We are very excited to announce that Work in Culture has received an Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) Grow Grant! Additionally, we are thrilled to be working with our new partners, the City of Windsor, Windsor Essex Small Business Centre, and Arts Council Windsor & Region on this three-year initiative. This grant will allow Work in Culture to work with local champions in Windsor and surrounding communities, to support the career and entrepreneurial skills development of arts and culture professionals (artists and arts administrators).
About the Project: Creative Business Incubator (2020-2023)
The success of our recently completed OTF Grow Grant (2016-2019) and labour market insights report (MakingItWork), tells us that artists and arts workers want to move beyond basic introductory business skills and entrepreneurial skills training. Furthermore, our research confirms our experience that training collaborations are instrumental in providing more advanced training to support the careers of the creative community and elevate the profile of the arts sector. The timing of this project is reinforced by our recent partnership with City of Windsor to facilitate a design-thinking workshop to define the training needs of artists/arts workers in the area.
This project consists of adapting a 4-month, program for the Windsor region, incorporating: an initial multi-day intensive workshop; eLearning modules; facilitated peer mentoring circles; access to experts and recommended resources; and a concluding workshop and close-out event. Participants will apply and be assessed to determine learning priorities. Those who complete the program will come away with a detailed plan of action to move their careers/businesses/organizations forward. Windsor-based partners supporting the development and delivery of the project/program will become better positioned to continue supporting the career development of their creative community beyond the life of the project.
We look forward to sharing more information about this project and the outcomes. To keep updated on the project progress and related activities, please sign up for our newsletter, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
If you have any questions about the project, please contact Stephanie Draker, Program Manager at [email protected].
ONTARIO TRILLIUM FOUNDATION
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. OTF awarded $115 million to 644 projects last year to build healthy and vibrant communities in Ontario.