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OCAD University

Call For Proposals | The Mighty Pen Student Initiative

Call For Proposals Poster in orange and red with abstract shapes
The Mighty Pen Student Initiative Fund
Call For Proposals | Apply For Funds 

Deadline To Submit: Thursday, December 10, 2020, 11:59pm (EST)
Submit Applications To: wlc@ocadu.ca 

Amplifying voices.
Building relations.
Resisting systems.

Are you a BIPOC student, collective or group? Do you have an idea for an online or virtual project that strengthens relations between communities and that responds to ongoing racism during the global COVID-19 pandemic?

Apply for the Mighty Pen Student Initiative Fund to help finance any online initiative that features students who identify as Black, Indigenous or People of Colour. The project can use any textual or visual media to generate stories, artwork and dialogue around social justice and anti-racist practices. Projects that are inclusive of a diverse range of identities and experiences are particularly encouraged this year.
 

Application Process 

Fill out the application form below with details of your project, timeline and budget.
Download the PDF application form here.
 

Adjudication Criteria

Your application will be juried by a committee of OCAD U staff from the Centre for Emerging Artists and Designers (CEAD), Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) and Writing & Learning Centre (WLC), who will evaluate your proposal on the following criteria: 

  • Relevance and Impact 

  • How does this project further you and your group’s creative and professional development? 

  • Does your project fit the mandate and vision of The Mighty Pen? 

  • Does your project impact OCAD U students and reach the wider community? 

  • How does your project address discrimination and racism during COVID-19, strengthen relations between communities, and feature BIPOC voices, experiences and stories? 

  • Equity and Inclusivity 

  • Does your project and group support social justice, equitable practices and include all members as active participants? 

  • Is your project inclusive of a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences? 

  • Feasibility and Accessibility 

  • What is your experience doing similar events and are you collaborating with other individuals, student and/or community groups?  

  • What is your timeline and can your project be delivered in the time proposed? 

  • Is your budget feasible? Have you located other sources of funding and/or revenue? 

  • Is your project accessible to a wide range of audiences with different needs? 

About The Mighty Pen 

The Mighty Pen amplifies the stories and experiences of racialized and underrepresented writers and creators. Facilitated by Phoebe Wang in the Writing & Learning Centre, this year The Mighty Pen invites guest writers and artists who self-identify as BIPOC to share their unique gifts with the OCAD University community through workshops and public events. The Mighty Pen Speaker Series is presented by the Writing & Learning Centre (WLC). It has been made possible by funding from the Ontario Post-Secondary Access and Inclusion Program (OPAIP). Learn more about the Mighty Pen here.

Please be advised that OCAD U hosted events may be documented through photographs and video. These images may be used by the University for promotional, advertising, and educational purposes. By participating in our events, both on campus and off-site, you consent to allowing OCAD University to document and use your image and likeness. However, if you do not want us to use a photo or video of you or your child, please don’t hesitate to let us know when you arrive at the event. You’re also welcome to get in touch with OCAD University’s Marketing & Communications office: communications@ocadu.ca.

Be mindful of those in our community who have scent sensitivities; please help OCAD U maintain a healthy, scent-free campus.