This funding offers $20,000 to support a mid‑career professional in a creative leadership role through a residency lasting between six months (full‑time) and twelve months (part‑time). It is available primarily in one Canadian province and surrounding regions, though remote or hybrid residencies with eligible organizations across the country may be considered. The intent is to advance racialized leadership in arts administration by covering salary for the resident while they work closely with a host organization under direct mentorship.
Eligible recipients include individuals who are Indigenous, Black, or a person of color, who reside legally within the local region and hold authorization to work. They must not already be on staff or board of the host organization, and must not have previously participated in this residency. During the residency, the individual will take on leadership‑level responsibilities—such as strategic planning, program development, budgeting, team coordination, partnership outreach, and community engagement—with guidance from senior artistic or executive staff.
Host organizations must be registered charities focused on arts activity, operating in the region or elsewhere in Canada, and capable of co‑designing a structured work plan to support the resident’s professional growth. The funds are strictly designated for the resident’s wages and related employment costs, such as payroll taxes, and are disbursed in installments aligned to project milestones. Other costs—like external training, mentoring fees, or administrative expenses—are not covered.
The program is designed to build both individual leadership capacity and organizational equity by embedding emerging leaders in meaningful roles. Interim and final reports are required from both the resident and host. While the focus is regional, collaborations can extend across provinces, as long as all parties meet the eligibility requirements. Applications are typically reviewed within six weeks of the deadline.
This opportunity strengthens emerging arts leaders and supports host organizations’ equity goals through a structured, funded placement.
