Season 3
Building for the Long Term
The Slow Touring Sessions are back. This season, we're trying something new: hands-on workshops where you'll work through the challenges and opportunities of your own specific context, all on the theme of buidling long-term relationships and support. So much of the 'slow' ethos is about looking ahead and investing for the long term, rather than focusing on short term gain. This season we'll explore building long-term connections through outreach to cultural groups in your community; being an empathetic employer of artsworkers and artists; and - our most popular question - finding funding for slow touring.
Each workshop includes two sessions, so you'll have time to reflect on the content and bring us back your questions and ideas for further exploration. As usual, this series is free and open to all arts-workers in Canada. Thanks to the Department of Canadian Heritage for making this possible.
Next Session
Workshop One
Connecting with Cultural Communities
Session 1
Wednesday, December 2, 2026
Session 2
Wednesday, December 9, 2026
Time
2:30 - 4:00 PM ET
Demographics across Canada are changing rapidly, and presenters and artists want to connect with audiences from different cultural backgrounds. How do you market shows or art forms that are rooted in a specific culture? How can you help touring artists find the audiences who might relate most to their work? And - critically - what's the best way to reach cultural or ethnic groups in your community and build a long term partnership that doesn't hinge on a single show?
This workshop will be geared towards presenters (we encourage you to invite staff or volunteers who handle outreach, engagement and/or marketing) but we welcome artists and agents/managers who want to be a part of the industry conversation on this topic.
Speakers
Leroy Hibbert
Multicultural Outreach Program Coordinator, LUSO Community Services (London)
Leroy delivers customized workshops, presentations, and training on race relations, Black History, and cultural awareness and competency for youth, educators, parents, professionals, and community groups.
He sits on the Thames Valley District School Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, the Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Committee, and the London Black History Coordinating Committee.
Pam Patel
Artistic Director, MT Space Theatre (Kitchener-Waterloo)
Pam is a multidisciplinary artist who has toured nationally and internationally with numerous Canadian companies. As Artistic Director of MT Space, she pursues her passion for centralizing racialized voices through theatre.
She has served as board chair for NUMUS and Arts Awards Waterloo Region, and on the City of Kitchener's Arts and Culture Advisory Committee. She sits on the CAPACOA board and its International Market Development Committee. Her honours include CAPACOA's Emerging Leader in Performing Arts Award, Rotary International's Paul Harris Fellowship, Zonta's Women of Achievement Award, and the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Upcoming Workshops
Workshop Two
The Empathetic Workplace
Session 1
Monday, January 18, 2027
Session 2
Monday, January 25, 2027
Time
1:00 - 2:30 PM ET
In this workshop, we'll explore how to apply the Slow Touring ethos to employment, from full-time staff to touring artists and contract workers. How can employers build meaningful long-term relationships with staff and artists? The post-pandemic workplace is seeing many changes and opportunities, including virtual/hybrid work, better cultural sensitivity, AODA compliance, flexible schedules, and support for parents/caregivers, as well as artist riders that address things like accessibility and reconciliation. Let's talk about what you can offer your collaborators to support their wellbeing and avoid burnout.
This workshop will be geared towards presenters (venues and festivals) but we welcome artists and agents/managers who want to be a part of the industry conversation on this topic.
Workshop Three
Financing Slow Touring
Session 1
Monday, April 5, 2027
Session 2
Monday, April 12, 2027
Time
1:00 - 2:30 PM ET
It's the question we hear most often about Slow Touring - is it more expensive, and if so, how do we pay for it? There may not be one clear answer in this time of funding cuts and unpredictable ticket sales, but there are plenty of ideas for how we might build a funding base for this kind of work.
New to Slow Touring?
The Sessions are one part of the wider Slow Touring Project: research, a pilot cohort, full slow tours, and the 5 Principles that guide all of it.
Watch Past Seasons
Seasons 1 and 2 are available to watch in full. Browse the Slow Touring Sessions archive.
Questions & Support
If you have questions or require accessibility accommodations, please contact noor [at] ontariopresents.ca (noor[at]ontariopresents[dot]ca).
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Department of Canadian Heritage, The Ontario Arts Council, and the Canada Council for the Arts.
