Client
wind in the leaves collective

Year Completed
2022

Type of Work
Feasibility Study

IBPOC National Touring Network in the Performing Arts

In 2022, spurred by conservations across the sector, the wind in the leaves collective (WITL) collaborated with Bespoke on a multi-partner feasibility study to propose a new national touring network, that centres and supports Indigenous, Black and Persons of Colour (IBPoC) artists in the performing arts. The project partners consisted of artist-presenters, and performing arts presenters, who are either IBPoC-led, or have strong allyship with IBPoC artists and communities. The current project partners for the touring network include: 

Atlantic Ballet (Moncton/New Brunswick)
Canadian Dance Assembly (Montreal/Quebec)
Canadian Stage (Toronto/Ontario)
Citadel + Compagnie (Toronto/Ontario)
Decidedly Jazz (Calgary/Alberta)
Sampradaya Dance Creations (Mississauga/Ontario)
Westben Centre (Campbellford/Ontario)
wind in the leaves collective (Lead Partner) (Toronto/Ontario)

The study engaged artists, arts leaders, funders and NASOs from across the country to evaluate the potential and appetite for a new touring network in Canada. It investigated the resources needed, potential governance models and operational frameworks. The study findings were presented at a conference in Toronto and distributed to all participants.