HFA to offer free community-engaged arts workshops for artists and community groups

From August 23-25, Huntsville Festival of the Arts (HFA) will present three Ontario Arts Council (OAC) sessions to help artists and community groups learn how to apply for grants to present community-engaged arts programs and artists in the schools programs.

The sessions include a hands-on workshop led by local photographer Sandy McLennan, a mock jury to give you an inside look at how OAC grant applications are reviewed, and the opportunity to chat with OAC grants officer Christina Akrong about your ideas.

“This is an amazing program and has supported some really important work across the province,” says incoming HFA Executive Director Dan Watson. “What I love also about the program is that applications don’t have to necessarily be made by artists. Organizations can make applications to bring artists into their spaces to create with the people they serve.”

The three sessions offered are:

Process Workshop
Friday, August 24 from 7:00-9:00 pm
Pinhole camera photography workshop led by Huntsville artist Sandy McLennan, with OAC’s Christina Akrong. Participate in a community-engaged process interwoven with conversation about what community-engaged process is! Learn how to take and develop pictures with a pinhole camera, while reflecting on the
elements and design of the workshop.
Maximum of 12 participants. Free.

Simulated Jury
Saturday, August 25 from 1:00-4:00 pm
In this interactive session, learn about what makes a stronger Ontario Arts Council grant by becoming a juror, reading sample applications, and reviewing them in small groups.
Maximum of 40 participants. Free.

1:1 Meetings
Saturday, August 25 from 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Sign up for a 20-minute meeting with Christina Akrong, Associate Arts Education Officer, to discuss your ideas for a project or a grant application.

All workshops will be held at Huntsville Public Library’s Friends Multi-Purpose Room. RSVP by August 22 to
[email protected] with your name, contact information, the sessions you wish to attend, and any accessibility needs. Childcare can be provided on request.

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