Become an Artist Tester-in-Residence
Who We Are
My Practice Playbook (MPP) is a small team of artists, designers, and product specialists, funded by the Canada Council for the Arts. We are building two AI-powered feedback tools developed specifically for visual artists working on artist statements and applications (such as grants, bursaries, exhibits, fellowships, and residencies).
We want artists to have the confidence to share their work publicly, but recognise that often, they don’t know where to begin. Our tools support learning and growth in your practice. They surface friction points in your writing and offer opportunities to strengthen it yourself.
As such, our tools won’t provide “copy and paste” responses; rather, they will help you see your own work more clearly—and ensure the words on the page stay entirely yours.
Why We Do What We Do
MPP believes artists need to define new technologies geared toward them on their own terms, not have them handed down by Silicon Valley. That’s why we use Augure, a Canadian company, which doesn’t train on user data. Our tools are updated manually by us to ensure the training data is accurate and secure.
Our goal is to use and make responsible AI tools that help us rather than replace us, acknowledging that the current AI environment is far from perfect.
Who We're Looking For
We're recruiting 12 working visual artists across Canada and the United States to test early versions of our first two tools, the Artist Statement Feedback Tool and our Application Support Feedback Tool. If selected, you will provide structured feedback and help shape the final product.
Commitment & Compensation
- Duration: Nine (9) months (Sept 2026 – May 2027)
- Frequency: Three (3) testing rounds (one per quarter): two focused on your assigned tool and one crossover session to evaluate the alternate tool.
- Compensation: $450CAD total, disbursed as $150CAD per completed testing round, paid within 15 business days of submitting feedback.
- Note: Conversion to preferred currency, such as USD, is subject to the exchange rate at the time of payment or conversion. We recommend contacting your bank or exchange service for any conversion-related questions.
- Time commitment: 6 hours total for the duration of the project; each round should take approximately 2 hours (tool usage + structured feedback form)
What You’ll Do
- Receive access to your assigned tool (statement or application focus)
- Use the tool as directed with a real or draft statement or application
- Complete a 30- to 45-minute structured feedback form after each round, rating and commenting on:
- Clarity of the Framework
- Quality of the AI Output
- Process & Emotional Experience
- Gaps & Missing Features
- Trust in Output & Willingness to Continue Using
- Attend optional quarterly syncs (30 minutes, virtual)
Who Should Apply
- Working visual artists (e.g., photography, painting, sculpting, mixed media, installations, text, ceramics, textiles, etc.)
- Artists who regularly submit or are about to submit artist statements and/or applications for open calls like exhibitions, residencies, and/or funding.
- Artists who are comfortable testing digital tools and providing candid, constructive feedback.
- Artists with any level of experience with AI or AI tools—whether you use them regularly or not.
- We actively encourage participation from women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of racialised communities, LGBTQ2S+ individuals, artists over the age of 50, and artists with day jobs or caring responsibilities.
How to Apply
Fill out the form!
For More Information
See our privacy policy, terms of service, and acceptable use policies.