VCR Vol. 2 - Prairie Fever

Video Pool Media Arts Centre is excited to announce the 2nd Video Commission Residency, VCR Vol.2: Prairie Fever. This residency supports the creation of new experimental screen-based works. We are currently seeking submissions from artists based in Treaty 1 Territory.

Prairie Fever encourages artists to reinterpret prairie culture, exploring and/or subverting typical representations of the region. We’re interested in proposals that engage with aspects of the prairies in unique ways. This could be the complex love-hate relationship many Winnipeggers feel with the city or an artful interrogation of the way the landscape or history has been previously represented. We encourage artists to approach the theme creatively and to make it their own!

We are seeking proposals for experimental single-channel videos, 5-20 minutes long. Selected applicants will receive a $1,500 artist fee and access to VP facilities and equipment (valued at $1,500).

The final artworks will be showcased at VP’s Poolside Gallery during an event marking the end of the residency and will be actively promoted as part of VP's distribution catalogue. Additionally, the works will be shown on our newly installed projection window overlooking the Artspace lobby. As a public projection space, the projection window is made up of 6 smaller windows (see photo). We encourage applicants to consider how their proposal will utilize the projection window, keeping in mind that projects must also be adaptable to a single-channel format for inclusion in the VP distribution catalogue.

To apply, submit a brief project description, CV, and recent or related work through the application form on our website.

We encourage applicants from all equity-deserving groups to apply. VCR 2 is rooted, both conceptually and physically, in Treaty 1 territory, the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Anisininew, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and the homeland of the Red River Métis. Priority will be given to artists identifying as Indigenous and based in Treaty 1 territory.