Equity
The Canada Council for the Arts recognizes the rich contribution of culturally diverse artists and arts organizations to Canadian culture. As such, it is committed to advancing equal opportunity and access to its programs and services. The Council’s Equity Office focuses on supporting Canadian artists of African, Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin American or mixed racial heritage, and their artistic practices. It also funds arts organizations that promote and engage in these practices.
In addition, the Equity Office collaborates with all divisions of Council, including the disciplinary arts sections, to ensure that the guiding principle of equity is reflected throughout the organization. It also consults closely with the Racial Equality in the Arts Advisory Committee (REAC), made up primarily of experienced members of the Canadian arts community who have a critical understanding of matters relating to cultural diversity.
Capacity Building Initiative
The Capacity Building Initiative responds to specific challenges faced by culturally diverse artists and arts organizations, by improving funding and access to development opportunities in these artistic communities. It targets organizations that demonstrate artistic merit, leadership and creative engagement with their cultural communities. The initiative includes a competitive grant program that has the following components:
- Capacity Building Grants for Culturally Diverse Arts Organizations
- Community Capacity Building Grants for Culturally Diverse Arts Organizations
- Travel Grants for Stand Firm Participants
- Professional Development Travel Grants for Culturally Diverse Artists
Programs
All Canada Council programs are accessible to Aboriginal artists and artists of diverse cultural and regional communities. The following are examples of Council programs that may be of particular interest to culturally diverse artists and arts organizations.