Ed Video Media Arts Centre received a 2024 Musagetes Fund Art Grant which provided operational support which helped the organization during a big time of change. As Guelph’s only artist-run media arts centre, Ed Video is an important place where local artists can create, share their work, and connect with others.
Thanks to the grant, Ed Video successfully went through a leadership change in May 2024, when Sarafina Bortolon-Vettor became the new Executive Director after the retirement of long-time leader Elizabeth Dent. One of Sarafina’s first steps, based on community feedback, was to move the Centre to a new space at Silence in downtown Guelph. This helped lower costs and opened the door to new local partnerships with other creative Guelph non-profits.
The grant also supported changes within the team and programming. Ed Video switched to a volunteer Programming Committee and restructured staff roles to keep exhibitions and workshops going despite budget challenges. New role changes including their Education and Communications Manager, and the hiring a DS4Y artist, helped grow programs like the Animation Youth Camp, Reel Stories: Documentary Filmmaking for Youth, and a new filmmaking series for young adults.
Despite challenges faced in early 2025, Ed Video kept running key programs with the help of its board, members, and supporters. Collaborations with the Guelph Jazz Festival, Guelph Film Festival, Royal City Brewing Co., and others showed Ed Video’s strong role in the local arts scene and their support of their fellow organizations.
The Musagetes grant helped make it possible for Ed Video to remain a space where artists can tell stories, learn new skills, and be part of Guelph’s vibrant cultural community!