WORN is proud to announce our participation as designated allocators for this year’s Ontario Arts Council Writers’ Reserve Program.
What is the OAC Writers’ Reserve?
This is a program to assist professional writers in the creation of new work.
What kinds of projects does the WR fund?
The program funds the research, creation and development of writing projects intended for professional print or online publication.
What does it mean for WORN to be an allocator?
It means we have the honour of being able to help financially support writers developing interesting and diverse content in the field of fashion — especially as it pertains to history, culture and the broader meanings of clothing and adornment. (We’re particularly interested in fashion where it dissects with art, feminism, gender and cultural identity.) We think this is a really important opportunity to encourage the creation of smart fashion writing!
Who can apply?
Canadian citizenship and Ontario residency are required and applicants must be deemed professional artists. But it’s not nearly as intimidating as it sounds! Just visit the OAC website for a list of all allocators and read the complete guidelines for 2011/2012. You can download info and applications on the OAC site. You’ll also find phone and email contact information.
What are my deadlines?
This program runs from September 1, 2011 to January 31, 2012. But the grant is given on a rolling basis. In other words, apply early or there may be no more grants to be awarded no matter how awesome your proposal is.
Got more questions?
Check out a list of FAQs here. And the Ontario Arts Council is chock-a-block with friendly and helpful people so don’t be afraid to ask them questions.
WORN is happy to answer your questions, too. Just email your questions to our Managing Editor, Gwendolen Stegelmann, at g@wornjournal.com.
THEN FOR PETE’S SAKE, START WRITING!
photography by Paul Dorsey, November 1937 (screen writer Niven Busch in his office)
So I can only get paid to write if I’ve already been paid to write? Sadface. :(
The point of the grant is to give professional writers a chance to take some time off their day jobs for a little while and focus, or to write about a subject that might be hard to pitch to a magazine, but then they can try to sell it after. It’s a support for a job someone is already committed to but doesn’t necessarily have the security and stability that a 9-5 or school program can offer.
On the one hand, this is great for professional writers. On the other hand, darn! The content WORN seems to be interested in definitely fits perfectly with my own academic background and current personal hobby horses. Problem is, as an academic and as a contributor to costumer journals, etc, I don’t get paid. Too bad!
i have never been paid for my writing. boourns.
To clarify, this is a grant for professional writers and WORN does not decide on the terms of the grant but helps Ontario Arts Council administer it. As far as I know, fashion journalism has never been specifically targeted in this grant before and The OAC is giving an amazing opportunity to increase the voice of smart fashion writing: it’s a big step for fashion to be considered an art form, many granting agencies do not see it that way.
As Serah-Marie said, this particular grant is an avenue for professional writers. I think we all know that just because you call a writer a “professional” doesn’t mean they’re raking in millions, and we’re so happy to be able to help the Ontario Arts Council support those who choose to make a living by their pen, as they say. Naturally, when it comes to fashion, we love to encourage those on the brainy side of style.
But this is an OAC grant–we’re allocators. You don’t have to qualify for the Writer’s Reserve to pitch a story for WORN and get printed. Check out our “how to submit” link above (and remember, proposal deadlines for the next issue are at the end of the month).
We’re stoked to do some work on behalf of an organization like the OAC, but from our first issue we’ve been eager to work with anyone who has a great idea and the chops to follow it up.
g.