Local independent arts leaders Debaser, The Framework, Produced By Youth, and The Moving Art Gallery have joined forces to present WARP: a learning and mentorship program. The first-ever WARP cohort will take place both online and in-person from October 19 to November 23, 2024.
Funded by the Canada Council for the Arts, WARP is redistributing $60,000 across 12 projects organized by local early- and mid-career arts professionals and collectives. WARP is now accepting applications from August 8 to September 17, 2024. Submit your application and event proposal here: https://forms.gle/tvxhHmJvSgi9Yk6d7
WARP aims to mentor individuals and representatives from artist collectives by educating them on the essentials of event and exhibition organizing to cultivate a more equitable and sustainable arts ecosystem. In collaboration with experienced arts workers from across the country, WARP will deliver the following workshops inside of the Digital Arts Resource Centre:
Event Planning and Operations
Project Budgeting and Diverse Revenues
Accessibility Planning
Live Technical Production
Safe(r) Spaces and Bystander Intervention
Naloxone Training and Harm Reduction
The first cohort in fall 2024 features established mentors with diverse skill sets informed by equity and accessibility. Accessible nightlife organizers Stefana Fratila and Renee Dumaresque of Crip Rave, programmer and harm reduction advocate Willow Cioppa, and artist and audio engineer Naledi Sunstrum will lead focused learning sessions and provide mentorship to the first group of WARP participants.
At the end of the program, participants’ final projects will be eligible to receive a $5,000 honorarium to support their project costs, and will receive ongoing mentorship and support from mentors and WARP team members during the execution of their project.
The program goal is to diversify the arts sector by prioritizing community members underrepresented in artistic direction and production sectors. We encourage applications from equity-deserving groups such as BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, people with visible and/or invisible disabilities, parents and caretakers, youth (19-25), older adults (45+), and formerly incarcerated/criminalized persons.
Full program and eligibility details can be found on our official website: www.projectwarp.ca. For questions regarding your application, contact mentorship@debaser.ca.
About the Founding Partners
Debaser: Since establishing in 2013, Debaser has become one of Ottawa’s leading independent and underground music and arts presenters, best known for its thoughtfully-curated, diverse programming, and care-oriented approach.
The Framework: A polymathic agency that centers creative storytelling through grant writing, publicity, and strategic partnerships.
Produced By Youth: A mentorship program that offers accessible and safe spaces for Black artists under all disciplines in Ottawa to encourage self-expression, build confidence, foster community, and develop their artistic practice.
The Moving Art Gallery: Established in 2020, The Moving Art Gallery was formed out of the necessity of equitable representation in visual arts by prioritizing creativity, integrity, and innovation.
Stay Connected: www.projectwarp.ca | @projectwarp_
Press Contact/Program Manager: Kingsley Swim | create@theframework.ca | 1-905-243-8291