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)

Once again, WORN is putting out a call for submissions. We’re looking for your voice in Issue 14 (due for release in spring 2012). Yep, we’re looking at YOU. Consider it a golden opportunity to show your friends and family that total strangers respect your opinion!

SMART IS SEXY
We are especially interested in research pieces that explore fashion from a smart and unique point of view. (Explore how the return of 80s fashion is actually a misplaced longing for the simplicity of Cold War politics… or something.) Picture it: you, glasses, notebooks, ink stained fingers – très intellichic.

BUT ALSO, CONSIDER THE KITCHEN SINK
Feeling less cerebral? We’re also totally willing to consider thoughtful and amusing. WORN wants your personal stories and musings about fashion and style, as well as original, culturally diverse and avant garde photo shoot ideas.

OH, YOU LITERARY FOOL!
Submit your pitch no later than October 1st, 2011. BUT WAIT! Before you send us your idea, have a look at our How to Submit page. It will give you a good idea of what we’re looking for in a pitch. (It’s not all vintage fountain pens and stylish eyewear, you know.)

WE VALIDATE
Once again, WORN is putting out a call for submissions. We’re looking for your voice in Issue 12 (due for release in spring 2011). Yep, we’re looking at YOU. Consider it a golden opportunity to show your friends and family that total strangers respect your opinion!

SMART IS SEXY
We are especially interested in research pieces that explore fashion from a smart and unique point of view. (Explore how the return of 80s fashion is actually a misplaced longing for the simplicity of Cold War politics… or something.) Picture it: you, glasses, notebooks, ink stained fingers – très intellichic.

BUT ALSO, CONSIDER THE KITCHEN SINK
Feeling less cerebral? We’re also totally willing to consider thoughtful and amusing. WORN wants your personal stories and musings about fashion and style, as well as original, culturally diverse and avant garde photo shoot ideas.

OH, YOU LITERARY FOOL!
Submit your pitch no later than October 25th, 2010. BUT WAIT! Before you send us your idea, have a look at our How to Submit page. It will give you a good idea of what we’re looking for in a pitch. (It’s not all vintage fountain pens and stylish eyewear, you know.)

NOW GET TO WORK, YOU SAUCY MINX.

Ever accidentally break a beloved trinket, only to have the day saved with the creative and deceptive use of sticky putty? Receive a hand-me-down garment from your great-great-grandmother with patches in all the right places? Have a friend tell you, “I think the super-glued cracks adds character to your fine China!”?

WORN is very excited to be teaming up with Toronto Craft Alert and City of Craft to present For Keeps: a Mending Show.

Filled with mended works – originals and photographic portraits by photographer Danijela Pruginic – For Keeps is a celebration of everyday beauty and the intricate stories behind things we care enough about to fix when broken.

You may be harbouring a piece of art in your home without even knowing it. If you have a garment, textile, or household object with visible repairs and a story to tell, we’d love to see a photo and learn about its history. Objects that can be mounted on a wall are preferred.

You can submit your piece here, but act quick: the deadline for submissions is on Wednesday, September 15, 2010.

WORN will be hosting the opening reception (date to be confirmed, but you can still start getting excited), and the show will run from December 9th to 18th 2010, at the Great Hall’s Cream Tangerine Café Gallery during the annual City of Craft fair.

Above: Slipper Darning (2010). Work and photograph by Becky Johnson.