The Canadian Women Artists’ Award
Image Credit: Lance Brewer
The Canadian Women Artists’ Award is a $5,000 unrestricted cash grant open to Canadian women artists in New York State.
The Canadian Women Artists’ Award (CWAA) is supported by funding granted to NYFA by the Canadian Women’s Club (CWC) of New York as a way to continue its philanthropic work when it disbanded.
Timeline
Eligible Disciplines
1. Visual Arts: Painting, Photography, Craft/Sculpture, Printmaking/Drawing, or Interdisciplinary Work
2. Media and Design: Video/Film, Experimental Sound, or Design
3. Literary Arts: Poetry, Nonfiction, Fiction, or Playwriting/Screenwriting
The Canadian Women Artists’ Award is open to Canadian women artists living in New York State who meet the following requirements:
- Must be a Canadian citizen, and able to provide proof of citizenship with legal documentation upon receipt of the award.
- Must be at least 18 years of age before the application deadline.
- Must be a current resident of New York State.
- Must apply in only one of the eligible discipline categories
- Must be the originators of the work.
- Must not be a previous recipient of the Canadian Women Artists’ Award.
- Must not be a NYFA employee, member of the NYFA Board of Trustees or Artists’ Advisory Committee, and/or an immediate family member of any of the previous.
- Students in bachelor’s or master’s degree programs are eligible to apply.
Eligible Disciplines in Literary Arts: Poetry, Nonfiction, Fiction, Playwriting/Screenwriting
See the definitions for each of the disciplines here.
1. Work Samples
Please upload a manuscript of up to 15 pages. Work samples should be a representation of work created within the last five years.
Manuscripts must be in English, but can be translated into English by someone other than the artist.
What to Submit:
- File name: label your manuscript with the title of the work.
- Length: Up to 15 pages
- Language: English
- File format: .pdf
After your work sample has been uploaded, you will be able to provide a description (metadata) including title, date the work was completed, and additional information.
2. Written Statements
Written statements are to be submitted directly to the application form in the corresponding textboxes. We recommend writing your statements in Microsoft Word or Google Docs and pasting them to Submittable. Document uploads for written statements will not be accepted.
A short concise statement giving an overview of your artistic practice. This statement should give a brief introduction to ideas, themes and methods in your practice. This is not an Artist’s Bio.
A statement explaining your artistic vision as directly related to your submitted work samples. This is not an artist statement, but should instead reflect only the ideas and inspiration relevant ONLY to the work submitted.
A supplemental statement further explaining the context, concept, and execution of your work sample.
This statement should explain how the excerpted work sample relates to the entire original piece. Within the Excerpt Explanation you can itemize each submitted work sample and talk about them individually.
A supplemental statement describing the key technical aspects of the work. Use this statement to highlight your role in creating/executing the work.
Be sure to note whether your work samples represent documentation of a performance, installation, experience, etc. You can also describe the circumstances in which the viewer/audience should experience the work. Please include instructions on how to navigate your work if it’s interactive.
3. Resume
A 1-page PDF resume detailing your artistic career as it relates to the discipline in which you have applied. Resumes may be submitted in either CV (bulleted) or bio (paragraph) format.
Eligible Disciplines in Media & Design: Video/Film, Experimental Sound, Design
See the definitions for each of the disciplines here.
1. Work Samples
You have the option of submitting 3 different types of files depending on the type of work you create. You may submit up to 8 digital images and/or 2 videos up to 5 minutes each in length, and/or 2 audio excerpts up to 5 minutes in length.
You do not need to submit work samples in all formats. Please only submit work samples that correspond to your practice. Work samples are a representation of your artistic work created within the last five years.
What to Submit:
Please upload up to 8 digital images using the following specifications:
- File name: Labeled with applicant’s last name and a number, e.g “Smith01.jpg, Smith02.jpg, etc.”
- File size: No larger than 4.0 MB (each image)
- File format: .jpg
Once each image has been uploaded, caption fields (metadata) will appear within the application. Please provide descriptions for each image that include the title, date, materials, dimensions, and any additional information. Documentative images should be labeled accordingly.
Quick tips for Image Samples:
- You do not need to submit all 8 images if you feel your work is represented well with fewer, and submitting fewer will not detract from the review of your application.
- Composite images are not allowed.
- Ensure your images are in focus, were taken in good lighting, and represent your work well.
- Be sure to note whether an image is a (detail) or (installation view) in the title.
You may upload up to 2 video excerpts of your work. Each excerpt cannot exceed 5 minutes in duration. Excerpts can be taken from one individual work or two separate full length works.
Please use the following specifications for each work samples:
- File name: Labeled with your last name and a number, e.g “Smith01.mp4”
- Length: Maximum of 5 minutes
- File size: No larger than 2 GB
- File format: .mp4
Once each file has been uploaded, caption fields (metadata) will appear within the application. Please provide descriptions for each work sample that include the title, date, credits, and any additional information.
Videos that serve as documentation of a performance/participatory installation should be labeled accordingly.
Quick Tips for Video Work Samples:
- Submitting video samples comprised of multiple clips from different projects is not recommended. “Sizzle Reels” and Trailers should also be avoided. Titles and credits should not be included in excerpts.
- Uploading video files can take more time than expected. Do not leave the uploading of your work samples to the last minute. Once you know what Work Sample excerpts you will be submitting, upload them to the application form. You can always save and close your application form and go back to it at a later date.
You may submit two 5-minute audio excerpts of your work.
Please use the following specifications for each work samples:
- File name: Label each file starting with a number 01 through 02, followed by the title of the work ex. 01_Landscape.mp3.
- Length: Maximum of 5 minutes
- File size: No larger than 2 GB
- File format: .mp3/.m4a/.wav
2. Written Statements
Written statements are to be submitted directly to the application form in the corresponding textboxes. We recommend writing your statements in Microsoft Word or Google Docs and pasting them to Submittable. Document uploads for written statements will not be accepted.
A short concise statement giving an overview of your artistic practice. This statement should give a brief introduction to ideas, themes and methods in your practice. This is not an Artist’s Bio.
A statement explaining your artistic vision as directly related to your submitted work samples. This is not an artist statement, but should instead reflect only the ideas and inspiration relevant ONLY to the work submitted.
A supplemental statement further explaining the context, concept, and execution of your work sample.
This statement should explain how the excerpted work sample relates to the entire original piece. Within the Excerpt Explanation you can itemize each submitted work sample and talk about them individually.
A supplemental statement describing the key technical aspects of the work. Use this statement to highlight your role in creating/executing the work.
Be sure to note whether your work samples represent documentation of a performance, installation, experience, etc. You can also describe the circumstances in which the viewer/audience should experience the work. Please include instructions on how to navigate your work if it’s interactive.
3. Resume
A 1-page PDF resume detailing your artistic career as it relates to the discipline in which you have applied. Resumes may be submitted in either CV (bulleted) or bio (paragraph) format.
Eligible Disciplines in Visual Arts: Crafts/Sculpture, Interdisciplinary Work, Painting, Photography, Printmaking/Drawing
See the definitions for each of the disciplines here.
1. Work Samples
You have the option of submitting two different types of files depending on the type of work you create. Work samples are a representation of your artistic work created within the last five years.
You do not need to submit both images and video, if only one type is appropriate when showcasing your work.
What to Submit:
Please upload up to 10 digital images using the following specifications:
- File name: Labeled with applicant’s last name and a number, e.g “Smith01.jpg, Smith02.jpg, etc.”
- File size: No larger than 4.0 MB (each image)
- File format: .jpg
Once each image has been uploaded, caption fields (metadata) will appear within the application. Please provide descriptions for each image that include the title, date, materials, dimensions, and any additional information. Documentative images should be labeled accordingly.
Quick tips for Image Samples:
- You do not need to submit all 10 images if you feel your work is represented well with fewer, and submitting fewer will not detract from the review of your application.
- Composite images are not allowed.
- Ensure your images are in focus, were taken in good lighting, and represent your work well.
- Be sure to note whether an image is a (detail) or (installation view) in the title.
If you are applying in the Interdisciplinary Work category, you may also include video/film work samples.
You may upload up to 2 video excerpts of your work. Each excerpt cannot exceed 2 minutes in duration. Excerpts can be taken from one individual work or two separate full length works. Please use the following specifications for each work sample:
Please use the following specifications for each work samples:
- File name: Labeled with your last name and a number, e.g “Smith01.mp4”
- Length: Maximum of 5 minutes
- File size: No larger than 2 GB
- File format: .mp4
Once each file has been uploaded, caption fields (metadata) will appear within the application. Please provide descriptions for each work sample that include the title, date, credits, and any additional information.
Videos that serve as documentation of a performance/participatory installation should be labeled accordingly.
Quick Tips for Video Work Samples:
- Submitting video samples comprised of multiple clips from different projects is not recommended. “Sizzle Reels” and Trailers should also be avoided. Titles and credits should not be included in excerpts.
- Uploading video files can take more time than expected. Do not leave the uploading of your work samples to the last minute. Once you know what Work Sample excerpts you will be submitting, upload them to the application form. You can always save and close your application form and go back to it at a later date.
2. Written Statements
Written statements are to be submitted directly to the application form in the corresponding textboxes. We recommend writing your statements in Microsoft Word or Google Docs and pasting them to Submittable. Document uploads for written statements will not be accepted.
A short concise statement giving an overview of your artistic practice. This statement should give a brief introduction to ideas, themes and methods in your practice. This is not an Artist’s Bio.
A statement explaining your artistic vision as directly related to your submitted work samples. This is not an artist statement, but should instead reflect only the ideas and inspiration relevant ONLY to the work submitted.
A supplemental statement further explaining the context, concept, and execution of your work sample.
</pThis statement should explain how the excerpted work sample relates to the entire original piece. Within the Excerpt Explanation you can itemize each submitted work sample and talk about them individually.
A supplemental statement describing the key technical aspects of the work. Use this statement to highlight your role in creating/executing the work.
Be sure to note whether your work samples represent documentation of a performance, installation, experience, etc. You can also describe the circumstances in which the viewer/audience should experience the work. Please include instructions on how to navigate your work if it’s interactive.
3. Resume
A 1-page PDF resume detailing your artistic career as it relates to the discipline in which you have applied. Resumes may be submitted in either CV (bulleted) or bio (paragraph) format.
ELIGIBILITY
Yes, students are eligible to apply.
Yes, you must be between the ages of 25-40 years old to be eligible for this particular program.
You can supply a copy of your Canadian passport, identity card, or other government issued ID confirming Canadian citizenship.
Yes, you must currently reside in New York State to be eligible for this particular program.
No, please select only one category that best describes your artistic practice.
PREPARING YOUR APPLICATION
Work samples should be representative of your grant project and you must be the originating artist of all work samples submitted.
Please see the guidelines for the category in which you plan to apply for full instructions on uploading work samples.
- Media & Design work samples:
- Up to 8 digital images and/or 2 videos up-to 15-minutes each in length, and/or 2 audio excerpts up-to 5-minutes in length
- Visual Arts work samples:
- Up to 10 digital images and/or two videos of up to 2-minutes in length
- Literary Arts
- Up to 15 pages of manuscript
An unrestricted grant means you can use the funds how you like. It doesn’t need to be dedicated to a project and you do not need to talk about a project in your application.
Applications are reviewed by external panelists through 2-3 elimination rounds, producing a smaller pool for each round.
In the first two rounds, panelists review all applications remotely and vote online. If a clear winner is not found in the first two rounds, a third round will be held in which panelists meet online to discuss applications and collectively select the award recipients.
HOW TO APPLY
All applications must be submitted through the Submittable platform. All open applications can be found on Submittable.
If you haven’t already, you will need to create a free Submittable account to be able to access the application. Visit Submittable to start a free account.
Step-by-step guidance for using the Submittable platform and setting up a free account is available here.
A: Yes. To save your application as a draft, scroll to the bottom of your working application and select “Save Draft.” Sign in to your submittable account to view your draft applications. You can also sign in via the direct link to saved drafts here.
No. All applications must be submitted online through Submittable to be considered for review.
For assistance in applying, please reach out through our Contact Page. We ask that requests for assistance be made as soon as possible, and at least two weeks prior to the deadline to allow adequate time for staff to support you in submitting an application on time.
This free online tool can help you convert to a wide variety of file types. Accepted file types are listed directly on the application.
You have the option of including notes and comments about your work samples in the metadata field. Once you have selected and uploaded your file on Submittable, an additional metadata field will appear in the application form. Please include additional information about the work samples there.
We highly suggest using a laptop or desktop computer to complete your application on the platform, rather than a mobile device or tablet. Free access to these types of computers are available at most public library branches throughout New York City. For a smoother performance, we recommend using either Firefox or Chrome as your browser. If you’re already using Chrome, please clear the browser cache and cookies. Additionally, please make sure you are using the most up to date version of your browser.
If you are still running into technical issues, you can reach out to Submittable’s Support team directly via the contact form, Submitter Support, or via the support email address [email protected] so that they can troubleshoot directly.
NYFA staff do not have access to your Submittable account.
To preview your submitted application, please sign in to your Submittable account. If you continue having issues viewing your submission, please reach out to [email protected] for further assistance.
Note: Submitted applications should only be previewed using the link above. You may not be able to preview your submitted application by signing in through the same portal link you used to apply.
No. All applications must be submitted by the deadline. Please note that the application form will automatically close and stop accepting applications at the deadline time of 5:00 PM ET, regardless of whether you still have a draft application open on your browser. We strongly encourage you to submit your application at least 24-48 hours before the deadline date to allow time to address any technical issues. NYFA cannot extend the deadline regardless of the cause of the problem you may have encountered.
By completing this information you are helping NYFA secure future funding, collect general information about our audience, and properly assess our effectiveness in serving the creative community. Your responses will remain anonymous and any personally identifying data will be removed prior to sharing the demographic data with third parties.
NYFA is committed to supporting individuals from all backgrounds and disciplines and will continue to work towards values of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility across all programs.
Any questions?