Factory Media Centre is Hamilton’s not-for-profit artist-driven resource centre for film, video, new media, installation, and sound art. Become a member to enjoy exclusive benefits and join our vibrant community!

How to Become a Member

You can register to become a member with us online via Paypal by selecting the membership type that is right for you from the options below, or visit us in person at 366 Victoria Ave. N, Hamilton ON.

Membership Benefits

All members of Factory Media Centre receive…

• Access to our newly renovated facilities and studios
• Access to our constantly expanding library of production and post-production rental equipment
• Eligibility to apply for our Annual Members Screening and other exhibition, residency, and artistic opportunities
• Enjoy exclusive Membership free access/pricing on various Professional Development workshops
• Voting rights in the Annual General Meeting (AGM)
• Opportunities to join our board of directors
• Opportunities to volunteer
• Opportunities to learn and participate in media arts programming and grant writing
• Advice and guidance from professional, experienced mentors
• Invitations to events, screenings, workshops, and more
• Enjoy 25% of on DVD/CD Mastering, DVD Authoring, and DVD/CD Duplication from Hill’s Production Services
• Enjoy 10% off on photo printing and an exclusive FMC Members’ discount of studio rentals at Dave Gruggen Photography
• Enjoy 15% off custom cut vinyl graphics from Gorilla Graphics
• Opportunity to purchase personal health insurance

Health Insurance

Factory Media Centre is pleased to offer our members the opportunity to purchase personal health insurance through the Arts & Entertainment Plan.^® This is made possible through Factory Media Centre’s organizational membership with Media Arts Network of Ontario / Réseau des arts médiatiques de l’Ontario (MANO | RAMO).

What is MANO | RAMO?

The Media Arts Network of Ontario (MANO) was created in 2009 to provide a responsive voice for Ontario’s media arts sector. MANO continues to play an key role spearheading advocacy, professional development, networking and communications that further the profile of the media arts sector in communities across the province. MANO serves 65 media arts organizations and collectives across Ontario.

What is The Arts & Entertainment Plan^®?

The Arts & Entertainment Plan^® is offered by Actra Fraternal Benefit Society (AFBS), a not-for-profit insurance provider owned by performers and writers. The Actra Fraternal Benefit Society is Canada’s only national insurance and investment provider launched and owned by Canadian performers and screenwriters.

Can all membership levels of Factory Media Centre register for health insurance?

No. Only current Individual, Student/Senior Members with FMC are eligible to register for The Arts & Entertainment Plan^® health insurance. Named members under a Organization Membership are not eligible to register.

Please note: Students receiving student health insurance from a post-secondary institution may not be eligible under The Arts & Entertainment Plan^® eligibility requirements. We encourage FMC members to consult The Arts & Entertainment Plan^® website here and review their eligibility requirements.

How can I get health insurance through The Arts & Entertainment Plan^®?

To register for The Arts & Entertainment Plan^®, visit their website here and fill out their online form to receive a personalized quote.

Membership Policy

Our members come from a variety of cultural and artistic backgrounds and we foster a space that is free of sexism, racism, classism and all forms of discrimination.  Membership privileges may be suspended or terminated at The Factory’s discretion for violations of the Code of Conduct, Code of Ethics, or current policies.  The Factory reserves the right to withdraw a Member’s access if disrespect is shown to other Members, staff or for the mishandling of the equipment.

If you are a member in good standing and are interested in joining the Board of Directors, please contact chair@factorymediacentre.ca. Interested parties must submit a Letter of Intent and CV, and complete a Board Nomination Form. New board members are voted in during the Annual General Meeting.

Equipment Rental Considerations

In order to rent equipment, members must be in good standing and have no outstanding debt to the Factory. Before utilizing the Factory equipment, the member must satisfy the appointed representative of the Factory that they can completely and safely operate the equipment. Workshops and/or one-on-one staff led intro sessions to obtain accreditation in the use of said equipment are available. Members will adhere to all Factory policies regarding the use of equipment and facilities and will complete a Project Form to assist our efforts to document the nature of productions for granting agencies and financial supporters. Members are responsible for copyright clearances on all visual and sound elements to be used in their production. Signing a membership form is an undertaking by the member to hold the Factory harmless and indemnify it against any actions which may arise as a result of the member’s use of copyrighted materials. The Factory invites members include acknowledgment of the Factory’s support in all production credits, and promotional materials. The Factory encourages members to provide a copy of their final projects made with support and/or access to Factory equipment holdings or studio spaces for archival purposes. Provided copies will not be screened publicly without the express permission of the owner.