(Credit; Aaron Davis)

The Ontario Arts Foundation and the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts is set to launch the Ray Ferris Innovation and Sustainability Grant.

The grant will be available for companies based in Toronto and will provide $25,000 for the organization that demonstrates unique methods of delivering a narrative in live theatre as well as new and sustainable processes in the construction and striking of a live theater production. The company must also demonstrate an ability to transform non-traditional or underused spaces into a theatrical venue.

Among those on the Grant Assessment Committee will be Indrit Kasapi (Artistic Producer, Theatre Passe Muraille, TAPA Board member), Anthony Garoufalis-Auger (The Climate Emergency Unit, SCALE-LeSAUT Mission Circle),  Denyse Karn (Executive Director, Associated Designers of Canada), Shawn Kerwin (Independent Stage and Costume Designer), Jacoba Knaapen (Executive Director, TAPA),  and Lisa Lambert (Estate of Raymond M. Ferris).

Ray Ferris was a Toronto artist, mathematician, and statistician. He was on the team of NASA rocket scientists responsible for the astronauts’ return from the moon landing.

“As a mathematician, visual artist, and lifelong fan of live theatre, Ray hoped to champion innovators of the stage, especially the designers,” said Ray’s spouse Leah Lambert in an official press statement. “I’m confident that the Ray Ferris Innovation and Sustainability Grant will see that hope fulfilled.”