OCAD U CAREER LAUNCHERS

2024 Career Launcher Fund

The RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD) is excited to announce the 8th annual Career Launcher Fund for graduating students. Emerging artists and designers are invited to apply for a funding opportunity relating to career supports and skills building as they transition out of school. Proposed expenses can anything that would be important to advancing an individual’s career success and activities in one of the four funding pillars: 

• Showcasing or distributing your work 
• Skills development 
• Access to networks 
• Supporting your creative business 

Proposed expenses must be specific, create a compelling case for support, and should be something important to advancing your career success. Special attention will be given to proposals that take into consideration the numerous privileges and access that end once you leave school, such as facilities, community, knowledge and skill acquisition, and mentorship.

Applications will be reviewed by a committee consisting of representatives from OCAD U faculties and Xpace representatives. 

This opportunity is made possible by generous donors, including the Gordon Eberts Prize.

SUGGESTED ELIGIBLE EXPENSES

• Professional development and skill-building (Courses, Classes and Workshop Fees; Apprenticeship).
  *In partnership with the OCAD U RBC CEAD and the Career Launcher Fund, OCAD U School of Continuing Studies will be offering discount course offerings for the total cost of $350 with no tax, to match the maximum fund amount available for each selected applicant. In your application, indicate the course you wish to take with the webpage link.
  
• Short-term rental fees (Studios and Facilities)
• Production expenses (Software, Professional Services)
• Membership or subscription fees (Associations and Organizations; Software; Facility Access and Equipment Loans)
• Submission fees (Awards, Residencies, Exhibitions and Publications)
• Ticket and attendance fees (Conferences, fairs, trade shows)
• Exhibition assistance (Production, Promotion, Documentation)
• + much more 

INELIGIBLE EXPENSES

• Travel costs
• Event and hospitality expenses (food, catering, drinks, etc)
• Accommodation or long-term studio rental costs
• Substantial equipment or tool purchases (rentals and purchasing minor tools are permitted) 
• Proposals covered by other OCAD U funding programs like the OCAD U Commitment, emergency loans, Student Union Project Grants, etc.

For more information, please visit the archive section of our Career Launcher website to see past recipients and examples of successful applications (2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019) 

APPLICATION SUPPORT

The OCAD U RBC CEAD is committed to promoting substantive equality for equity-seeking groups that are under-represented in the creative sector. We encourage applications from first-time applicants to the program and graduates of equity-seeking communities including racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities / expressions. Applicants are welcome to advise the CEAD of any accommodations needed to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process. 

Applicants who need assistance with their submissions are invited to connect with the RBC CEAD for Advising support. Click here to learn more about how to book an advising appointment.