Media Art Production Fund

SUBMISSIONS CLOSE MAY 1, 2024.

 

 

What is the Media Art Production Fund?

SUBMISSIONS CLOSE MAY 1, 2024. 
 

DARC’s Media Art Production Fund supports Extended Access DARC members in the creation of independent video and media art projects. The Media Art Production Fund was created to grant assist independent artists at any stage of their artistic practice. Extended Access members are invited to submit a detailed project proposal of any scale. Selected applicants will receive production support for their proposed project.

 

Grant support includes:

  • Up to 80% of DARC equipment rental for the proposed project;
  • Access to DARC’s equipment library;
  • Access to DARC’s production facility (Soundstage) and post-production facilities (Digital Edit Suite, Recording Studio);
  • Access to DARC technical support as required.

who can apply?

  • Extended Access members of DARC in any stage of their artistic practice are invited to apply.
  • DARC promotes access for all artists, regardless of age, class, gender, sexual orientation, race or ability.
  • Applicants do not need to be a Canadian citizen or a Permanent Resident of Canada to apply.
  • This grant is intended for residents of the Ottawa-Gatineau region, as the Media Art Production Fund offers support in the form of equipment and facility access.
  • DARC supports projects that are produced in both French and English.

What Types of Projects are Eligible?

DARC supports independent, artistic work where the applying artist initiates and is the driving force behind the project. The applicant must retain complete creative and editorial control over the work. Priority is given to projects that are innovative in content, point of view, style, form, or process and will further the applicant’s development as an artist. Please see below for a list of project types that are eligible and ineligible for production funds at DARC.

eligible

  • Media art installations;
  • Screen-based work (film, video, and animation)
  • Web-based projects;
  • Sound art;
  • Interactive and time-based digital projects.

ineligible

  • Projects that are solely in the post-production phase;
  • Corporate projects;
  • Promotional projects;
  • Public service announcements;
  • Commercial television projects;
  • Movies-of-the-week and news reports;
  • Instructional and or educational projects;
  • Projects using film or video simply as a tool to record or document existing artworks;
  • Projects commissioned by, made on contract for, or produced by, a government agency, non-profit organization, broadcaster or private company;
  • School projects that are part of the curriculum of an educational institution. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Applicants should submit only one application per intake. 
  • There is no cash value associated with awarded grants. 
  • Unused equipment and facility access is not available for use outside of the granted project.
  • This program provides technical support in the form of equipment and facility access. This does not include conceptual support to develop your project ideas.
  • Your project start date cannot take place before the jury makes their official selections.
  • Applications may be submitted in French or English. 

how are APPLICATIONS assessed?

Applications are assessed by a recommender jury. Jurors independently review grant applications based on artistic merit and feasibility. After independently reviewing each submission, jurors meet as a group to review and select applications. 

artistic merit

Artistic merit is the overall quality of a project. Artistic merit is demonstrated by an applicant’s commitment to their own artistic development and the contribution the proposed project will have on their medium and discipline. Priority is given to proposals from applicants whose work demonstrates the development of their own unique artistic vision, voice or approach.

feasibility

Feasibility examines how likely a project is to be completed. Jury members review all details of each proposal to determine the readiness of a production. 

What to Expect If Selected

All applicants will be contacted regardless of application success. Applicants should expect a response within 6 weeks of the intake deadline. Successful applicants will receive production support throughout the duration of their project. Artists are required to complete their proposed project within 24 months of official acceptance. Artists will be asked to provide regular reports of their progress throughout the project. Reports can be submitted as written documents or through in-person or virtual meetings. DARC staff will be available for support and consultation throughout your project.

How to Apply

Applications for the Media Art Production Fund are accepted through AMS. AMS (Artist Management System) is a web-based platform for DARC members and members of the arts community to access DARC’s resources. DARC members can log in to book equipment and facilities, register for workshops, and apply for granting and residency opportunities. To apply for the Media Art Production Fund, please create an account and log into AMS. 

Applicants are asked to submit:

  • Basic contact information;
  • Project description;
  • CV or résumé;
  • Production schedule;
  • Budget detailing all expenses and revenues;
  • Samples of past work.

 

Upon request, DARC staff are happy to meet with applicants virtually or in-person to provide guidance and support. If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact us.

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION THROUGH AMS:

Starting an Application:

1. Once you are logged into AMS you will see the “My Applications” page. 

2. On the right hand side click on the “New Application” button. 

3. A new window will open, you will be prompted to “Select a Campaign”.

4. From the drop down menu, select the program you would like to apply for (ex. DARC Media Art Production Fund Spring 2024). 

5. Once selected you will be prompted to give your application a name, this is optional. 

6. Select “Start Application” by clicking on the blue button at the bottom of the window. 

7. You should now see your active applications on the “My Applications” page. 

8. Select “Start” to begin your application. 

9. A new page titled “Submission Form” will load. Here you can view all the questions to apply for your specific program. 

10. You can save a draft of your application by selecting the “Save Draft” button at the very bottom of the page. This may take a few seconds. 

11. To edit a Saved Draft click on the pencil icon under the actions column of the “My Applications” page. 

 

Submitting your Application: 

1. To submit your application press the “Complete Form” button at the very bottom of the page. This may take a few minutes. 

2. A new window will appear asking if you would like to proceed. Please note, once you complete the form you will no longer be able to make any changes.

3. Press “OK” to continue. 

4. You will return to the “My Applications” page. Your application status will now say “Ready for Submission”. 

5. You now have the option to delete your application or submit your application. If you delete your application, you can start another. 

6. Make sure to press “Submit Application” to apply. If you have successfully submitted your application, the status of your application should now say “Submitted”. Congratulations!

 

We look forward to reviewing your application. For updates, check the “My Applications” page in AMS. The status of your application will be updated throughout the selection process. Feel free to contact access@digitalartsresourcecentre.ca for any questions regarding your application!