Canadian Media Skills Exchange (CMSE) – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do I register for the Canadian Media Skills Exchange (CMSE)?
If you are an analogue-based artist-run centre looking to register, please reach out to Robin Riad at specialprojects@lift.ca for a private link and password. Registration for this event is by invitation only. 

2. How do I sign up for workshops and discussion sessions?
By registering for the CMSE, you are signing up to attend every workshop and discussion session. Of course, you are not expected to attend every single one (nor are we taking attendance); however, the program has been designed so that everyone can attend every workshop offered if they wish to. Workshops range from beginner to intermediate levels, allowing everyone to benefit. You can view the program here. 

Workshops and discussion sessions are only open to registered participants, and are not open to LIFT Members or the General Public. To view our seasonal workshops, you can click here.

3. How can I participate if I have not or can no longer register?
If you need an extension on your registration, please get in touch with Robin Riad at specialprojects@lift.ca for an accommodation on an extension.

4. How do I meet or know who’s presenting and attending?
Registered participants will be invited to join a Discord channel to communicate with other participants in advance of and during the exchange. We will also be using this as a resource to communicate logistics during the events. A program guide will be available online and in print prior to. 

5. Will I be able to attend every event if I register?
Yes! All events (unless otherwise specified in our program) will be held at LIFT’s Facility, 1137 Dupont St, Toronto ON. The program has been designed so that participants can attend every workshop/discussion session. Of course, participants are welcome to join breakout rooms and visit other local institutions. 

6. Can I rent equipment and use the facilities while attending the CMSE?
Registered participants will be able to rent equipment from LIFT during the CMSE. All equipment and facility usage during the exchange is free of charge if the equipment is used at LIFT. If you wish to take equipment outside of LIFT’s facilities and are not a LIFT member, a one-time charge of $20 will be added to your rental fee to cover administrative costs, and you will incur a rental charge. You can see what the LIFT Tech Department has to offer by perusing our catalogue here: https://lift.ca/equipment-catalogue/

To increase the likelihood that the equipment you want to rent is available during the exchange, please get in touch with the Tech Department at tech@lift.ca in advance with the subject line: CMSE Rental Request to communicate your rental preferences. 

7. Can I buy filmstock and chemistry during the CMSE?
LIFT carries most Kodak film stocks and some other stocks by competitors. You can find the complete list online at https://lift.ca/store/. We will have a lot of stock on hand during the event. Film can be ordered online in advance for pick up. We encourage you to order in advance of the CMSE to ensure its availability. You can also purchase black and white chemistry from our store. For other chemistry, you can visit Downtown Camera or Aden Camera. 

8. Can I show my film and will there be screenings?
LIFT will be facilitating an Open Screening during CMSE. An Open Screening is a format where participants bring their films to share, which will be shown in no particular order. Acceptable formats include Super8, 8mm, 16mm, and digital formats (.mov and H.264, limited to stereo sound playback). There will be a ten-minute time limit per film, and a limit of one film per filmmaker.

Additionally, LIFT will be compiling a directory of exciting events occurring throughout the city concurrent with CMSE.

9. When should I book my arrival and departure?
The CMSE runs from May 22 to 26, but we have programmed the first day lightly to accommodate people’s travel schedules. May 22 will be an in-person registration day, where participants can pick up their program guides and bags, and get a tour of LIFT’s facility. The first day will also have an evening get-together at a local establishment. Departure should be scheduled for May 27, as May 26 is a full day of activities. You can view the program here. 

10. How can I get around Toronto?
The best way to get around Toronto is by public transportation via the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). Participants will be provided with a wayfinding guide between their accommodation and LIFT, including transit information and suggestions. Depending on Toronto’s weather in May, other transportation options include bike shares (most commonly Bike Share Toronto) and walking.

11. What will accessibility look like at the CMSE?
LIFT is working hard to make our facilities as accessible as possible to our community. You can view our page on Accessibility at LIFT here. We will also be documenting the events, and note-taking, so that all of the workshops and discussion sessions are available to view after the event. These documents will also be shared via The Independent Media Arts Alliance (IMAA-AAMI) and the Media Arts Network of Ontario (MANO-RAMO). 

If you have any accessibility requirements, including physical accommodation, ASL interpretation or language interpretation, please reach out by May 1 so that we can work to accommodate them. If you are a last-minute attendee, then we cannot guarantee that all accessibility accommodations will be met in time for your attendance.

12. What should I do about food?
LIFT will be providing catered lunches from May 22-26, 2025, as well as coffee, tea and snacks throughout the day. The opening night reception will be held at a local restaurant and bar near LIFT’s facilities on Dupont. Breakfasts and dinners are the meals that participants will have to take care of themselves. To help folks get better acquainted with the city and the amazing food it has to offer, we’ll provide some suggestions in the program booklet for every budget. You can review restaurants on BlogTO by neighborhoods. https://www.blogto.com/restaurants

13. Will there be childcare available during the CMSE?
Please get in touch by May 1 if you require childcare during the CMSE so we can help make arrangements. We are happy to be able to support that cost if we are informed in advance.

If you are a last-minute attendee, then we cannot guarantee childcare will be available.