Congrats 2024 Micro Grant Recipients

The production centre at PAVED Arts is proud to support the artistic projects of our members through our annual Members Micro Grant. Producing members in good standing can submit their project to receive up to $750 cash and $750 production centre credit.

For the 2024 Micro grant, our jury divided the micro grant between two projects, giving the production credit to one member and the cash portion to another member. Congratulations to Gabby Da Silva and Kirk Ford for receiving this year’s micro grant funds! We are excited to support the production of their media arts projects.

Gabby Da Silva will be using the production credit to produce a short film that will incorporate “live action, animation, and digital illustrations with the technique of green screening. This experimental film adds a quirky humour to the daily, thought-consuming task that is taking medications,” says Da Silva.

Gabby Da Silva is a (dis)abled artist fascinated with the collaboration between digital and physical mediums. Within a conceptual approach, she makes work that deals with the documentation of events and the questions of how they can be presented. Born and raised in Saskatoon SK, her work responds to both her surrounding environments and everyday experiences; often accompanied by her own cluttered spoken word.

With the cash portion of this year’s micro-grant, Kirk Ford will be creating The Sword-Synth (Gladiosonus), a two-sword 16-note polyphonic accompaniment MIDI controller inspired by the design of the Suzuki Omnichord electronic harp. This sword/synth hybrid will be capable of generating beautiful polyphonies and, when completed, Kirk will choreograph and compose pieces simultaneously in a planned live audiovisual installation.

Kirk Ford (He/Him/Il) is an artist from Saskatoon who blends the worlds of sound, movement, and technology. His work focuses on creating connections—between dance, music, and the digital realm. Kirk believes in the power of interactivity, inviting audiences to dive into his creations and discover something new. It’s this mix of disciplines, combined with his passion for exploration, that keeps him on his toes, striving to create experiences that are both exciting and accessible. Kirk endeavors to turn every work into a journey of discovery and engagement, offering each piece as an opportunity for interaction, exploration, and emotional resonance.