Joining the Alliance

Media arts artist-run organizations give voice to artists who present an alternative and distinct view, whether it is aesthetic, theoretical or political. The independent works being created contribute to our understanding of creativity, diversity in all its forms and inclusivity, inspiring new ways of seeing.

Reasons to Become a Member

IMAA calls for a sector where artists, cultural workers, and media arts organizations are sustained with support tantamount to the social, cultural, and economic impact that they have. The Alliance is a dynamic network that amplifies our collective voice. Our members play a crucial role in shaping the strategic directions of IMAA’s advocacy and action. 

Our membership works towards a healthy sector where…

  • Artists are paid a minimum fee for the use of their work, as established in IMAA’s Fee Schedule.
  • Art organizations are able to fairly compensate cultural workers.
  • Artists from diverse backgrounds have access to resources and equipment to produce quality work and to support their exhibition, promotion and distribution within the country and abroad.
  • Artworks are collected, archived and preserved as part of Canadian Heritage.
  • Artists and organizations across Canada, especially those from underrepresented communities, have a forum to discuss key issues and contribute to the development of the sector.
  • Arts organizations commit to anti-oppression principles and work to implement equity-based practices.

The Independent Media Arts Alliance is the only National organization representing the Media Arts in so-called Canada. We represent the interests of the sector to decision makers and funders on a national level, and contribute to the landscape through collaboration with larger cultural umbrella organizations and partnerships with organizations who share common goals and values.

Our members make the network vital and sustaining. By joining the Alliance, you can build community with fellow members, participate in pressing research, and support advocacy efforts. Together, the IMAA and our members unite to think and act for a stronger future for Media Arts.

As part of our goal to create a vibrant and healthy media arts community, IMAA researches and publishes tools to support the entire sector, from employees to the boards of artist-run organizations, to artists and cultural workers.

We also have a number of projects underway that benefit the community:

Every two years, IMAA organizes a National Media Arts Conference hosted by a different city. This is a wonderful networking and professional development opportunity, and an invigorating source of inspiration for cultural workers and artists who are active in artist run organizations. IMAA members benefit from a special discounted rate to attend the conference. 

IMAA publishes a monthly newsletter featuring IMAA’s news and initiatives, members’ activities as well as pertinent information to the independent media arts sector: this includes job and funding opportunities and member updates. IMAA periodically sends out Members Memos related to priority issues such as funding program changes, or government budget announcements that affect our members. IMAA’s members also hold a regional meeting at least once a year, and indigenous-led organizations from across the country are also invited to gather through the National Indigenous Media Arts Coalition (NIMAC).

The best ways to know what IMAA is currently engaged in is:

By joining the Alliance, your support and commitment will affirm that independent media art is indispensable to our cultural ecosystem and must be supported.

Application and Renewal

To become a member of IMAA or to renew your membership, please complete the application form below.

More details on membership and a full list of privileges can be found here.

It is possible to become an IMAA member at any time of the year. The IMAA membership cycle begins on April 1 and ends on March 31 of each year, with April 1st as the membership expiration date for all members. *Members who begin the process after February 1 will have their membership extended for the upcoming cycle.

Membership criteria for regular members

Benefits of Joining IMAA

Membership criteria for allies

Benefits of Allied Membership