On Friday, November 29th, local MPP Lucille Collard met with the team at Digital Arts Resource Centre (DARC, formerly SAW Video) to hear more about the $30,100 Capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that was used to equip their workshop room with ten computers. The project will aid DARC to better serve digital media artists in Ottawa.
“The Digital Arts Resource Centre is a cornerstone of Ottawa’s creative community, empowering media artists to share their voices and stories through access to vital resources, training, and mentorship,” said Lucille Collard, MPP for Ottawa—Vanier. “Their commitment to fostering diversity and equity ensures that artists from all walks of life can thrive in the digital arts. By supporting initiatives like this, the Ontario Trillium Foundation contributes to strengthening our cultural landscape and highlights the importance of creativity in shaping our shared future.”
Creating accessible spaces is an important part of DARC’s mandate. Through the OTF’s support, DARC will now have state-of-the-art equipment, and our members and the public will be able to continue to create groundbreaking digital art in an affordable, accessible learning environment right here in Ottawa.
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 and the exchange of ideas. 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.
“Whether it’s helping people learn new things, connect with their community, or simply have fun, organizations like Digital Arts Resource Centre deliver experiences that make a difference,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “That’s why grant support through the Ontario Trillium Foundation is so important. This funding will help ensure they remain at the heart of the community for decades to come.”
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
