This program is open to you if you are Black, Indigenous, or a person of colour.
The Quebec Writers’ Federation is soliciting applications for the 2022 “Fresh Pages” Guest Curator of the Words & Music Show. Part of QWF’s “Fresh Pages” initiative, this temporary, part-time, paid opportunity is designed to help an aspiring literary artist who is Black, Indigenous, or a person of colour, develop skills in creating and curating literary and other arts events.
The successful candidate will work under the guidance of Ian Ferrier—long-time curator of the QWF Words & Music Show—to curate their own literary, musical, and performance event. Applicants may have curated no more than three public events.
Tasks include the following:
- Defining the event
- Selecting and inviting performers
- Gathering bios, photos, and other info for publicity
- Writing press releases
- Structuring and presenting a show (Typically, four to five performers present their work in a show that lasts 60 to 75 minutes.)
The guest curator is also welcome to host the show and introduce the performers.
The guest curator can create a theme-based presentation or a simple variety show. Ideally, the show will be in person, but depending on the public health situation, it may be given online.
More About the Mentorship
You will receive:
- approximately 15 hours of mentorship
- a $400 honorarium
- a free one-year membership (or extension of membership) in the Quebec Writers’ Federation.
The guest curator is selected by QWF’s Words & Music Committee.
Your Mentor
Ian Ferrier created and has been curating the QWF’s Words & Music Show for more than twenty years, and the Mile End Poets’ Festival for ten. He is a writer, performer and musician, and curator, is author of multiple poetry collections and records including Quel est ce lieu, Bear Dreams, Coming and Going and Exploding Head Man. In 2009 he was awarded the Golden Beret, the League of Canadian Poets award for outstanding contributions to spoken word poetry. He has curated over 250 shows and performed in over 500.
Eligibility
- Applicants must live in Quebec and be Indigenous, Black, or a person of colour.
- Applicants should demonstrate an interest in presenting either their own work in public presentations or in creating a literary, musical or other arts event.
- There is no age or publication requirement.
- Candidates who have already curated more than three public events, or who work for an event creation agency or company, are not eligible.
Timeline
- Call for applications: April 20, 2022
- Deadline for applications: June 30, 2022
- Notification of results: mid-July 2022
- Public show: Fall 2022
How to Apply
Please submit the following:
- A cover letter describing the kind of show you envision presenting and why you are interested in curating events (maximum one page);
- A short biographical statement about your background and experience, including a confirmation that you are aware of the eligibility criteria for the program and that you are eligible (maximum 200 words);
- Your full name and a way to contact you.
Submit to admin@qwf.org or by mail to:
“Fresh Pages” Guest Curatorship
Quebec Writers’ Federation
1200 Atwater Ave., Suite 3
Westmount, QC H3Z 1X4