Artist Residency | College Program | Gallery Programming

Apply Now – SPAO Artist Residency supported by TD Ready Commitment

The SPAO: Photographic Arts Centre and supporting sponsor TD Bank Group are pleased to announce that the TD Career Launch Initiative has been renewed! This initiative will provide 5 emerging photo-based artists from anywhere in Canada the opportunity to join the SPAO artist residency at no cost. The residency provides 6 months of mentoring support as well as the environment and facilities required to impact an artist’s career significantly. The TD Bank Group will cover the $5,500 residency fee that selected applicants would normally pay, ensuring that youths and individuals from traditionally marginalized communities are prioritized.

“At TD, we believe that arts and culture allow people to feel connected to their communities and exposes them to new perspectives,” says George Dalal, Region Head at TD Bank. “We are proud to support the SPAO: Photographic Arts Centre as part of our focus on amplifying diverse voices in the arts.”

Supporting Canadian Photographic Artists in Need

This initiative supports 5 emerging artists with the mentorship and environment needed to launch their careers through the SPAO Photographic Artist Residency, supported by TD. These artists must be Canadian or permanent residents in financial need and identify as one or more of the following priority groups: youth (35 years or younger), Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit), 2SLGBTQIA+, person with a disability, or person of colour.

Apply now for SPAO’s Artist Residency, supported by the TD Ready Commitment

Applications are open until May 12, 2025 at 11:59pm EDT or until all spots are filled.

Learn more + apply *Instructions on form

Images (left to right): Shaelynn Tredenick, Alex Does, and Justin M. Millar

Apply Now – SPAO’s Alternative to a Master’s Program

Compliment Your General Arts Education with a Photographic Arts Intensive

The Photographic Arts and Production Program is the perfect opportunity for artists wishing to invest in their practice without the intense theoretical focus of a traditional master’s program. Designed to develop a broad understanding of photographic principles and processes—both historic and contemporary—the program emphasizes small classes, hands-on learning, and critique to help enhance each artist’s vision and craft. Whether you’re looking for an MFA alternative or a photographic intensive after completing an MFA, this program offers a unique and enriching pathway to support your goals.

Event photo from SPAO’s Exhibition No. 18 by Eric Reid

SPAO’s program fosters a supportive, community-oriented learning environment and provides access to national arts institutions, cultural leaders, and curators in the heart of Canada’s capital. Graduates debut their work in a professional exhibition at the SPAO Centre Gallery, serving as both a showcase of their growth and a launchpad for their careers as photo-based artists.

That same showcase of artistic growth takes on special significance this year. Exhibition No. 20 marks a milestone in SPAO’s history. Join us in celebrating two decades of creativity and community as we present the work of our newest graduates. On view from April 24 to May 16, 2025, with an opening reception on Thursday, April 24 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. This is an opportunity to view work by SPAO students, tour the facility, and meet the faculty. Learn more about Exhibition No. 20.

Apply Now for SPAO’s College Diploma Program

Applications are open until May 31, 2025 at 11:59pm EDT.

Learn more + apply

2019 artist-in-residence show, featuring John Healey (Canada), Lucia Mugica (Canada), Rajeev Nath (Canada) and Eugenie Rasche (Russia).

Apply Now – Exhibit at the SPAO Centre Gallery

Submit Your Proposal to Be Considered for a Future Exhibition

The SPAO Centre Gallery is the Ottawa region’s only independent and critical gallery space dedicated to photographic and video art. SPAO welcomes proposals for solo and group exhibitions, performances, and curatorial projects from emerging, mid-career, and established artists and curators. Applications from artists and curators of all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, members of the BIPOC community, 2SLGBTQ+ are welcome and encouraged to apply.

To submit an exhibition proposal, visit the website to complete the form.

For more information, please contact us:
SPAO: Photographic Arts Centre
77 Pamilla Street
Ottawa, ON K1S 3K7
613 562 3824
info@spao.ca

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