This virtual workshop was presented by Ontario Presents on Feb 18, 2025 as part of the Slow Touring Project. It was made possible thanks to support from the Canada Council for the Arts.
Speakers
- Colleen Snell - Frog in Hand
- Yasmine Ostendorf Rodriguez - Green Arts Lab Alliance
- Alvaro Valencia - Human Impact Institute
- Veronica Johnny - The Johnnys & IndigenEd
Workshop Highlights
The Sustainability in Touring and Presenting Workshop provided an in-depth assessment of sustainable practices within the arts sector, extending far beyond superficial concerns. The workshop challenged prevailing notions of sustainability, advocating for a holistic approach encompassing environmental, social, and economic perspectives. A central theme was the pressing need for equitable access to resources and opportunities, with a particular emphasis on achieving fair compensation for artists, especially those from marginalized communities who often face systemic disadvantages. The crucial role of community-led initiatives was stressed, showcasing successful examples of artist-run spaces and collaborative projects that exemplify the benefits of resource sharing and the incorporation of local knowledge. Frog in Hand Dance provided examples of these unique ways of thinking, from building a geodesic dome in suburban Mississauga to offering sweat equity in exchange for use of the space.
Discussions addressed the need to overcome power imbalances within the arts ecosystem, promoting more inclusive and participatory decision-making processes that prioritize diverse voices and perspectives. The workshop advocated process-oriented approaches to project development, contrasting traditional hierarchical models with more adaptive and responsive methods that actively incorporate community input at every stage. According to Alvaro Valencia of Human Impacts Institute, international collaborations play a key role in breaking down these barriers and merging intentions and activities.
Innovative funding strategies were explored, moving beyond traditional grant applications to encompass alternative models such as community-based fundraising, barter systems, and the strategic utilization of freely available online resources. Significantly, Indigenous perspectives and knowledge systems need to be viewed as a valuable framework for understanding and implementing sustainable practices grounded in cultural context. The overall objective was to inspire participants to adopt a holistic and inclusive approach to sustainability, thereby contributing to the creation of a more equitable and just arts sector where sustainability is not merely a goal, but a fundamental principle guiding all creative endeavors.
Links and References
- Decolonization is not a Metaphor: A critical examination of decolonization beyond symbolic frameworks. Read more here.
- On the Move: A platform dedicated to promoting mobility and the rights of artists, cultural workers, and organizations across Europe. Visit On the Move.
- Creative Green Tools Canada: A valuable resource offering tools and strategies for sustainable creative practices in the Canadian arts sector. Check out Creative Green Tools Canada.
- Grant Writing Tool: An educational resource designed to help individuals and organizations improve their grant writing skills and secure funding effectively. Learn more about Grant Writing.
- Future Materials Bank: An innovative platform focused on the sustainable reuse of materials within the creative industries to promote eco-friendly practices. Visit the Future Materials Bank.
- Colleen Snell’s Presentation Deck: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGe1iEfK9I/nF8pUesQ86UL_sHnNstsEA/view?utm_content=DAGe1iEfK9I&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=he9bc68d013
Questions for Reflection from Colleen Snell, Frog in Hand
Environmental reflection:
How are you / your organization already connected to nature?
What do you already appreciate?
How do you care for it?
What are the resources you are using? How can you use less?
Is there something you can do together, as a team?
Is there more you can do with your community?
How can you make it consistent?
How can you make it long term?
Materials reflection:
What can you mend?
Do you know where your materials come from, and where they go after you are done with them?
Is there something you can reuse?
Does your site have a composter, recycling capacity?
Can you host or attend mending workshops?
Are there underused spaces in your neighbourhood or in your building that could host an event, or artist residency?
What kind of space do you really need?
What can you share?
Human resources reflection:
Do you have redundancies in place?
Can you build check ins into your schedules? Either formal or informal ones?
Consider incorporating a soft start, so people are allowed to be 15 minutes late?
Can you bring food to the workplace, or to community events to bring people together?
What can you celebrate together?
What encourages people to rely on one another?
How can you help each other?
Are there spaces where people can bump into one another for organic conversation - either the people who work with you, or the audience/patrons you serve? It's usually the kitchen or coffee machine... How can these spaces be cared for, and can people be encouraged to use them?