Amplifying Anti-Racism Capacity in the Media Arts
Attention all creative alchemists and seekers of sustainable transformation in their organization! Friends, it is time… For years we’ve been learning, swapping ideas and testing strategies and it all comes down to this: None of us can do it on our own. Join us as we channel the potential of a fusion reaction to exponentially increase your organization’s Anti-Racism Capacity.
In this transformative endeavor, we seek to blend ideas, passions, and collective efforts to ignite sparks of change within the media arts landscape, specifically focusing on the amplification of small-scale initiatives. Fear of scarcity would have us continue the cycles of plunder-for-profit at the heart of the colonial-industrial project. We at the Independent Media Arts Alliance (IMAA) working with the Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives program (CSMARI) propose embracing sustainable pushback against endemic racism by celebrating and strengthening our collaborative networks of artists and visionaries across Turtle Island.
Embrace the Essence
While the fires set by capitalism burn around us, these tragic weather events remind us that unless we learn to harness and focus the flames, they will burn us out. It is no small coincidence that we are poised scientifically as a species to shift away from destructive combustible energies which pollute more than they accomplish. The promise of a Micro-Fusion Reactor is clean, sustainable, renewable energy in a decentralized and immediate package: one which works in concert with environmental nourishment. Solar, hydro, and aero energy sources feed us on the planet’s schedule, and the solid ground beneath us provides ample opportunities for timeshifting those energies for our future use. Together, we can ensure resources get to where they need to be, right on time.
A Spark of Empowerment
This is where we come in! Just as a precise fusion reaction releases energy, we invite you to share how we can adapt our support to align with your organization's unique capacities and challenges in combating racism. Whether it's through small-scale training, curated information and educational resources, workshop facilitators with the Midas touch, or logistical support that perfectly matches your needs, we're here to ensure sustainable transformation!
Qualifying proposals will receive a subtle yet powerful boost of up to $8,000 to put towards supporting your initiative, to cover the cost of any consultants or facilitators necessary to enable your project. This careful fusion of resources is designed to empower smaller projects, equipping your organization with the tools and resources needed to make a genuine and lasting impact.
The Fusion Future has Arrived
If you read this far and are excited and itching to get to work, submit your proposal via the links below! Let’s shine some light on your organization's vision for a small-scale plan that honours your capacity to dismantle part of the racism present in our collective social inheritance. All we need from you is the courage to reach out and tell us what building Anti-Racism Capacity looks like from where you are!
The call for applications is now closed. If you have any questions, please contact Faraz at csmari@imaa.ca.
Who is eligible for this initiative?
This initiative is aimed at IMAA member organizations and organizations within IMAA’s broader independent media arts community. Feel free to reach out if you are unsure whether you qualify.
What kinds of opportunities can we apply for?
Projects can include mentorship for BIPOC POC staff, reviewing organizational policy through an EDI lens, partnerships and collaborations with other local orgs, and community building across social divisions. We are excited for applicants to think outside the box.
How do I apply?
To apply, fill out this short application with basic information about your organization and a brief description of what you want to do and who it will benefit. If you require assistance filling out the application please reach out to CSMARI Project Manager Faraz Abdullah at csmari@imaa.ca or to National Director Barbora Racevičiūtė at dir@imaa.ca at any time.
What is the timeline for the initiative?
How does the funding work?
IMAA has received funding to hire “consultants”' to work with selected organizations in their initiative. The CSMARI team will support selected candidates in finding and hiring a ‘consultant’ to work with you in achieving your project. Who this person or persons are and how you chose to work with them is entirely dependent on your capacities and proposals. We’re here to make the right connections towards our common goals.
Who and how will candidates be selected?
Applications will be reviewed by the CSMARI IMAA team with support from the Oversight Committee. Applications will be selected based on their compatibility with the spirit and mandate of the project and feasibility.
Who should we contact to get more information?
If you have any questions, have ideas for an initiative but are not sure if it’s eligible, or need support in completing the application is eligible, you can reach out to CSMARI Project Manager Faraz Abdullah at csmari@imaa.ca or to National Director Barbora Racevičiūtė at dir@imaa.ca at any time.