Winter 2024 Workshop Series

Presented in collaboration with the FOFA Gallery
In English with Jessica Auer
ONLINE - Monday, January 29th, 2024 – 1pm to 3pm 

Aimed at emerging artists, this workshop will breakdown and clarify the process of applying for a gallery exhibition, an art residency, or other art-related programming. Participants will gain insight into the principles and strategies for writing coherent and concise project proposals, artist statements and resumes. The composition and sequence of the digital portfolio will also be addressed. This convivial workshop will provide artists with a set of professional tools that will strengthen their application package and boost their chances at standing out.

About Jessica Auer
Jessica Auer is a Canadian photographer, filmmaker and teacher who works between Montréal, Québec and Seyðisfjörður, Iceland. Through a research-based practice, she examines our social, political and aesthetic attitudes towards place, including but not limited to – historical sites, tourist destinations, and small communities.

Jessica received her MFA from Concordia University in 2007, where she has since been teaching part-time in the Photography department. Her work has been presented in several museums, galleries and festivals, such as the Canadian Center for Architecture (Montréal), The Mulhouse Photography Biennale (France) and most recently at the The Reykjavík Museum of Photography (Iceland). While in Iceland, Jessica runs Ströndin Studio, a photographic research facility and educational institution in Seydisfjördur.‍

How to Register
This workshop is open to students and recent alumni of Concordia University’s Faculty of Fine Arts. To register, please email your name, program/department and year of graduation to artvolt@concordia.ca.

Presented in collaboration with FutureBound
In English, with Chris Enns
ONLINE - Thursday, February 1st 2024 – 11am to 12:30pm

Budgeting is hard when your income is always changing, it's especially hard if you get a few lump sums during the year and are expected to make it last for months at a time. In this workshop, we're going to look at how to budget when income is always changing, with a specific focus on lump sums. We'll look at connecting your budget to what really matters, clearly defining what you need, and tools that will help you smooth that lump sum out over the whole year.  

How to Register
This workshop is open to undergraduate students of Concordia University and recent alumni of the Faculty of Fine Arts.

Presented in collaboration with the Creative Arts Therapies Department
In English with Carolyn Neapole
ONLINE - Tuesday,  February 6th, 2024 – 12pm to 1pm

So many of us have a deeply personal relationship with music, as it companions us through our lives. Becoming familiar with the ways music affects our nervous systems can give us invaluable information that will support us towards a body and mind that feel more regulated and coherent. This presentation by music therapist Carolyn Neapole will focus on the ways in which our nervous systems respond to the elements of music. Carolyn will present on her work as a music therapist who blends creative arts therapy with Somatic Experiencing, a therapy approach to building the resilience and functioning of the nervous system. She will demonstrate simple somatic support activities that you can incorporate into everyday life. This presentation aims to give the music lover in us all tools that can support our nervous systems towards wellness.

About Carolyn
Carolyn Neapole (MTA, AVPT, SEP) is a certified music therapist and Somatic Experiencing practitioner in Vancouver, BC, Canada.  Carolyn holds an MA from the Concordia Creative Arts Therapy program and a faculty position in the music therapy undergraduate program at Capilano University.  She provides trauma-informed music therapy at the BC Cancer Agency and in private practice.

How to Register
This workshop is open to students and recent alumni of Concordia University’s Faculty of Fine Arts. Due to limited capacity, priority access will be given to students and alumni of the Creative Arts Therapies program. To register, please email your name, program/department and year of graduation to artvolt@concordia.ca.

Presented by FutureBound
In English with Johanne Pelletier
Monday, February 19th, 2024 – 12:30pm to 2:30pm
IN PERSON - Student Success Centre Workshop Room, H-771   

What makes a good story? How can you use storytelling to have an impact on your communications?  Storytelling is a skill you can practice and bring to networking events, job interviews, or time spent sharing personal stories among friends.   

In this workshop you will learn what makes a good story, how to tell more compelling stories, and get tips that can help move ideas and anecdotes into stories that influence and inspire. You will have the opportunity to practice in a supportive, safe, and fun atmosphere and receive immediate feedback. Family events, public speaking opportunities, job interviews, presentations – all are opportunities to use stories to convey ideas.  What is your story?    

How to Register
This workshop is open to undergraduate students of Concordia University and recent alumni of the Faculty of Fine Arts.

Presented in collaboration with the Creative Arts Therapies Department
In English with Kae Parker
ONLINE - Tuesday, February 20th, 2024 – 12pm to 1pm

This talk delves into gender affirming practice in the Creative Arts Therapies through a focus on ethical principles. A trans-affirmative approach in clinical work will be described, taking into consideration current context, recent research and local knowledge holders. Attendees will be invited into self-reflection, and explore together how creative modalities can foreground autonomy in the therapy room and beyond.

About Kae Parker
Kae Parker, MA MSc(A) RCAT, is an art therapist, psychotherapist and couple and family therapist. They bring a humanistic and systemic approach to clinical work, with individuals, groups and relationship constellations, grounded in understanding and unpacking how different systems interact with an impact our experiences and well-being.

How to Register
This workshop is open to students and recent alumni of Concordia University’s Faculty of Fine Arts. Due to limited capacity, priority access will be given to students and alumni of the Creative Arts Therapies program. To register, please email your name, program/department and year of graduation to artvolt@concordia.ca.

In English with Margherita Barbagallo
ONLINE -  Wednesday, March 6th, 2024 – 12pm to 1pm

When does a work attract copyright protection? When and how does copyright infringement occur? How do I protect myself as a creative? The key to mastering copyright issues is having the ability to foresee and understand them. In this 1-hour Q&A workshop, our speaker will help you navigate the legal landscape of copyrights. We welcome questions/issues for the speaker to address in advance of the event: please send these to artvolt@concordia.ca when registering, by Thursday, February 22nd. 

About Margherita Barbagallo
Margherita is a dual-qualified lawyer in Canada and the United Kingdom. She is the Head of Litigation, IP & Art Law at Dragon Argent, a firm specialised in advising tech startups and SMEs. Her clientele includes artists, galleries, investors and tech businesses, whom she advises on art-related matters, commercial and digital transactions and intellectual property. Margherita is a member of PAIAM (Professional Advisors to the International Art Market) and a Committee Member of PING (PAIAM’s International Next Generation).

How to Register
This workshop is open to students and alumni of Concordia University’s Faculty of Fine Arts. To register, please email your name, program/department and year of graduation to artvolt@concordia.ca. *Feel free to include questions/issues you would like the speaker to address.

Presented by FutureBound
In English with Eddie Jude Hareven
Friday, March 8th, 2024 – 1pm to 3pm
IN PERSON - Student Success Centre Workshop Room, H-771   

Do you have a great idea for an event? Or have you recently been to a great event and felt inspired to organize one of your own?  Well organized and executed events provide meaningful experiences for your guests, and learning and community-building opportunities for the event organizer(s).

What makes for an impactful and successful event? In this workshop we will review the various stages of event planning from developing your idea, executing all the details, and articulating what was learned from the experience. You will leave with a clearer understanding of how to get started and make your event idea a reality. Bring an idea for an event and we’ll work on honing and developing it together!  

How to Register
This workshop is open to undergraduate students of Concordia University and recent alumni of the Faculty of Fine Arts.

In English with Kat Jackson and Timothy Warner of Audible Studios
As well as with Audible contributors Jesse Einstein and Stephanie Einstein

Thursday, March 21st - 10:30am to 12pm
IN-PERSON - FB building, 6th floor, room 620

Are you curious about Audible: Who they are? What they do? Join us for an introduction talk and a Q&A session with Kat Jackson, Senior Director of Audible Studios and Timothy Warner, a Director for Audible Studios. Learn more about the process behind the creation of audio content and discover the various career options available within the industry: from pitching content, to producing and recording, or even becoming a voice actor/narrator.  

We will also be joined by seasoned Audible contributors, Jesse Einstein and Stephanie Einstein. Learn more about their experience and their journey working as writers, producers, directors and/or voice actors.

How to Register
This workshop is open to current students and recent alumni of Concordia University’s Faculty of Fine Arts. Places are limited and will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. To register, please email your name, program/department and year of graduation to artvolt@concordia.ca.

In English with Kat Jackson, Jesse Einstein and Stephanie Einstein
Thursday, March 21st - 4pm to 5:30pm
IN-PERSON - FB building, 6th floor, room 620

The Audible Studios team works with our pool of actors to bring audio storytelling to life every day, from audiobooks to multicast dramas. This workshop will help lead participants through identifying and developing the skills necessary to work in the field. Participants will be invited to engage and ask questions.

This workshop will address:

• The art of narration and how it relates to other forms of acting

• Getting started, producing demos, agents and unions

• The importance of preparation

• The studio experience, the role of home studios

• Audiobooks vs multicast

• Performance tips

How to Register
This workshop is open to current students and recent alumni of Concordia University’s Faculty of Fine Arts. Places are limited and will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. To register, please email your name, program/department and year of graduation to artvolt@concordia.ca.

In English with Timothy Warner, Jesse Einstein and Stephanie Einstein
Friday, March 22nd - 10am to 11:30am
IN-PERSON - FB building, 6th floor, room 620

This workshop highlights how Audible Studios works on developing and producing multicast drama, non-fiction titles, and other forms of audio storytelling beyond traditional audiobooks. This session is led by Audible Studios producers, and focuses on the how and why of producing best-in-class audio projects. Participants will be invited to engage and ask questions.

This workshop will address:

• Defining the various forms of audio storytelling

• Writing for audio

• Breaking down scripts, pre-production and budgets

• Casting and working with actors

• Recording and editing

• Sound design, music, Atmos

• Post-production

• Art, science and imagination in audio storytelling

How to Register
This workshop is open to current students and recent alumni of Concordia University’s Faculty of Fine Arts. Places are limited and will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. To register, please email your name, program/department and year of graduation to artvolt@concordia.ca.

Presented by FutureBound
In English with Zaccary Dyck, District 3 Innovation Hub
IN-PERSON - Student Success Centre Workshop Room, H-769  

Part 1: Tuesday, March 26th - 1pm to 3pm
Part 2: Tuesday, April 2nd - 1pm to 3pm

Change is already here - how do you want to respond? The pace at which the world changes is not always in our control, but the way we respond and react to change is a life skill that can be learned. Foresight is an alternative approach to plan for the future that is more resilient, imaginative, holistic, and proactive.  Whether it be your academic future, the future of a project or business, the future of a group or social structure, or the future of the environments in which you inhabit, foresight skills will build your resiliency, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities.  

Part 1 of this series is all about mindset shifting and nurturing your creativity; through engaging and collaborative activities, you will learn and practice new strategies that can make you more proactive and resilient in the face of the challenges brought on by change. Adaptability as one of the most sought-after skills in any workplace; join us to develop a highly marketable skillset that can be applied in a diversity of experiences.    

Part 2 of this series is all about solidifying your understanding of the foresight approach by tackling real-life scenarios and questions. You will develop your cognitive flexibility, engage more proactively and positively with change, and leave with a toolkit of foresight skills to apply to your next obstacle or decision.   

How to Register
This workshop is open to undergraduate students of Concordia University and recent alumni of the Faculty of Fine Arts.

Presented by FutureBound
In English with Zaccary Dyck, District 3 Innovation Hub
IN-PERSON - Student Success Centre Workshop Room, H-769

Part 1: Thursday, March 28th - 1pm to 3pm
Part 2: Thursday, April 4th - 1pm to 3pm

If you ever feel like your finances are controlling you, instead of you controlling your finances, then this workshop series is for you. Join this new two-part financial literacy workshop to build your self-reflexive understanding of your personal finances, identify knowledge gaps, and learn techniques to manage your finances to go from anxiety to action.   

Part 1 of Financial Wellbeing is about bridging the gap between your current and future financial circumstances by learning new habits, knowledge, and steps to building a supportive financial network. Together we will explore strategies to take control of your personal finances and prepare a template for next week.   

Part 2 of Financial Wellbeing is about building confidence, resilience, and analytic skills when making decisions around money. You will learn how you can inspect a financial situation over time to extract insights and make data-informed decisions. Together we will map out how to build your capacity for resilience in the face of change. This knowledge can be applied to personal finances and managing a project or team’s budget!  

All levels of personal finance knowledge are welcome. Please bring a laptop and have a clean spreadsheet ready to go! (Google Sheets or Excel)  

How to Register
This workshop is open to undergraduate students of Concordia University and recent alumni of the Faculty of Fine Arts.

In English with Andras Csaszar
Friday, April 5th - 1pm to 3pm
IN PERSON – FB building, room 600

This workshop will introduce participants to the basics of safely packaging artworks for transportation. Participants will learn about handling techniques, what materials to use, and how to build safe packaging for various types of 2D and 3D artwork. Come learn from an expert and minimize the risks of damaging your artworks!

About Andras
With a background in visual arts, Andras Csaszar has extensive experience in art handling. While working for galleries, museums, collectors, institutions and art shipping companies, his abilities expanded to include tasks such as packing and unpacking artwork, installing exhibitions and individual works, transporting delicate pieces, and ensuring the safety and security of valuable artworks.

How to Register
This workshop is open to recent alumni of Concordia University’s Faculty of Fine Arts. To register, please email your name, program/department and year of graduation to artvolt@concordia.ca.

In English with Hélène Brousseau
Wednesday, April 10th 2024 – 5pm to 7pm
IN PERSON - Library Building, room LB-207

The workshop is an introductory-level course aimed at teaching artists how to manage digital archives. It will cover three key areas: 1) an introduction to classification systems, 2) strategies for effective file-naming, and 3) methods for tracking artworks using an index file. The workshop is interactive and includes practical exercises, so participants are advised to bring a laptop or have access to their files via the cloud. This will enable hands-on learning and application of the concepts taught.

About Hélène Brousseau
Hélène Brousseau is the digital media and visual resources librarian at Concordia University, subject librarian for Cinema, Contemporary dance and Music. She was formerly the digital collections and systems librarian at Artexte. Since 2018, he has given multiple workshops and presentations on the management of archives, mainly for cultural workers in artist-run centres. 

How to Register
This workshop is open to students and recent alumni of Concordia University’s Faculty of Fine Arts. To register, please email your name, program/department and year of graduation to artvolt@concordia.ca.