Resource Access Network (RAN)

Jump to the participating organizations list

For Artists

One local membership, benefits across the country.

IMAA’s Resource Access Network facilitates the opportunity for media artists to access equipment and facilities from participating organizations in other cities and regions without needing to take out multiple memberships. The network consists of IMAA-affiliated organizations – mainly production centres – who have adopted a policy that extends certain membership privileges to artists traveling from other participating centres.

This network was previously known as the Independent Media Arts Access Network (IMAAN).

How it works

It’s simple: one membership at an organization that’s signed onto the network = select member benefits at a number of participating organizations across so-called Canada.

Each participating organization determines what resources are accessible to traveling artists. 

Respect, Reciprocity, Access

The Network works through the cooperation and commitment of IMAA’s participating member organizations to provide access to resources for artists who are traveling outside their home town or city. That means organizations depend on travelling artists to treat them with the same respect they give to their home organizations. 

Who can use it?

Artists! Artists! Artists!

If you:

• Hold a membership from a participating organization (listed below)
• Are a member in good standing (i.e. membership dues are paid and member has no unreasonable debts outstanding to home organization)
• Review and commit to the Network Guidelines

Then you can access the network!

Not a member anywhere yet?

Check out the list of participating organizations (below) and explore their websites.

Are you an IMAA member organization interested in joining the network?

Jump to the “For IMAA Members” to find out more.

Some Definitions to Know

• Traveling Artist – The artist seeking access to services under the Resource Access Network
• Home organization – Production centre, access centre or co-op with which the Traveling artist is currently affiliated
• Host organization – Production centre, access centre or co-op to which the artist is traveling

When could you use it?

For example:

• A residency brings you to another part of the country and you want to take out equipment for a project
• You are an artist who is working between two cities in the short-term 

Good to Know: There is no limit to the number of memberships you can hold to artist-run centres across the country! If you use the network once and find that you would seek the host organization’s resources regularly, then take out a membership with them! If cost is a barrier, many organizations have low-cost membership options for students, low-income individuals, and those from equity-deserving groups.

Insurance

Productions centres usually have an insurance policy that pertains to member equipment rentals, but every centre is different. Some may require you to sign a waiver when you take out equipment, others may require you to have insurance of your own. There is no one-size-fits-all for equipment insurance. 

When you are researching a participating organization in the Network, please make sure to check their website for information about their insurance policy. If no information is available online, then email their point of contact for equipment to inquire about insurance.

Guidelines

• Artists must fill out and submit form to the centre at least 2 weeks prior to equipment rental
• Artists must be prepared to take full liability for equipment if broken or damaged during rental. 
• Artists must treat the centre with the same respect that they give to the centre(s) of which they are a member.
• If seeking to rent equipment in another region, artists may not bring equipment outside the region in question without consulting the centre.
• The Host organization then approves or denies the request, at its sole discretion.
•  Any revenues derived from the provision of services to the Traveling artist (ie., equipment rentals) will be retained by the Host organization.
• Artists must review the policies of the Host organization, especially those pertaining to equipment rentals, insurance, and use of facilities.

Just follow these steps…

1. Check out our list of participating organizations in our member directory (below).
   • When you find the host organization you’re interested in, visit their website and…
     • Make note of the services you are seeking (i.e. specific equipment, booking a suite, etc)
     • Make note of the email contact of their production coordinator or locate the contact form on their site.
   • Review host organization’s rental and insurance policy
2. Review the guidelines for using the network
3. Download the PDF Form.
4. Fill out the form with your information
   • Includes:
     • Basic information
     • Services sought (ex. Details of equipment to rent) and dates of rental
     • Proof of Membership, Originating date of membership, and Signature by home organization attesting that you are a member in good standing.
     • Additional comments
5. Send the form to the contact at the host organization and proceed with the booking!

If you do not hear back from your home organization on proof of membership in time, just send the form along to the host organization with a screenshot of your member registration.

If you have questions about the Resource Access Network, please contact info@imaa.ca

Participating Organizations

For IMAA Members

One network connecting media artists with artist-run centres.

IMAA’s Resource Access Network (RAN) facilitates the opportunity for media artists to access equipment and facilities from participating organizations in other cities and regions without needing to take out multiple memberships. The network consists of IMAA-affiliated organizations – mainly production centres – who have adopted a policy that extends certain membership privileges to artists traveling from other participating centres.

This network was previously known as the Independent Media Arts Access Network (IMAAN).

How it works

It’s simple: one membership at an organization that’s signed onto the network = select member benefits at a number of participating organizations across so-called Canada.

As a participating organization, you determine what resources are accessible to traveling artists. This could mean equipment, booking facilities and workshops at member rates, or discounts on participation in events or festivals.  We encourage you to list these benefits on your website where you indicate your participation in the Resource Access Network.

Traveling artists will contact you with a standard form that includes their basic information, proof of membership at a participating organization, and the details of the services they are seeking. You may then proceed with the booking process. 

IMAA Members that wish to sign on as a participating organization will join a network of organizations across the country. Joining the network will allow your members to benefit from the network! 

Respect, Reciprocity, Access

The Network works through the cooperation and commitment of IMAA’s participating member organizations to provide access to resources for artists no matter the regional lines. That means organizations depend on travelling artists to treat them with the same respect they give to their home organizations. 

Some Definitions to Know:

• Traveling Artist – The artist seeking access to services under the Resource Access Network
• Home organization – Production centre, access centre or co-op with which the Travelling artist is currently affiliated
• Host organization – Production centre, access centre or co-op to which the artist is travelling

Guidelines

Every traveling artist will read and review these guidelines. We suggest you take a look!

• Artists must fill out and submit form to the centre at least 2 weeks prior to equipment rental
• Artists must be prepared to take full liability for equipment if broken or damaged during rental. 
• Artists must treat the centre with the same respect that they give to the centre(s) of which they are a member.
• If seeking to rent equipment in another region, artists may not bring equipment outside the region in question without consulting and/or notifying the centre.
• The Host organization then approves or denies the request, at its sole discretion.
•  Any revenues derived from the provision of services to the Travelling artist (ie., equipment rentals) will be retained by the Host organization.
• Artists must review the policies of the Host organization, especially those pertaining to equipment rentals, insurance, and use of facilities.

Participating Organizations

Want to join the network?

Are you an IMAA Member organization who is not yet a part of the Resource Access Network?

Email info@imaa.ca to request to join and receive more information!

Not an IMAA Member yet?

Find more information about the benefits of becoming a member.

If you have questions about the Resource Access Network, please contact info@imaa.ca