Participant Application for The Open Workshop for Comics Creators
Canada Comics Open Library
Posted: June 18th, 2021
Closing Date: September 15th, 2021
Workshop Participant: Canada Comics Open Library
Timeline: Each selected participant will have access to participate in 8 artist-led comics workshop events during September, 2021 - December 31st, 2021 inclusive
Location: Online through Canada Comics Open Library’s Zoom
Cost: Free! With a commitment to attend at least 50% of workshops offered
Before submitting an application, please read over the following project requirements to make sure you will be able to commit to the project, as well as be sure to answer the questions included below. This participant application is open to creators who reside in Ontario and Canada. Interested applicants that require more assistance will also be able to fill out an application form online with a CCOL staff member, please email in advance to set up an appointment so we can be sure an experienced volunteer will be there to assist you. Please email us at info@canadacomicsol.org if you have any further questions.
Project Description
The Canada Comics Open Library invites applications for The Open Workshop!
For this project we will be working with 8-15 Ontario comics creators from a wide range of genres that will facilitate professional development workshops covering a variety of skills and topics for participating comics creators. This application is for attending and participating in these workshops.
At each event (eight altogether), comics creators will speak about their work and facilitate a workshop and Q&A with participants.
Participant Requirements
Consideration will be given to comics writers/illustrators, pencilers, script writers, letterers, inkers, and editors who have produced 1 or more titles or include samples of soon to be published work. We will also consider webcomics, such as comics serialized on Instagram or another website, as examples of published titles.
We will also acknowledge self-published works, including zines, in our consideration of creators to make space for up-and-coming creators who may be underrepresented in traditional media or lack access to mainstream publication venues.
We want to encourage applications from creators of marginalized genders and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) creators.
All applicants must be available to participate in online events through Zoom; potentially, future functions of the project may occur in the Toronto branch location, but this is not mandatory and currently canceled for the foreseeable future due to COVID-19 safety measures.
We suggest that participants commit to attending at least 50% of the artist-led workshops, but we understand this may not be possible due to shifting/varied schedules and other commitments right now. Once a participant’s application is accepted, they are welcome to attend all of the workshops!
Important: All workshops will be free to creators, but creators must register by submitting this application to attend workshops. Those who have submitted an application to facilitate a workshop do not need to submit this application for attending workshops. The Workshop Facilitator application can be found here.
We aim to keep workshops reserved for 10-15 participants at most. Since these are workshops aimed at professional development for comics creators, we ask that all participants have some experience creating comics, including through self-publishing zines or webcomics. For this reason, we have created two separate online applications, one for workshop facilitators and one for workshop participants (this one!). Once a participant’s application to attend workshops is accepted, they are welcome to attend all of the workshops.
About the hosts
The Canada Comics Open Library (CCOL) is a registered non-profit organization that aims to be an inclusive, educational, and recreational public space for comics and graphic novels while showcasing the work of Canadian creators and supporting comics communities. We define Canadian creators as those who have lived or worked within the boundary of the land referred to as Canada. This is to acknowledge that not all creators in Canada necessarily identify as being Canadian.
CCOL aims to fill a hole in the current cultural landscape with regards to comics accessibility. We hope to broadly promote the medium and creators through developing meaningful partnerships and a diverse collection. We also work with various Canadian artists and comics-related communities in Canada to promote accessibility to and recognition of the Canadian comics scene. We also want to be a part of increasing representation of BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and marginalized comics creators, stories, and art.
The Canada Comics Open Library is located at CSI (The Centre for Social Innovation) Annex at 720 Bathurst Street on the fourth floor. For more information, visit our website Contact page.
Accessibility info
CSI Annex and the comics library are wheelchair accessible. However, fully accessible washrooms are located on the first floor; washrooms on the 4th floor are not wheelchair accessible. Gender-neutral washrooms are located on the 1st and 4th floor.
Live captioning will be available on Zoom.
Application Submission
To submit an application, please provide answers to the questions below and email to info@canadacomicsol.org. Please include in the subject line: “Participant Application”. Or, fill out this Google form.
A CV is not required for this application.
- Full name you prefer to be addressed by
- Pronouns
- Please provide links or access to samples of your work (social media, website, online portfolio, etc.), or reference zines or publications that your work can be found within. Self-published works are welcome.
- Optional: What are you hoping to take away from these workshops?
- Optional: Please indicate if you are a member of one or more of the following priority groups: 2SLGBTQIAP creators, creators of marginalized genders, and BIPOC creators.
- This information is important for helping us understand how effective our outreach is and whether we are able to meet our organizational goals. It is also important for us to know these demographics for when we submit final project reports, and understand areas where we might need to improve. Individual applicants’ personal information will not be publicly shared.
CCOL staff will contact you regarding the status of your application within 60 days of your submission. We will keep all applications on file for future project opportunities for one year. We will carefully consider all applications, and will do our best to select fair and diverse representation from those who apply.
Thank you!
Project Administrators: Rotem Anna Diamant and Jordan Reg. Aelick
Selection Committee Members: Folarin Agbaje, Rotem Anna Diamant, Ardo Omer
This project is produced with the support of the Ontario Arts Council.
