ArtWorksTO - Participant Application Form - 2026