A new internal grant program is designed to spark creative juices in the Faculty of Fine Arts while also creating valuable mentor relationships.

The Mentors in Creative Research (MCR) project grants for Fine Arts are a one-time opportunity (with up to three grants valued at $3,000 each) for full-time faculty, university-employed curators or full-time academic assistants to create a student-driven project that celebrates research at the University of Lethbridge.

Funded by the Office of the Vice-President (Research), the MCR program is seeking applications that must substantially involve an undergraduate student, with projects designed as collaborative in nature. Priority will go to applicants who demonstrate clear opportunities for creative mentorship in undertaking the project. At least half of the grant funding should be allocated to a student stipend.

Once chosen, projects will be unveiled at an October 2013 reception and will be displayed in the Office of Research and Innovation Services. The application deadline for MCR is Apr. 1 with grant terms running from Apr. 15 through Oct. 15.

Eligible projects include but are not limited to performance arts, visual arts and technology. Applications will be adjudicated by a committee of representatives from each department in the Fine Arts, with proposals evaluated on the clarity and scope of the project, the involvement and collaboration with student(s), the opportunity for creative mentorship during the project's tenure, the ability of the project to reflect research excellence at the U of L and justification of the budget relative to the requirements of the proposed project.

To apply, fill out a Research Proposal Form on the Bridge and submit to the Office of Research and Innovation Services.