How to Apply to a Call for Submissions: Art Volt Application Preparation Program
Program Overview
We are excited to announce the renewal—and evolution—of the Art Volt Grant Writing Program! This year, the program is expanding into a broader Application Preparation Program, designed to support recent Fine Arts alumni in developing strong, competitive applications for a wide range of opportunities. These may include grants, residencies, exhibitions, and more.
Recent alumni who have graduated within the last three years are invited to apply to this 5-week intensive professional development program. Through a combination of workshops, peer review sessions, and guided work time, participants will gain the tools and strategies needed to write and assemble compelling applications tailored to their individual goals. The program also encourages participants to build sustainable peer support networks and connect with other arts professionals.
Each participant will attend a series of events and workshops led by experienced mentors and facilitators. At the end of the program, participants will be paired with a mentor (chosen from a list provided) and receive 4 hours of personalized one-on-one support to help revise and finalize an application of their choice.
To recognize the time and work involved, each participant who completes the program will receive an honorarium of $375, intended as a small kickstarter toward their proposed project or opportunity.
Eligibility Requirements:
You must have graduated from Concordia University’s Faculty of Fine Arts within the last three years;
You must not be currently enrolled in any education program at Concordia or elsewhere;
You must be available to attend all workshops and work sessions listed in the program schedule (see below).
If you have any questions about the application process or need specific accommodations to help you succeed in applying, please get in touch with artvolt@concordia.ca.
Program Schedule
WEEK ONE
INTRO SESSION: Introductions, Ideation & Researching Opportunities
Monday, November 3rd – 2PM to 5PM
WORKSHOP: Bios and Statements
with Jessica Auer
Wednesday, November 5th – 5:30PM to 7:30PM
WORKSHOP (OPTIONAL): How to Find and Fund a Residency
with Claire Huschle
Tuesday, November 4th – 5PM to 6:30PM
WORK SESSION (OPTIONAL): Peer Coworking Session
Thursday, November 6th – 2PM to 5PM
WEEK TWO
WORK SESSION: Artist CVs, Bios and Statements
Monday, November 10th – 2PM to 5PM
WORKSHOP: Writing Your Project Proposal
with Jessica Auer
Wednesday, November 12th – 5:30PM to 7:30PM
WORK SESSION (OPTIONAL): Peer Coworking Session
Thursday, November 13th – 2PM to 5PM
WEEK THREE
WORK SESSION: Project Proposals
Monday, November 17th – 2PM to 5PM
WORKSHOP: Building Your Project Budget
with Amber Berson
Wednesday, November 19th – 5:30PM to 7:30PM
WORK SESSION (OPTIONAL): Peer Coworking Session
Thursday, November 20th – 2PM to 5PM
WEEK FOUR
WORK SESSION: Budgeting
Monday, November 24th – 2PM to 5PM
WORKSHOP: Portfolio & Support Materials
with naakita feldman-kiss
Wednesday, November 26th – 5:30PM to 7:30PM
WORK SESSION (OPTIONAL): Peer Coworking Session
Thursday, November 27th – 2PM to 5PM
WEEK FIVE
WORK SESSION: Portfolio & Support Materials
Monday, December 1st – 2PM to 5PM
WORKSHOP (OPTIONAL): Introduction to the Funding Landscape
with Jean Paul Osta (ELAN)
Wednesday, December 3rd – 4PM to 6PM
CLOSING SESSION
Thursday, December 4th - 2pm to 5pm
PERSONALIZED MENTORSHIP - December 2025 to January 2026
Application Criteria
Eligible applicants must:
- have graduated from Concordia University’s Faculty of Fine Arts, within the last three years;
- not currently be enrolled in any education program at Concordia or elsewhere;
- be available to attend each workshop and work session as listed in the program schedule.
Applicants are welcome to apply as a collective, as long as all members of the group meet the eligibility criteria listed above.
The deadline to submit your application is Monday, September 29th 2025 at 5:00 PM EST.
Alumni who are interested in applying are encouraged to attend a virtual information session on Tuesday, September 16th at 12pm. This will be an opportunity to learn more about the program and ask your questions directly to the program coordinator. To join the information session please request a zoom link with artvolt@concordia.ca
Participants will be selected based on feasibility, and the clarity of their application. The committee will also strive for balanced representations of diverse communities and practices. The selection committee will jury the submissions and aim to notify applicants four to three weeks prior to the program start date.
If you have any questions about the application process or need specific accommodations to help you succeed in applying, please get in touch with artvolt@concordia.ca.
