Homegrown mentorship · 2027
SPARKS
A real project. The right people. A clearer path forward. Project-based mentorship for emerging Alberta storytellers ready to move from idea to action—with support shaped around the work in front of them.
Remote participation welcome across Alberta.
Mentorship built around the work
Your project sets the direction.
SPARKS meets emerging storytellers where they are. Instead of asking creators to fit a generic program, Homegrown connects each project with relevant guidance, practical structure and an experienced creative community.
The goal is simple: help strong ideas become stronger work—and help Alberta talent build momentum without leaving home to find opportunity.
How SPARKS works
Support that moves with your project.
01
Bring a project
Apply with a story or creative project you want to move forward—not a hypothetical classroom exercise.
02
Build your support team
Connect with experienced mentors whose disciplines and perspective fit what your project needs.
03
Move the work forward
Get practical support through planning, production and distribution, with clear next steps beyond the cohort.
Choose your path
Make the next connection count.
For emerging storytellers
Build your project with a mentor beside you.
SPARKS is for Alberta creators with a project in motion, including recent graduates and people in the first five years of their creative career.
- Bring a current creative project
- Work through planning, production or distribution
- Participate remotely from across Alberta
For experienced creatives
Help a new voice move from potential to progress.
Homegrown is building a mentor pool across creative disciplines. Bring practical experience, generous perspective and respect for creator-led work.
- Guide real projects, not hypothetical briefs
- Share discipline-specific experience
- Join a growing Alberta creative network
2027 program timeline
Three entry points. One growing network.
Exact application dates and cohort schedules will be published when confirmed.
October 2026
Mentee call launches
Program details and the 2027 application pathway go live.
Mid-December
Mentees selected
Nine emerging storytellers are selected across the three 2027 cohorts.
January 2027
Cohort one
The first project-based mentorship cohort begins.
May 2027
Cohort two
A new group enters the mentorship pathway.
September 2027
Cohort three
The final 2027 cohort begins.
Program partner
Built with Alberta’s film community.CSIF — SPARKS is being developed with the Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers, connecting emerging storytellers with practical support and experienced creative perspectives.
Frequently asked questions
Before you apply.
Who is SPARKS for?
Emerging storytellers, recent graduates and creators in roughly the first five years of their creative career. Applicants need a project they are ready to develop.
Do I need to live in Calgary?
No. SPARKS is rooted in Alberta and remote participation is welcome, helping creators participate from across the province.
What kind of support can I expect?
Mentorship is shaped around the project and may support planning, production and distribution—not a one-size-fits-all curriculum.
When do applications open?
The mentee call is planned for October 2026. Join the application notice list to hear when dates and the form are confirmed.
Can I apply to be a mentor?
Yes. Homegrown is building a cross-disciplinary pool of 10–15 mentors for the 2027 cohorts.
Built here. Grown here.
Give your project the next spark.
Be first to know when SPARKS 2027 mentee applications open—or help shape the next cohort as a mentor.