To simplify our membership process, DARC is introducing new membership tiers effective January 19th, 2024.
As an artist-run centre, we understand the importance of removing entrance barriers that prevent artists, especially those from underrepresented and equity-deserving groups, from accessing the services and equipment they need to tell their stories.
With that in mind, we have reworked our membership structure and designed a new membership application form.
We are very excited to introduce our new membership levels to you:
Essentials Membership ($50/year)
The Essentials membership (previously Community membership) is for individuals interested in experimenting, learning, playing, creating, and connecting with the media arts community in Ottawa. The Essentials membership offers all the tools necessary to experiment and grow in your artistic practice. Perks include reduced workshop rates, core equipment, access to the Recording Booth, the ability to book the DARC Microcinema and the Loop, technical support and grant writing assistance, and screening opportunities.
Extended Access Membership ($100/year)
The Extended Access membership (previously Digital Artist and Expert Digital Artist memberships) is for digital artists looking for access to specific, advanced equipment or other technical resources to produce their independent artistic work. The Extended Access membership is for individuals with technical training (from DARC, another artist-run centre, a post-secondary institution, or self-taught with valid experience). Perks include reduced workshop rates, access to specialized production equipment and production and post-production facilities (Digital Edit Suite, Recording Studio, DARC SOUNDSTAGE), ability to book the DARC Microcinema and the Loop, technical support and grant writing assistance, screening opportunities plus access to in-house grants and residencies.
Organizational ($150/year)
The Organizational membership is for like-minded not-for-profit organizations contributing to Ottawa’s vibrant artistic community. These organizations are interested in the media arts and want to collaborate with the digital arts community. The Organizational membership offers all the tools necessary to develop your organization’s digital assets. Organizational members benefit from partnership opportunities and the ability to use DARC’s facilities like the Microcinema, Loop, and Workshop room to host their own events.
Long Distance ($25/year)
The Long Distance membership is for artists residing outside of the Ottawa-Gatineau area who are looking to be involved with the centre. As a Long Distance member, you get access to the Member Portal, discounted online workshops and more. Visit our website for more information.
At DARC, we do not believe in letting financial barriers get in the way of our members’ work; please let us know if you need any accommodations.
TLDR: Your membership status or fee hasn’t changed, but the name of your membership has changed, and Essential Members (previously Community Members) can access more resources. We are now using a new, simplified application form to welcome new members, and the member portal has been condensed into one page.
| Essentials Membership ($50/year) | Extended Access Membership ($100/year) |
| Reduced workshop rates | Reduced workshop rates |
| 20% Discount on DARC merch | 20% Discount on DARC merch |
| Core equipment | Specialized production equipment |
| Access to the Recording Booth | State-of-the-art production and post-production facilities (Digital Edit Suite, Recording Studio, DARC SOUNDSTAGE) |
| The ability to book the DARC Microcinema and the Loop | The ability to book the DARC Microcinema and the Loop |
| Technical support and grant writing assistance | Technical support and grant writing assistance, |
| Screening opportunities | Screening opportunities |
| Voting privileges in DARC’s Annual General Meeting. | Access to in-house grants and residencies |
| Voting privileges in DARC’s Annual General Meeting. |
For a full list of resources, visit our membership page.
