Opportunities & Calls

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Have an artist opportunity you’d like to promote to Wood Buffalo artists?

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info@artscouncilwb.ca
RENT Auditions

SRE and Keyano Theatre present the iconic Broadway show RENT by Jonathan Larson! This award-winning musical took the world by storm when it first opened in the mid-nineties, inspiring all to ‘choose love over fear and to live without regret.’ Directed by Zachary Barrett and Music Director Jenny Price, this phenomenal musical will make its Wood Buffalo debut in November at Keyano Theatre. 

The story takes place in the late 1980s and early 1990s, where you will follow a group of friends in Manhattan’s East Village who fight to build the lives of their dreams. RENT resonates with anyone who’s ever struggled with life, love and everything in between. This rock opera pulls the heartstrings to tell the tale of a group of friends who grapple with addiction, eviction, sexual identity, parents, materialism and the yearning to leave a meaningful legacy. 

Deadline: 10-06-2023

Arts in Action: Call for One Off Workshop Instructors

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Arts in Action program provides opportunities for Seniors to engage in the arts through activity-based workshops. These one-off workshops will consist of one session 3-4 hours long where the instructor will help Seniors create and finish artwork in one session.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

  • Artist must reside in the Wood Buffalo Region 
  • Artist must be able to turn their artform into a teachable workshop geared towards Seniors and Elders
  • Artist must be experienced in their artform and be able to provide samples of previous experience 
  • Must have a reasonable and affordable budget for their proposed workshop

ABOUT THE COMMISSION

  • Arts Council is particularly interested in workshops that will engage Seniors or Elders in their workshop, creating a experience that will impact Seniors or Elders lives
  • The instructor will be in charge of planning one 3-4 hour session.
  • The proposed workshop should support between 10-20 Seniors or Elder participants. Maximum numbers will be decided in consultation with the successful Instructor candidates. 
  • Arts Council will be inviting Artists to submit calls for workshops that will take place within two different “seasons”:
    • Summer/Fall 2023: Workshops will run between July 17, 2023 and October 31, 2023
    • Winter 2023-24: November 2023 – March 2024

WORK MEDIA

The work media must be teachable and engaging to Seniors or Elders. Teaching Artforms may include, but are not limited to:

  • Painting
  • Drumming
  • Theatre
  • Beading
  • Comedy
  • Dance
  • Watercolour
  • Drawing
  • Woodworking
  • Macrame
  • Improv
  • Photography

SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL

All submissions must be submitted through our online Opportunities Portal. Create an account, login and then click on the purple “Start Entry” button. You may begin drafting your proposal by selecting “Arts in Action — One off Workshop” as your category. Some artists may be invited to a brief interview.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

Submissions must be submitted by noon on May 29, 2023. Late submissions will not be considered for hire. 

FEES

FEES
Arts Council will compensate the Teaching Artists a fee of $500 (including GST) for the development and delivery of one 3-4 hour workshop.

SELECTION PROCESS

The artists will be selected on the appropriateness of the program to teach to Seniors or Elders, the uniqueness of the program, and the cost and quality of the workshop. Priority will be given to artists who have a strong workshop plan, showing detailed concepts and a focus on working with the Seniors and Elders. 

Please note that only artists(s) who are successful will be notified.

Selections will be made by Arts Council Wood Buffalo staff. All selections made will be final. All successful artists will be notified by June 16th, 2023.

QUESTIONS AND MORE INFORMATION

For questions or more information on this opportunity please contact Programs Coordinator, Byron Gard at byron@artscouncilwb.ca or (587) 674-1625 x.101

Deadline: 29-05-2023

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TD Music Artist in Residence

What is TD Music Artist in Residence?

MacEwan University and the Department of Music, in collaboration with TD Bank Group, is hosting a two-week all-inclusive professional artist development program August 8th through August 20th, 2023. The TD Music Artist in Residence at MacEwan University program is open to emerging and up-and-coming songwriters, producers, beat-makers, and band leaders who are residents of Alberta and are 18+.

Who Will The Program Serve?

This program meets the needs of emerging music artists who come from low-income backgrounds or experience other significant barriers to accessing post-secondary education. With IDEA as our guiding principle, program marketing will specifically target underserved groups and individuals.

What Problem Are We Solving?

Music artists from underserved populations lack the financial and material resources and/or the academic preparation to access post-secondary music education. For some musical artists, formal education is a crucial step in their career development. The current system does not serve these artists well. The current system is not inclusive.

How Are We Solving This Problem?

The TD Music Artist in Residence at MacEwan University program fundamentally changes the story for emerging music artists from underserved populations. While many of these artists have started to develop their craft independent of formal education, they are at a disadvantage – they do not have the financial and material resources and/or the academic preparation to take their skills to a higher level.

Deadline: 29-05-2023

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ACWB Sub-Committees: Call for Volunteers

Arts Council Wood Buffalo (ACWB) Board of Directors is seeking ACWB Members to join board sub-committees. These volunteer committees support the operations of Arts Council and meet as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Must be an active ACWB member to qualify for this opportunity. To become a member, register through our membership page, or contact Akshaya Lakshmi at akshaya@artscouncilwb.ca.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Governance Committee – Minimum three (3) Board Director members; Maximum four (4) non-Board Director positions

Duties of the Governance Committee include recommending action to the Board for structural changes to ensure the Society is in compliance with its legal and fiduciary duties. The Governance Committee is accountable for the Board’s and the Society’s governance guidelines and policies.

This committee will meet as needed to review documents.

Nomination Committee – Minimum three (3) Board Director members; Maximum four (4) non-Board Director positions

The role of the Nomination Committee is to develop and maintain a formal, rigorous and transparent procedure for making recommendations on appointments and reappointments to the board of the Society. In addition, it is responsible for recommending appointments to the various committees and subcommittees of the Society, and reviewing the succession plans for the Executive Director, Board Directors, and Executive Committee. 

Membership CommitteeMinimum three (3) Board Director or Staff members;  Maximum four (4) non-Board Director positions

The Membership Committee is responsible for collaborating with committees, sectors, special interest groups, members, board and staff liaisons on key strategies, challenges, and needs in order to provide insight on membership recruitment, engagement and retention. 

Finance CommitteeMinimum three (3) Board Director or Staff members;  Maximum four (4) non-Board Director positions

The role of the Finance Committee is to share the workload of the Treasurer in managing and monitoring the society’s finances. It must be chaired by the Treasurer and provides an opportunity for detailed discussion and consideration of financial matters, with regular reporting to the Board. The Finance Committee also takes on a leadership role for planning and coordinating revenue-generating strategies and is committed to raising the necessary funds to carry out various infrastructure, programming, and operational functions of Arts Council Wood Buffalo.

This committee isn’t solely responsible for raising money, but it leads the board’s fundraising efforts. The committee works with staff to implement the fundraising plan. This plan may include annual events, auctions, end-of-the-year requests, and other activities. The fundraising committee works with staff on their fundraising efforts and sometimes takes the lead in specific activities. The committee also ensures the proper acknowledgement of donors. It is comprised of Board Members, General Members, and Staff of ACWB.

Fundraising Committee – Minimum three (3) Board Director or Staff members;  Maximum four (4) non-Board Director positions

The Fundraising Committee is an extension of the Finance committee committed to raising the necessary funds to carry out various infrastructure, programming, and operational functions of Arts Council Wood Buffalo. This committee isn’t solely responsible for raising money, but it leads the board’s fundraising efforts. The committee works with staff to implement the fundraising plan. This plan may include annual events, auctions, end-of-the-year requests, and other activities. The fundraising committee works with staff on their fundraising efforts and sometimes takes the lead in specific activities. The committee also ensures the proper acknowledgement of donors. It is comprised of Board Members, General Members, and Staff of ACWB.

This committee will likely meet two to four times per year.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity CommitteeMinimum three (3) Board Director members; Maximum four (4) non-Board Director positions.

Arts Council Wood Buffalo celebrates and supports diversity. We are committed to showing respect for all, encouraging open collaboration and communication, and creating an inclusive environment, free from barriers and discrimination. Members of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity Committee will monitor the Board Composition Matrix and make a concerted effort to ensure that the members of the Board of Directors reflect the diverse community of Wood Buffalo, taking into consideration race, religion, beliefs, colour, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status or status as a differently-abled individual, among other things. This committee will communicate with the Governance Committee to ensure Board and Operational policy documents reflect the organization’s commitment to inclusive practices.

This committee will likely meet twice per year or as needed to review Board of Directors
applicants.


Any interested ACWB Members should email chair@artscouncilwb.ca to express their interest (max 250 words), and include a brief overview of related volunteer or committee experience.

Deadline:

igNIGHT – Call for Expressions of Interest

Artists of all disciplines across Canada are invited to apply for a lead artist role for igNIGHT 2023, a public art exhibition in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo. Selected artists will be awarded a maximum of $20,000 to lead and support the creation of artwork based on this year’s theme, transportation.

The exhibition will take place at Kiyām Community Park from Oct. 13 to 22, 2023, and is expected to attract a large audience. Lead artists will collaborate with local creatives to design a public art piece that explores the theme of transportation in creative and innovative ways.

“Transportation connects us all. Whether it’s over land, sky, or space, humans are always exploring ways of getting from one place to another,” said Sharon Heading, Chair of the Public Art Committee. “The possibilities to bring this year’s theme to life are endless. Transport us with your vision!”

To learn more about the theme, application process and requirements, review the Call for Expressions of Interest. Interested artists can also attend a virtual information session on April 13 at 6 p.m. to get a detailed understanding of the opportunity.

Key dates:

About igNIGHT

igNIGHT is a 10-day temporary public art exhibition in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo. The inaugural exhibition took place in 2014, and 2023 marks the seventh edition of igNIGHT. This year’s exhibition promises to be a unique and exciting opportunity for Canadian artists to showcase their work to a wider audience.

Deadline: 20-04-2023

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Call for Fort Chipewyan Creatives – Public Art Bench Program

Do you paint, draw or craft? Do you have a love for your community and an interest in sharing it in a creative way? This project might be for you! 

Public Art Wood Buffalo is inviting local Fort Chipewyan creatives to work with the community to inspire a design for a custom-made park bench. The goal is to have a bench design that is original, innovative and reflective of the entire community! 

Want to see your creation at the Lakefront Viewing Deck located at Anderson Street and Lucas Avenue? Learn more below or download the call for artists. For questions, contact Pulse at 780-743-7000 or toll free at 1-800-973-9663.

Once the design is complete, the creative can either fabricate the bench or the design can be sent out to be fabricated. A municipal representative will work with the artist every step of the way! The park bench design will be duplicated creating a “sister” bench. One (1) bench will remain in Fort Chipewyan at the Lakefront Viewing Deck located at Anderson Street and Lucas Avenue. The “sister” bench will be installed in a park in Fort McMurray.   

Artist Fee

Public Art Wood Buffalo aligns with the Canadian Artists Representation (CARFAC) rates and will offer $600 for 4 hours of community consultation. Another $600 will be awarded to develop three designs for the community to select from. 

A budget will be determined to fabricate the benches based on desired materials and capacity of the artist.  

Book a Meeting to Learn More

Book a meeting during the week of April 14-17, 2023 with Donna Aubichon, Arts Council, Indigenous Rural Liaison and a Municipal Representative to review the selection process and submission requirements.

Email public.art@rmwb.ca on or before April 14, 2023 to book.

Submission Package Requirements

Submit your expression of interest in the form of a letter or email that includes the following:

  • Experience
  • Description of previous work
  • Contact information (phone number, email address)
  • Resume / CV (optional)
  • Photo representation of previous work

Deadline

Submit your package by Thursday, May 18, 2023 in person at: Arts Council Fort Chipewyan Office, Archie Simpson Arena, 132 Cardinal Avenue or via email by 11:59 p.m. (MST) at public.art@rmwb.ca.   

We thank all applicants for their interest and submissions to this call. Only qualifying applicants will be contacted.

Deadline: 18-05-2023

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NorthWord Magazine – Call for Submissions

NorthWord Magazine publishes twice a year through the support of community volunteers and advertisers. Publication launches take place in April during National Poetry Month and September to coincide with Alberta Culture Days.

For each edition, the Northern Canada Collective Society of Writers’ Board of Directors selects a guest editor. Each guest editor is required to pick a theme to kick-start the creativity. They also decide on the artwork for the front cover. 

As submissions come in, the managing editor removes names before showing the guest editor for transparency purposes.

After the selection process, the publication is produced and disbursed throughout the Wood Buffalo region.

This edition’s Guest Editor is Will Collins and the theme is Humour.

Accepted Submissions:​

  • Prose (3,000 words or fewer, fiction or non-fiction)
  • Poetry (50 lines maximum)
  • Excerpts from current projects
  • Visual Art 

Submission Deadline is May 30, 2023

* Send submission to northword@hushmail.com

Deadline: 30-05-2023

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Call for Visual Artist – 2022 Annual Report Cover Artwork

Project Description

Arts Council Wood Buffalo (ACWB) is looking for local 2D or 3D visual artists, illustrators, photographers, graphic designers, printmakers or painters to submit artwork for their 2022 Annual Report cover. The image will reflect the theme of “Looking Forward”.

“Around here, however, we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we’re curious… and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” ~ Walt Disney

From the return of an in-person Buffys to officially purchasing the lot for the future Arts Inc, 2022 has been an enormous year for ACWB.

“Looking forward” is a theme that symbolizes the focus on the future, encompassing continuous growth, innovation, and embracing change. ACWB embodied this theme not only with “Future Midnight” (2022 Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts Awards), but with the vision to build a better tomorrow in Wood Buffalo.

The past few years have been a time of incredible change and growth, however, what has remained constant is our focus in delivering excellence, fostering innovation and creativity, and creating opportunities for artists and arts organizations in our community to grow.

As we enter a new era of growth with Arts Inc, the theme of “looking forward” will play an even greater role in shaping our way. What are you looking forward to?

The image to be used on the cover of the Annual Report will be distributed during our AGM and other events. It will also be available to ALL members, stakeholders and general community members. The image will also be used to promote the Annual Report on ACWB’s various online platforms.

SEE FULL ARTIST CALL (PDF)

Work Media

ACWB welcomes submissions from both established and emerging artists.

ACWB will not be purchasing the physical artwork, only the digital image. The artwork will be used as a background image, and under the discretion of ACWB’s designer, creating the final Annual Report graphic design, which may be cropped or have information and design elements placed on top. We will request non-exclusive rights to the work and will accept existing and new artwork; however, it should not have appeared in any other way in the Wood Buffalo community in the six months prior to submission.

Submitted digital files of photography, digital artwork or representations of any 2D or 3D artwork must be in the form of digital files, prepared and ready for print with the following requirements:

  • Digital artwork files must be uploaded in a jpg or png file format.
  • File size is no smaller than 8.5″ x 11″ and should be minimum 300dpi. The image may be cropped to fit printable surface area. Please ensure the digital file is cropped to show only your submitted image and no background elements (frame, etc.).
  • All artworks and elements within the artwork must be the sole intellectual property of the artist. If the artwork is digital media medium, design elements must have been purchased with the proper license to be used for both print and digital purposes, listed in the project description.

Entry Requirements

Maximum of 3 artwork submissions per artist.

Please submit the following items in one email to info@artscouncilwb.ca.

  • Subject Line: Annual Report Cover Submission

Some of the information provided below will be used to give credit to the successful artist in the Annual Report and in other promotions. Please make sure this information provided is correct, with proper grammar and punctuation.

Please refer to this checklist to ensure all submission elements are submitted for consideration:

  • Artist Statement explaining the relevance of the image to the theme.
  • Artist Bio (100 words maximum)
  • Image list from A – C, title of artwork, medium used. Example A) Title, Medium, B) Title, Medium, C) Title, Medium.
  • Print ready digital file, minimum 1MB and/or 300dpi resolution. Files should be named as follows: first name_last name.a.jpeg, first name_last name.b.jpeg, etc. ACWB will accept large files from a downloadable source such as dropbox.com and FTP service.

Submission Deadline

Submissions must be received by 12:00 PM (Noon) on Monday, March 6, 2023.

Selection Process

Artwork will be selected by Arts Council Wood Buffalo. The selection is final and the successful artist will be notified by Friday, March 10, 2023.

Please note that only the successful artist will be notified. Artists submitting their artwork keep full copyright of their images. Submissions that are not chosen will not be used in any way by ACWB or third party organizations, unless requested by ACWB in advance and approved by the artist.

Exhibition Fee

The successful artist will be paid a one time, all-inclusive licensing fee of $200.00, inclusive of GST.

Contact Information

Akshaya Lakshmi
Communications Supervisor

akshaya@artscouncilwb.ca

587-674-1625 x.104

Deadline: 06-03-2023

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Summer Writers Residency 2023

Overview

Banff Centre’s Summer Writers residency will provide writers space for the creative exploration of their writing practice. This self-directed residency offers the opportunity to work away from the constraints of everyday life. Delve deep into your creative project and take advantage of the artistic community of your peers around you.

The program provides optional opportunities for consultations with mentors, public readings, and group sessions led by guest mentors that allow creators to explore techniques, aspects, and devices that you may find useful in your practice.

What does the program offer?

This two-week residency provides teaching from faculty members and professional guests, Q&A sessions, public events, and one-on-one workshopping. Mentors will discuss ideas, experiences, and obstacles that participants may be encountering with their writing. 

This residency is a self-directed program that offers time and space for writers to focus, reconnect, and re-energize their writing practice. In addition to a single room, and a small private studio, you will be surrounded by a community of artistic peers. You will have the opportunity to attend inspiring talks and performances and meet with guest faculty to consult on your work.

As a flexible self-guided program, the Summer Writers residency allows you to choose the amount of support you are looking for. All program elements are optional.

 

Who should apply? 

We welcome writers of all ages (18+), backgrounds, and all gender identities and expressions. Writers in all creative genres are invited to apply. The program is designed for emerging and established writers with a proven publication record seeking a period of dedicated time to work on a project in any genre.

Note: While the language of Banff Centre is English, we additionally welcome projects in French and French Creole for this residency.

For full details on vaccination requirements, masking, safety protocols, and COVID related policies please visit: www.banffcentre.ca/covid-19-measures   


*Financial Aid of 100% is available for tuition, and 50% for food and accommodation.

Application Deadline  – March 15, 2023

Program Dates – July 31 – August 11, 2023

Arrive – July 30, 2023

Depart – August 12, 2023


Deadline: 15-03-2023

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Buffys 2023 – Call for Promo Photographer

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts Awards (Buffys) is an annual program that recognizes and celebrates excellence in various areas of the arts throughout our region. The program also builds awareness of the incredible contribution artists make to Wood Buffalo. Arts Council is looking to hire a promo photographer to work with two performance artists to create photographic assets for Buffys 2023.

The completed assets will be used in this year’s programs, posters, on social media, and in video elements at the event. The photoshoot aims to take place the week of April 9th, 2023, and the amount of time required to complete the project will be determined in collaboration with the artists involved and Arts Council.

The Buffys 2023 theme is “Midnight at the Moulin Rouge”, inspired by the Red Curtain Cinema genre – a spectacular theatrical world of exaggeration that uses dance, costumes, and colourful settings to entertain and enchant audiences and intensify everyday reality. You can find examples of the Red Curtain Cinema genre here: Moulin Rouge

The Buffys 2022 promotional photography assets were used in programs, posters, in social media graphics, projections and video. You can see examples of how these assets were used here: Buffys 2022 Promotional Materials

ABOUT THE COMMISSION

  • ACWB seeks to select one Wood Buffalo photographer to capture photographic assets
  • Artist will report to Arts Council Wood Buffalo Communications Manager, Akshaya Lakshmi.
  • Artist will work with two performance artists recruited and compensated by Arts Council to capture the assets.
  • Artist will be responsible for editing and supplying Arts Council with a minimum of thirty six (36) different photographs, to be delivered by May 9th, 2023.

The photoshoot will take place the week of April 9th, 2023, to be determined in collaboration with Arts Council and the selected Makeup artist/Face painter.

SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL

All submissions must be submitted through our online Opportunities Portal. Create an account, login and then click on the purple “Start Entry” button. You may begin drafting your proposal by selecting “Buffys Promo Photographer” as your category. 

You will be asked to provide: 

  • Past examples of your work
  • Mood board
  • Fee

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

Submissions must be received by noon on March 14, 2023. Late submissions will not be considered for hire.

FEE

Artist to submit fee reflecting 36 edited photographs.

SELECTIONS PROCESS

Selections will be made by the Arts Council Wood Buffalo staff. All selections will be final, and successful artists will be notified by March 21, 2023.

Please note that only artists(s) who are successful will be notified.

QUESTIONS AND MORE INFORMATION

For questions or more information, please contact Communications Manager, Akshaya Lakshmi at akshaya@artscouncilwb.ca.

Deadline: 14-03-2023

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2023 Alberta Literary Awards Now Open for Submissions!

The Writers’ Guild of Alberta (WGA) is preparing to celebrate another successful year with the 2023 Alberta Literary Awards. Writers from across Alberta and their publishers are invited to check out and submit to this year’s award categories.

The deadline for submissions to the Alberta Literary Awards is December 31, 2022. 

Submissions are evaluated on originality, creativity, and quality of writing, as well as appropriate fit within a category. The winners will be announced next spring. 

The Alberta Literary Awards were created by the Writers’ Guild of Alberta in 1982 to recognize excellence in writing by Alberta authors. 

The 2023 Alberta Literary Awards Categories

Prizes of $1500 will be awarded to published entries in the following categories:

  • R. Ross Annett Award for Children’s Literature (picture books)
  • Georges Bugnet Award for Fiction
  • Wilfrid Eggleston Award for Nonfiction
  • Stephan G. Stephansson Award for Poetry
  • Gwen Pharis Ringwood Award for Drama (published or produced) 
  • Memoir Award (nonfiction)

Prizes of $700 will be awarded to unpublished and published entries in the following categories:

  • James H. Gray Award for Short Nonfiction (published in English or French)
  • Howard O’Hagan Award for Short Story (published in English or French)
  • Jon Whyte Memorial Essay Award (unpublished)

Award submissions can also be entered to qualify for the following city book prize:

  • The City of Calgary W.O. Mitchell Book Prize ($5,000 prize)

**Please Note: The Robert Kroetsch City of Edmonton Book Prize will open by October 31st. Guidelines for this prize are under review and any books submitted prior to the official award opening might be deemed ineligible.

Deadline: 31-12-2022

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Indigenous Dramaturgies Exchange 2023

Indigenous Dramaturgies Exchange offers emerging Indigenous artists professional development and space for artistic exchange on a current or upcoming dramaturgy project, with a focus on on-the-land engagement as a way of locating stories.

This program provides reciprocal mentorship and community building, and you are encouraged to apply with a partner, mentor, or collaborator.

Indigenous dramaturgies: as artistic ceremony, as political resistances, and as community-building, are under studied and under supported. In this program we will discuss and explore your roles in deeper detail, with the support of faculty and with cultural facilitators for on-the-land engagement sessions. This program includes daily check-ins as a group to share in creative processes and showcase your work in order to look to yourselves, your cultural realities, relationships, and teachings as ways that navigate your artistic practice.

*Financial Aid of up to 100% of tuition fee, meal and accommodation fee is available for this program. All accepted participants will receive the financial aid package.

Program Dates: May 8 – 26, 2023
Application Deadline: February 15, 2023

Deadline: 15-02-2023

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