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AbouT

Reem Rizk (she/her) is an author specialising in the intersection of literary and visual arts. She recently completed her BFA in Creative Writing at OCAD University, minoring in Digital & Media Studies. Recipient of the Lillian Allen Creative Writing Program Award, she acts as Editor in Chief of the Petal Projections literary magazine, and founder of the publishing space Siren’s Muse.

EDUCATION

September 2020 - May 2024
 

September 2016 - June 2020
 

OCAD University — Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing with a minor in Digital & Media Studies

Activities and Societies: Pulse Annual Print and Digital Journal, OCADULiVE, EcoPoetics, OCADU Theatre Club, Toronto International Festival of Authors Volunteer, Toronto International Film Festival Volunteer

Centennial Secondary School — High School Diploma, Arts Diploma in Vocal Arts with a minor in Visual Arts

Activities and Societies: Arts Program, Student Council, Arts Council President, Creative Writing Club, Film Club, Theatre Club, Creative Writing Club, Choir

Work Experience

September 2023 - May 2024

September 2023  - May 2024

October 2021 - May 2023

January 2023 - May 2023

May 2021 - Oct 2021

May 2021 - August 2021

Production Host & Video Editor, —  OCADULiVE

As a host on the OCADULiVE network, I led weekly episodes of the “Petal Projections” show. This role included episode writing, interviewing, video editing, and event documentation – most notably including involvement in the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), the Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA), and the Petal Projections Magazine Launch Events. 

Social Media & Archival Monitor, —  Faculty of Arts & Sciences at OCAD University (Creative Writing)

As a Social Media & Archival Monitor at OCAD University, I documented ongoing events and projects for their Creative Writing program. Responsibilities within this role included graphic design of advertising posts across social platforms, Filming and photography within events &  student projects, and editing completed video documentations for archival. 

Content Creator, — OCAD University

As a Content Creator for OCAD University, I immersed myself in the ongoings of the University to create educational and entertaining social media content for the school. Responsibilities within this role involved planning content, attending and documenting events, content creation, filming , and editing social media content for the university.

Social Media & Promotions Coordinator, — PULSE (Annual Print & Digital Journal)

In consultation with the Editor in Chief and Editorial Board at the PULSE Annual Print & Digital Journal, I designed a social media strategy, determined the aesthetic for social media posts/reels etc., and posted regularly to promote & introduce the second issue of the journal. I reached out to potential partners/collaborators in the community while promoting events, and soliciting submissions.

Marketing Assistant, — Stoic Beauty

As Marketing Assistant at Stoic Beauty, my focuses included managing the social media profiles of the company (via photography, copywriting, filming, and editing), general content creation, SEO research, brand ideation, blog post and various copy writing, and providing original graphic design for both digital and physical use.

Content Creator, — Spin Master

As a Content Creator for Spin Master, I created social media UGC for the company. Responsibilities of  this role included content ideation, script writing, filming, &  video editing.

RESEARCH & FOUNDED PROJECTS

January 2021 - Present

September 2023 - Present

September 2023 - December 2023

September 2023 - May 2024

Petal Projections (Currently acting as Editor-in-Chief)

As Founder and Editor-in-Chief at Petal Projections, I've led the creation and development of the publication by managing submissions, overseeing finances, crafting compelling copy, and guiding the editorial process. With a focus on managing and budgeting, I've contributed to financial health and guided marketing efforts to expand Petal Projections' reach. I’m grateful to lead a talented editorial board by overseeing content ideation, project deadlines, and aesthetic aspects of the journal.  www.petalprojections.com

Siren's Muse

As Founder of Siren's Muse, I spearhead strategic development, connecting creatives, reviewing manuscripts, and overseeing the publishing process. My role encompasses creative leadership, technological innovation, and financial oversight, fostering relationships with authors and industry influencers to connect writers with broader literary opportunities. www.sirensmuse.ca 

Independent Study – Faculty of Arts & Sciences at OCAD University 

In a senior independent study at OCAD University, I produced two literary journals, focusing on showcasing the works of marginalised voices. From managing submissions to orchestrating the launch, I honed technical skills in editorial and production processes. Through intensive research, I strategically enhanced the publication, resulting in a notable boost in readership.

Undergraduate Thesis – Faculty of Arts & Sciences at OCAD University 

In a Creative Writing Undergraduate Thesis under Program Chair Catherine Black's faculty advisement, I created my debut graphic novel “Dream Diary”. The final project and my involvement in the program granted me The Lillian Allen Creative Writing Program Award. The award is granted annually to one graduating student who has demonstrated the pursuit of excellence in their craft, and who has by their example, commitment, and contributions, made a significant and positive impact on the creative writing community and program at OCAD University.

AWARDS

May 2023

June 2020

June 2020

June 2019

The Lillian Allen Creative Writing Program Award – OCAD University 

Ontario Scholar – Ontario Ministry of Education

Susan Richardson Choral Award – Ontario Ministry of Education

Crimson Rose Commemorate – Hastings and Prince Edward Regional Chorus

VOLUNTEER WORK

2022 - 2024

2019 - 2020

2010 - 2019

Videographer – OCAD University Faculty of Arts and Sciences (2022-2024)

Arts Council President – Centennial Arts Program (2019-2020)

International Touring Chorister – Hastings and Prince Edward Regional Chorus (2010-2019)

Published and Exhibited works

May 2024

May 2024

2024

2024

2024

2023

2023

2023

2023

2022

2021

2021

2021

2016

“Dream Diary:  Book One” – OCAD University GRADEx, 109 (May 2024)

“Dream Diary:  Book One” – Siren’s Muse (May 2024)

“The Cop’s Daughter is my Doppelgänger” – Pulse Annual Print Journal, Issue 03 (2024)

“Mom’s Cooking”– Pulse Annual Digital  Journal, Issue 03 (2024)

“Racing/Running/Something”– Pulse Annual Digital  Journal, Issue 03 (2024)

“Tuck Me In (An Anatomical Anthology)” – Siren’s Muse, (2023)

“Come Celebrate with Us!” – Pulse Blog (2023)

“Blind Date with a Book” Pulse Blog (2023)

“Writers with Typewriters” Pulse Blog (2023)

"Maximalism" – Pulse Annual Print Journal, Issue 01, (2022)

“What to Use For Massage Oil” – Stoic Beauties Blog, (2021)

“Can You Prevent Stretch Marks While Practising Body Neutrality?”– Stoic Beauties Blog, (2021)

“Objects That Bring us Calm” – Stoic Beauties Blog, (2021)

"Weather Man" – Star Guide, Polar Expressions Publishing (2016)

PERFORMANCES (STAGE & SCREEN)

2024

2024

2023 - 2024

2023 - 2024

2023

2023

2023

2023

2022

2020

2010 - 2019

2019

2016

2015

2015

2013

2013

Reader (as herself) in Toronto Public Library Poetry Showcase

Reader (as herself) in GRADEX 109 at OCAD University (2024 - OCAD University)

Host (as herself) in OCADULiVE’s Series “Petal Projections” (2023-2024) (Season 7 & Season 8)

Host (as herself) in "Petal Projections" Launch Events

Host (as herself) in “Mindful Campus” Commercials (2023)

Reader (as herself) in the “Toronto International Festival of Authors Literary Cabaret” (2023 – TIFA)

Reader (as herself) in the “Toronto International Festival of Authors Literary Cabaret” (2023 – TIFA)

Zara in Past Lives Production Company's “Roller Rinks & Sugary Drinks” (2023 – Hamilton Fringe Festival)

Kind Stranger in "Online Awareness Video" for MattTV Productions  (2022)

Lucy in "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" at Centennial Secondary School

Chorister (as herself) in “Hastings and Prince Edward Regional Chorus” Classical Concerts from 2010-2019 (2016 & 2018 International Touring Concerts within Canada, Germany, Hungary, Czechia, Austria, and  The Netherlands)

Chorus Member in "Happy Days: The Musical" at Centennial Secondary School

Old Woman in "Dracula" at Centennial Secondary School

Teenager in "Footloose" at Stirling Festival Theatre

Peasant in "The Prince and the Pauper" at Centennial Secondary School

Forest Spirit in "The Velveteen Rabbit" at the Belleville Theatre Guild

Children's Chorus Leader in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at Stirling Festival Theatre

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