Symbiotic installation view by Rob Little

Apply Now – SPAO Artist Residency Supported by TD Ready Commitment

SPAO: Photographic Arts Centre and supporting sponsor TD Bank Group present the TD Career Launch Initiative. This initiative provides 5 emerging photo-based artists from anywhere in Canada, 6 months of mentoring support as well as the environment and facilities required in order to significantly impact their artistic career development for free.

SPAO’s Artist Residency offers artists the time, space, and resources to research, experiment, and develop a focused body of work in a professional environment. Residents gain access to SPAO’s facilities, mentorship, and community, as well as a paid opportunity to exhibit their work in the SPAO Centre Gallery upon completion of the residency.

This program is designed for artists who have completed formal training in visual arts and/or lens-based media and are ready to dedicate time to a sustained exploration of their practice.

SPAO is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 Artist Residency, including both the TD Career Launch stream and our regular stream.

Application Deadline: July 1, 2026 11:59pm ET

Learn more + apply at spao.ca/residency

Images (left to right): Alex Finlay, Blair Smith, and Shaelynn Tredenick

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

SPAO’s College Diploma Program is the only one of its kind in Canada and is the perfect opportunity for artists looking to invest deeply in their art practice. Often seen as an alternative to an MFA, this two-year program is intensive, hands-on, community-oriented, and highly collaborative.

Nurture Your Artistic Vision: Through intensive, hands-on learning and small class sizes, artists can hone their unique style and approach to photography.

A Community-Oriented and Collaborative Environment: SPAO’s program fosters a supportive and collaborative learning environment. Located in the nation’s capital, SPAO provides artists access to national arts institutions, culture leaders, and curators, offering invaluable industry insights and networking opportunities.

Professional Launchpad: Graduates of the program can expect to graduate with three exhibitions, 2 portfolios and one book on their CV, including a professional exhibition in the SPAO Centre Gallery. This exhibition not only showcases the evolution of the graduate’s artistic practice but also serves as a professional launchpad for their careers as photo-based artists.

Prospective applicants who are unsure if the program is right for them are encouraged to book a complimentary 20-minute portfolio review. This is an opportunity to learn more about the program and receive feedback on your work before applying.

Application Deadline: July 1, 2026 11:59pm ET

Learn more + apply for a portfolio review at spao.ca/diploma

Image by SPAO alum Nicolai Gregory

Fund Your Journey at SPAO

Bursaries: SPAO offers a variety of bursaries for both the Photographic Arts and Production College Diploma Program and the Artist Residency.

• Solstice Bursary – Prioritizing those in financial need from traditionally marginalized groups.
• Luna Bursary – Awarded to a diploma student who demonstrates strong motivation and clear artistic direction.
• Zagon Bursary – In honour of the late James Zagon, this bursary provides meaningful financial support to help an individual overcome economic barriers as they pursue their career development.

Federal Employees Education Funding: Federal government employees affected by workforce adjustment (WFA) may be eligible for education funding to support retraining and career transitions. This funding can be applied toward SPAO’s College Diploma Program. To learn more, speak with your manager or HR representative and reference SPAO’s Designated Learning Institution (DLI) number: O264423058712.

Other Funding Opportunities: Canadian Armed Forces veterans and service members may be eligible for the Education and Training Benefit through Veterans Affairs. Students with permanent disabilities may also qualify for federal grants and support through the Canada Student Grants program, which can help cover tuition and accessibility costs. In addition, there are a number of other federal and provincial funding programs available to support post-secondary education in Canada.

Learn more at spao.ca/funding

For more information, please contact:

SPAO: Photographic Arts Centre
77 Pamilla Street
Ottawa ON K1S 3K7
613 562 3824
info@spao.ca

Follow SPAO:
Facebook @spaocentre
Instagram @spaocentre