Ben Portis Memorial Award

Ben Portis was a well-respected contemporary art critic with a reputation for championing new and emerging artists. Ben died suddenly in a car accident in 2017. A graduate of Queen’s University, Ben also held graduate degrees from the University of Chicago and Bard College. He has a passion for the visual arts, music, and dance, serving as a curator at the Art Gallery of Ontario and the MacLaren Art Centre in Barrie, as well as for numerous galleries and museums throughout Canada.

Ben’s family established a fund in his honour to help graduates travel and experience art firsthand. Travel will take place in the year after graduation. Applicants must be graduating students.

Travel activities might include research, artistic collaboration, an internship, an artist residency, having an exhibition, or visiting a biennial, film, or video festival. If you are doing something to which you must apply and be accepted — such as a residency, internship, or exhibition — you should submit a contingency plan with your application in case your application is not accepted. Your application will be assessed on the connection you make between your travel plans and the direction of your art practice.

Within two years of the completion of the award, the recipient is required to present an illustrated lunch-hour talk in the Annie Smith Centre on the travel experience and artwork made/viewed.

$6,602.00 Available To Be Divided Among Approved Applicants

Eligibility Criteria:

• Enrolled either in the Major Program or Specialist Program of the Art & Art History Program and graduating in April or August 2025. Please note: Art & Art History is a joint Honours of Bachelor of Arts program between Sheridan College & University of Toronto Mississauga.
• Student must demonstrate financial need (through anticipated travel expenses)
• Students must be in good academic standing

Please only apply if you meet the above criteria.