Our eyes are sensitive to a narrow band of electromagnetic waves known as the visible light spectrum. However, other wavelengths exist outside of our narrow vision. It is only when we apply ourselves, and commit to improving our ways of looking that we discover the rich qualities of non-visible light. 

SPAO’s Spectrum Bursary will support artists from racialized and underrepresented communities in order to shine a light and manifest their photo-based careers through the SPAO Residency. SPAO is committed to investing in marginalized artists’ careers in order to address racism and oppression in Canada. The goal of this bursary is to alleviate the cost of the Residency in order to lift the voices of marginalized artists and help overcome systemic racism and oppression in the arts sector. 

The SPAO Residency provides mentorship, support and structure for professional photo-based artists to focus on the next level of their art practice. SPAO provides the physical space and regular consultations designed to meet the individual needs of our participants.  Artists who complete the residency are offered the opportunity to exhibit their work in a group exhibition at The SPAO Gallery.

The value of this bursary is $3000.