Call for Applications: Indigenous Creative-in-Studio Program at MJMA

Queen’s University John Deutsch University Centre Agora. Photo by Scott Norsworthy.

An Invitation to Indigenous Creatives & Makers

Submission Deadline: May 15, 2026, 11:59pm ET

MJMA Architecture & Design is looking to identify Indigenous artists, craftspeople and designers working across mediums, who are interested to engage with our practice and collaborate with our studio on future built works and public spaces. Our ambition is to work in ways that are informed by Indigenous knowledge and shaped by Indigenous voices within our design process and studio culture.

Through this open call, we aim to identify voices within the arts community who are interested in participating in a three-month Creative-in-Studio residency to create a work in a medium of their choosing. MJMA will provide an honorarium, materials support, and workspace within our studio, with the opportunity to present the work at the conclusion of the program. We invite you to submit an application by responding to the following question: What does “open, inclusive, and accessible public space” mean to you?

About Us

MJMA is a Toronto-based architecture and design studio focused on public spaces. We aspire to design inclusive, equitable, and social spaces that foster connectivity and well being. As settlers fortunate to live and work on these lands, we approach design with intention and humility-recognizing and respecting Indigenous histories and enduring stewardship. We strive to design public spaces that are shaped by dialogue and shared futures rather than bound by colonial narratives or inherited cultural biases.

Recognizing the importance of our role in shaping the built environment, we ask ourselves:

• What do the spaces we design and bring to life offer for communities that are less visible; that we struggle to engage with?
• What does our work represent to those not represented?
• What can we learn from the voices we cannot hear?

Project Requirements

• Program Length: 3 months (4 month optional). September 1, 2026 – November 30, 2026.
• Program Description: Create a work in a medium of your choosing, with the opportunity to present the work at the conclusion of the program.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to artists who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, or Métis). This program is open to emerging creatives exploring new directions in practice. Enrolled students or recent graduates are welcome.

Hiwa Recreation Centre carving. Photo and Carving by Haumi.

Compensation

The successful respondent will be offered:

• An honorarium of $3,500 total, distributed bi-weekly over the course of the program.
• Material budget of $1,500, received upon selection.
• Exhibition & Lecture Event: Present and exhibit your response, along with past works, to our practice and the broader architecture and design community at an event hosted by MJMA.
• Collaboration Opportunities: Network with professional architects and designers, receive promotion on MJMA’s social media, and be considered for future collaborations on public projects.

Selection Process

Selected candidates will be notified in June 2026 for an interview, with a final selection made shortly after.

Submission Requirements

• Portfolio: Please prepare a digital portfolio of selected works.
• Written Statement: In a maximum of 300 words, write a statement of intent responding to the following question: What does “open, inclusive, and accessible public space” mean to you?

How to Submit

Please complete the online application form, and email application materials to info@mjma.ca.

Submission Deadline: May 15, 2026, 11:59pm ET

For additional information or questions, please contact:
MJMA Architecture & Design
info@mjma.ca | 416 593 6796

MJMA Architecture & Design
400–135 Liberty St
Toronto ON M6K 1A7
mjma.ca
info@mjma.ca
416 593 6796

Instagram @mjma.ca

Accessibility:
MJMA Architecture & Design is partially accessible. For more information, email info@mjma.ca.