With a continually changing environment due to COVID-19, Artscape recognizes the challenges many in our community have faced in transitioning to inclusive virtual experiences. Given this reality, Artscape Weston Common is excited to announce the Artscape Weston Common Virtual Community Access Program – individuals, organizations and collectives are now invited to submit applications seeking access to Weston’s performance and event space specifically for livestreamed events and virtual community programming.

 

Successful applicants will receive:

• Free access to Artscape Weston Common spaces (Rockport Performance Hall or Flex Studio). This includes venue rental, staffing and in-house equipment use
• Support in videography and broadcast services
• Supplementary marketing and promotional support from Artscape 

DETAILS

To qualify under the AWC Community Access Program, the selected projects must have: 

• Community-accessible and/or arts and culture programming components
• Projects of any content, structure or type are eligible. Projects, initiatives and events can be intended for any age group, etc.
• It is preferable that initiatives receiving support from the AWC Community Access Program are free-of-charge for participants/attendees; initiatives may charge a small participation fee or ticket price, as long a number of tickets are available to be given away to the community at no cost

 

ELIGIBILITY  

Only virtual events and programming will be considered at this time due to COVID-19. 

Eligible applicants include artists, collectives, community agencies, and arts organizations with a mission to develop, create, produce, present and disseminate artistic work or provide professional services for the benefit of the local arts and cultural sector. While artists and arts organizations can only be the lead applicant on one submission, they may be a partner on others.

Priority will be given to artists who identify as equity seeking groups. We are happy to help applicants unfamiliar with the Weston community to identify potential partners, however, the onus is on the applicant to contact those members to develop partnerships. 

 

CRITERIA & SELECTION PROCESS

Applications will be reviewed by the Artscape Weston Common Community Access Advisory Committee who will review applications based on the following criteria:

 

Strength of vision for the proposed project – 50%

• Creative vision is clear, realistic and achievable
• Programming will be produced in compelling and ethical ways
• The project makes a meaningful effort to engage artists and audiences that reflect the diversity of creative experiences and voices of Weston and surrounding community
• Accommodation and accessibility plans and resources are in place as applicable to address any physical, financial, linguistic, cultural, social and geographic barriers for project contributors and audiences

 

Project plan and impact – 40%

• An achievable plan is in place to complete the project and reach its goals
• Strength of proposed marketing and communications strategy (i.e. ability to attract attendees)
• There is consideration given to the anticipated reach and how the success and impact of the project will be determined
• The project provides meaningful opportunities for contribution from local community members who have the relevant lived experience, permission, knowledge, skills and expertise to support or lead the project.

 

Experience and/or demonstrated capacity to run the proposed project – 10%

• If applicable, reflective statements on learnings from successes and challenges, impact, photos/media and participation statistics of previous projects

 

APPLICATIONS
Applications can be submitted online through our website. Deadline: Ongoing

Click here to fill out the Online Application Form. The form asks for a description of your proposed initiative, information about you, your proposed budget and ideal dates. The form takes approximately 15-30 minutes to complete. 

QUESTIONS
If you have any questions or require assistance with the submission process, please contact Spencer Phillips, AWC Hub Manager at sphillips@artscape.ca