Digital Arts Resource Centre (DARC) announces free membership for First Nations, Metis and Inuit artists and organizations to honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th.
Ottawa, September 29, 2021 – Upon reflection as to what practical action Digital Arts Resource Centre (DARC) can take to support the TRC’s Calls to Action, the DARC Board of Directors unanimously chose on September 27th to stand in solidarity by making a reparative contribution to reconciliation, waiving all membership fees for First Nations, Metis and Inuit artists and organizations forever, effective immediately.
“Although a small gesture of redress, we know that this will remove another barrier to access of resources for Indigenous artists, providing space to work in culture and creation without asking for settler permission,” says DARC Board co-chair Kathryn Desplanque.
“It is time for all cultural organizations to step forward to clearly designate resources to go directly into the hands of First Nations, Metis and Inuit creatives. We are just a small organization, but if we can “afford” this, imagine what a large institution can do, “ adds DARC Director Annette Hegel.
DARC also announces closure of its offices on September 30th, the new federal statutory holiday, to recognize and reflect on the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools.
Digital Arts Resource Centre (formerly SAW Video) is a not-for-profit, artist-run media art centre that fosters the growth and development of artists through access to equipment, training, mentorship, and programming. Our mission is to support a diverse community of media artists empowered by technology, programming, the exchange of ideas, and joyful experimentation. Our core principles are independence of expression, affordable access to all, and paying artists for their work. Digital Arts Resource Centre values diversity and actively promotes equity for all artists regardless of race, age, class, gender, sexual orientation, language, or ability.
We acknowledge that Digital Arts Resource Centre is located on land that is part of the unceded and unsurrendered Traditional Territory of the Algonquin people. We honour the Algonquin people and elders, whose ancestors have occupied this territory since time immemorial, and whose culture has nurtured and continues to nurture this land and its people.
To apply for an Indigenous Membership, please email access@digitalartsresourcecentre.ca.
