VIRTUAL

GROUNDS

Call for Participants
Virtual Grounds: A series dedicated to feminist perspectives on digital sustainability and survival

Duration: 11 months, from October 1st 2019 to August 2020

Location: Downtown Toronto and Scarborough
Application Deadline: September 5, 2019

 

Trinity Square Video and the Digital Justice Lab are announcing an open call for participants for the “Virtual Grounds” training and research initiative focused on building a more just and sustainable digital future with emerging artists and technologists.

 Virtual Grounds is a two-phase project dedicated to how we navigate our virtual selves of the future. In this program we will be specifically focused on feminist perspectives on digital sustainability and survival. Over the course of 11 months we will be studying, creating and disseminating together.

Apply Here

 

Objectives:

  • Participants will gain experience around digital rights, data visualization, game design, narrative building and using technology to build art.

  • Participants will build technical and critical capacity around the impact of digital technologies and how to re-shape digital futures.

 

This 11-month project will consist of 2 phases:

Phase 1 – Training (7 months, October 1st, 2019 – May 19, 2020)

  • Through a series of 17 FREE workshops, participants will learn tools and study cases devoted to digital rights such as algorithms of oppression, cybersecurity for women, LGBTQ and BIPOC communities, consentful design and technologies.

  • Participants will have the opportunity to shape the curriculum and will have access to technical capacity building opportunities and professional mentorship.

 

Phase 2 – Research and Publication Creation (4 months, May – August 2020)

  • Participants will conduct focused research projects on a topic they feel would be useful in the digital protection of their future selves and be supported by mentors.

  • Participants will participate in the creation of a publication and a transmedia toolkit.

Practicalities:

  • All costs during the training will be covered by the organizers.

  • Selected participants will receive a $2000 professional fee to participate in the training and research initiative.

  • Participants will also receive a production allowance for the publication and independent research phase.

 

Participants Profile:

We are looking for 15 emerging artists and creative technologists. We welcome applications from those who are interested in digital rights and are motivated to learn and share knowledge with a diverse group of youth. The criteria for applying are the following:

  • Be 18-35 years old.

  • Be an emerging artist or creative technologist residing in the GTA. If you don’t identify with those fields but are interested please do apply.

  • Be able to attend the training sessions that will take place in Downtown Toronto and Scarborough and to participate in the research phase. The sessions will be held on Tuesday evenings, approximately every 2 weeks.

    • This project requires a considerable time investment from the participants. In total, participants should plan at least 25 days:

      • 17 days overall for the training phase (preparatory work and the training sessions).

      • 8 days overall for the research phase.

  • Have the motivation to take back the learning experience to their community.

  • We will be prioritizing black, indigenous and folks of colour

Application Process:

Please fill out this form by September 5th 2019. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask.

 Selection Process:

All applications will be reviewed by a selection committee. The selection committee is comprised of representatives from Trinity Square Video and the Digital Justice Lab. You will be informed about the results of the selection within two weeks after the application deadline.

About:

Trinity Square Video is an artist-run centre that is dedicated to re-imaging media arts. We strive to create supportive environments, encouraging artistic and curatorial experimentation that challenge medium specificity through education, production and presentation supports. 

The Digital Justice Lab’s mission is to focus on building a more just and equitable future. We engage with diverse communities to build alternative digital futures, here in the nation we know as Canada. We work alongside technologists, community activists, and policymakers to shape a better understanding of technology and its impact on communities across the country.

Further information:

If you have any questions, please contact Nasma Ahmed, Director of the Digital Justice Lab at nasma@digitaljusticelab.ca

We are looking forward to receiving your applications!

This initiative is co-presented by Trinity Square Video and the Digital Justice Lab and is supported by a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts.