HomePrograms ArtWorksTO: Skills for a Creative Future FAQ

ArtWorksTO Frequently Asked Questions

 

Table of Contents:

Part 1: Application process (eligibility, timelines, selection process, etc.)

  1. How do I apply to ArtWorksTO? Is there an application form?
  2. Is ArtWorksTO right for me?
  3. Are people living outside of Toronto able to apply to ArtWorksTO?
  4. Do I have to attend an OCAD U Portfolio Development Workshop to be eligible to apply for ArtWorksTO?
  5. What is the selection process?
  6. What is a Request for Proposals (RFP) and why is it being used in ArtWorksTO to match participants to paid contracts?
  7. What should I include in my portfolio?

Part 2: ArtWorksTO program content (certificate program, paid contracts, industry advisors, etc.)

  1. What courses are offered through OCAD U School of Continuing Studies as part of the Art and Design Professional Skills Certificate Program included for participants of ArtWorksTO?
  2. Is there a cost for the OCAD U School of Continuing Studies Certificate Program?
  3. How long will the certificate course take to complete ArtWorksTO participants?
  4. What do the paid contracts involve? How much do selected participants get paid?
  5. Are contracts inclusive of HST?
  6. What does The Remix Project offer participants?
  7. What are the program timelines?
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PART 1: APPLICATION PROCESS

  1. How do I apply to ArtWorksTO? Is there an application form?
    Please read this FAQ section of our website and contact the Program Manager (Norma Garcia at norma@torontoarts.org) with any questions you may have. Once you are sure of your eligibility, and fit to participate in the program, please complete the online application form located in the main page of this website. The form includes a few questions about  the applicant's eligibility,  experience as a media artist and creative portfolio.  
  2. Is ArtWorksTO right for me?
    ArtWorksTO is designed specifically for IBPOC youth (18-29 years) with experience (self-taught, through community-based or formal training) as a media artist (videographer, graphic designer, digital illustrator, digital photographer, social media communications, UX design, etc.); and young artists with career aspirations in the creative industries as a media-based artist or entrepreneur.  ArtWorksTO will take into strong consideration youth artists that are members of the LGTBQ2+ and disability communities in addition to being IBPOC youth.
  3. Are people living outside of Toronto able to apply to ArtWorksTO?
    To be eligible for ArtWorksTO, participants need to be residents of Toronto.However, if you spend the majority of your time in the city (for work reasons, school, etc.) please make sure you include a note about this in your application submission.
  4. Do I have to complete the OCAD U Portfolio Development Workshop to be eligible to apply for ArtWorksTO?
    The Portfolio Development workshop offered by OCAD U is not a requirement to apply for ArtWorksTO. However, the Portfolio Development Workshop is strongly encouraged for all applicants to help you develop a strong creative portfolio that will be submitted as part of your application.
  5. What is the selection process?
    An ArtworksTO decision committee of staff and media creatives will review and shortlist applications. Shortlisted ArtWorksTO candidates will be invited to a conversation style interview to get to know you, explore your fit with the program and answer any questions that you may have.  Interviews will take place in March 2025. Shortlisted ArtWorksTO candidates will be invited to participate in a Request for Proposals (RFP) bid process. RFP bid proposals will be reviewed by the ArtWorksTO decision committee and the client you will be working with.
  6. Applicants will be selected based on:
    • Eligibility - applicants must be IBPOC youth (18 -29 yrs) media artists
    • Career aspirations (is ArtWorksTO well suited to your career goals?)
    • Portfolio (Reviewed for creative exploration, technical skills, expression of ideas, context, motivation, written skills, passion)
    • Artistic discipline representation among the group
    • Diversity within the group among our priority populations (ArtWorksTO will take into strong consideration youth artists that are members of the LGTBQ2+ and disability communities in addition to being IBPOC youth.)
    • Skills fit with available contracts
    • Need - will this program make an impact on the applicant’s career goals?
    • Availability - Will the applicant have time to complete all major aspects of the program for about 6 -7 months if not longer. Please note, the program has online and in-person components and is accomodating to the participant's schedules.
       
  7. What is a Request for Proposals (RFP) and why is it being used in ArtWorksTO to match participants to paid contracts?
    A Request for Proposal, or RFP, is a document that a client (ie. business, non-profit, or government agency) creates to outline the requirements for their specific project. The RFP seeks bid proposals from qualified media creatives. Bid proposals are reviewed to select a media creative to complete the client's project.

    Requests for Proposals (RFPs) are widely used in the media arts industry. ArtWorksTO offers training to program participants on the RFP bidding process and how to write successful bidding proposals. This training is designed to support participation in the ArtWorksTO RFP bidding process, but also to develop skills that could be applied when seeking other paid project contracts.

    Equity concerns have been identified related to the entire RFP process. ArtWorksTO aims to address these concerns through:
    • Ensuring all selected program participants are matched with a paid project contract through the RFP bidding process.
    • Shortlisting program applicants so that there is a reasonable chance of being awarded a paid project contract through the RFP bidding process.
    • Ensuring content of all bidding proposals remains confidential and remains the intellectual property of the applicant.
    • Providing free training for selected and shortlisted participants on the RFP bidding process and writing effective bidding proposals to build industry standard skills.
    • Working with a diverse panel made up of ArtWorksTO alumni, Advisory members and project partners to review proposals and award contracts.
  8. What should I include in my portfolio?
    Short bio: (300 words maximum) What’s your story?

    Your creative portfolio: Your portfolio is a collection of work that represents your creative and technical experiences and accomplishments and is a visual representation of who you are. You need to demonstrate that you are a visual communicator and that you are well-equipped to succeed in the ArtworksTO program. This can include experimentation in both traditional and digital media or any combination. Your portfolio should include: Tips:
    • Artist statement: (300 words maximum) Your artist statement should explain your specific interests and passions as well as who or what inspires and influences the work you make. This is your opportunity to introduce yourself as an artist and provide context so we can better understand your work.
    • Examples of your creative process: Include examples/pdf/images/drafts of your sketchbook, process and concept development skills as part of your portfolio submission. You can document your creative process as:
      The process work you provide, should link to several of the finished pieces included in your portfolio. These can range from:
      • a storyboard
      • creative journal
      • concept/idea book 
      • digital document.
      • Experimentation
      • photos of development
      • Drawings
      • Mark-making
      • Writing
      • research and inspirations
         
    • Finished Work: Include up to 5 examples of your original finalized work that demonstrates creativity, technical skills, range and expression of ideas.
    • Descriptions: For each finished piece, include in 50 words or less, the process/making method/media/concept and purpose of each submission. Please include the details of the collaborators and clients you worked with if applicable.
    • Works can be presented in a series – we recommend limiting 3-5 works for a series
    • Works can be video – we recommend a highlight reel (1-2 mins), understanding that reviewers may skim through longer videos 
    • Include links to your professional website and/or social media pages.  
    • To see an example of a creative portfolio that we would like to see submitted, please check out this website's Learning Room. 
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PART 2:  ARTWORKSTO PROGRAM CONTENT

  1. What is offered through OCAD University as part of the Art and Design Professional Skills Certificate Program included for program participants?
    OCAD U's School of Continuing Studies, Certificate in Art and Design Professional Skills will provide selected participants with:
  2. Is there a cost to ArtWorksTO participants for the OCAD U School of Continuing Studies Certificate Program?
    There is no cost for participants accepted into the ArtWorksTO program for the OCAD U School of Continuing Studies Certificate in Art and Design Professional Skills. Participants will be provided with a payment of $150 per course to cover any costs to facilitate learning (software, child care, etc.).

    OCAD U offers ArtWorksTO program participants a 15% discount on additional Continuing Studies Courses taken after graduating from the ArtWorksTO program!
  3. How long will the certificate course take to complete for ArtWorksTO participants?
    Each 6 week course has 18 hours of online lectures and tutorials and students can expect to work on assignments for an average of 3 additional hours per week, for a total of 6 hours a week per course.

    There is flexibility to complete courses until the end of April 2026. Students can complete the courses in a flexible timeline, for example students can take more than one course at a time, or take a few weeks off between courses.
  4. What do the paid project contracts involve? How much do selected participants get paid?
    Paid project contracts will involve completing communications projects (such as short promo videos, posters, flyers, and digital social media campaigns, etc.) for programs and services offered by our project partners, including the City of Toronto, Toronto Arts Foundation, OCAD U and the Remix Project. This work will include completing a contract with 3 major deadlines and deliverables, meeting with clients (either in-person or online,) preparing concepts, completing work and providing revisions. Please note, participants of the program must be available to work in their project contracts during the Summer months (June - August.) On occasions, participants of the program may need to be available during 'office hours' 9AM - 5pm to meet their clients or work on the projects.

    ArtWorksTO participants will be awarded a project contract valued at approximately $4,000 per participant.  The contract amount should include all associated costs with completing the projects, including equipment rental, transportation, artists’ fees, etc.
  5. Are contracts inclusive of HST?
    Yes, contracts are inclusive of HST, as well as other costs associated with completing the project (see question 13 for examples of other costs).
  6. What does The Remix Project offer participants?
    The Remix Project provides participants with support from industry advisors through a mix of group and one-on-one activities designed to share tips from professionals working in the media arts industry.  Industry advisors can also provide you with technical advice on your paid contracts.
  7. What are the general program *timelines?
    April 7, 2025 - early evening Welcome/ Orientation Event
    April 9, 2025 - early evening RFP bidding development training workshop (mandatory)
    May 2025 OCAD U School of Continuing Studies Certificate Program mandatory courses begins
    May 2025 The Remix Project Industry Advisor's sessions begin
    June 2025 – August 2025 Project Contract work begins, and support from industry advisors
    May 2026 Program Completion Celebration