Cohort #2 applications and program period details coming December 16



“Our mission is to disrupt, distort, and transform tradition, nurturing creativity and collaboration by providing the resources necessary to bring your boldest artistic visions to life.”



 
WARP is a mentorship development program designed to equip and support early and mid-career individuals and artist collectives with the essentials of project development by providing them with the resources and tools they need to create safe(r), more accessible, and more sustainable projects.

Projects taking place any time between April 7, 2025  - October 7, 2025 are eligible for the WARP Program (Cohort #2). WARP currently prioritizes projects that center events, exhibitions or other forms of artistic presentation.

You may apply for WARP Cohort #2 if you are a/an:

  • Individual: You are an individual artist, arts professional, and/or event organizer.
-OR-
  • Collective/Group: You are part of a group made up of yourself and one or more other artists, arts professionals, and/or event organizers. Reminder: If you are part of a collective/group, only ONE representative can participate in the in-person programming.

Mandatory Sessions: In order to be eligible for the WARP Development Program, you are required to participate in programming during the following dates and times:

  • Online (orientation) | Tuesday, February 11, 2025 | 7:00pm-8:00pm
  • In-Person | Saturday, February 15, 2025| 11:00am-5:00pm
  • In-Person | Saturday, February 22, 2025 | 11:00am-5:00pm    
  • In-Person | Saturday, March 1, 2024  | 11:00am-5:00pm
  • Online (pitch presentation)| Saturday, March 22, 2025 | 1:00pm-4:00pm

If you require application assistance or have access needs, please contact mentorship@debaser.ca.


MEET OUR FOUNDERS




DEBASER
Since establishing in 2013, Debaser has become one of Ottawa’s leading independent and underground music and arts presenters, best known for its thoughtfully-curated, diverse programming, and care-oriented approach. Debaser exists to catalyze innovative and collaborative music and artistic projects; support underrepresented, equity-deserving, and outsider art and artists; and create inclusive and responsive community spaces that cultivate shared understanding, joy, and social impact.

THE FRAMEWORK
The Framework is a polymathic agency that centers innovative storytelling through grant writing, publicity, and strategic partnerships. We specialize in collaborating with forward-thinking creatives at their project's conception or revitalization stage, providing bespoke services that propel their ideas onwards.


PRODUCED BY YOUTH
Produced By Youth is a mentorship program that offers accessible and safe spaces for Black artists under all disciplines in Ottawa to encourage self-expression, build confidence, foster community, and develop their artistic practice. Our vision is a free and accessible creative hub for Black artists to receive unlimited mentorship, access industry-standard equipment and training, and build connections.

THE MOVING ART GALLERY
Established in 2020, The Moving Art Gallery was formed out of the necessity of equitable representation in visual arts. The Nation’s Capital has a severe lack of  young Black & Femme artists in art spaces; our mandate is to uplift those who experience life in that intersection. Following the overwhelming response from the  community oriented programming that was curated to serve our targeted community, the M.A.G. has gained significant momentum that resulted in strong relationships with local organizations and established institutions alike. By prioritizing creativity, integrity and innovation, the M.A.G. is committed to building a lasting foundation for Black Femme artists to lay roots and thrive in.



LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT


WARP operates on the unsurrendered territories of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg (Odàwàng).

The purpose of this land acknowledgement is to show recognition of and respect to the first peoples and original custodians of the land on which we live and work. We wish to acknowledge our positions as guests here, and support the movement toward decolonization.

Algonquin Anishinaabe Land Acknowledgement by Dr. ​​​​​​​​Lynn Gehl, Ph.D., an Algonquin Anishinaabe-kwe from the Ottawa River Valley

Beyond Territorial Acknowledgements by âpihtawikosisân

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation - Reports

Find more resources through Indigenous Solidarity Ottawa and native-land.ca



OUR SUPPORTERS 


We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our supporters and collaborators. Our sincere thanks go to the Canada Council for the Arts, whose financial support has been instrumental in bringing this program to life.

We are also deeply grateful to SAW Centre and the Digital Arts Resource Centre for their invaluable support and for sharing their resources and space with us.



        



LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTCODE OF CONDUCTFOLLOW USCONTACT US