Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Over the past few years, artsPlace has been hard at work examining our internal and external practices and working towards developing a comprehensive strategy to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization for all. 

At artsPlace, we honour and celebrate your uniqueness. Diversity, equity and inclusion practices are a high priority for us as individuals, as a workplace, and as a community.

Over the next several years, we commit to developing intercultural competences in our staff, Board of
Directors, and artists to build upon our relationships with diverse community members and to shift our organizational structures and capacity. Our overarching goal is to increase inclusivity to best serve diverse populations, including but not limited to Indigenous Peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQI+ community, immigrants, individuals with disabilities, and neurodivergent community members.

We recognize that true systemic change is a long process and we are committed to learning, growing and changing as an organization to better serve our Bow Valley community as a whole.

Here are some of our most immediate objectives to achieve this goal.

Phase 1 – 2017-Present

Relationship building and cultural learning through the Indigenous Connections Program

Since the program launched in 2017, Indigenous Connections has led to a surge of First Nations programming at artsPlace – from captivating Indigenous works in film, theatre, visual arts, dancing and drumming, to cross-cultural learning programs in Stoney culture, to youth outreach in Morley through the Youth Arts Collective, to artist mentorship through the RISE Emerging Artist Program, and more.

Develop inclusivity programs in partnership with diverse community members, groups, and organizations

Over the past couple of years, we have been building on our relationships with diverse community groups to develop a host of inclusive programming, from theatre events to classes and workshops to outreach programs and more.

One of the highlights of this initiative was the launch of a series of Cultural Learning Circles led by a variety of facilitators, from Stoney Nakoda knowledge-keepers to local community members and partners such as the Bow Valley Settlement Services and Bow Valley Immigration Partnership, to experts in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion education. These free online webinars build on our relationships with diverse cultures and encourage an equitable and inclusive community for all.

Phase 2 – 2020-Present

Artist instructor training

We are working directly with our team of artist instructors to provide a variety of opportunities for cultural diversity and sensitivity training.

Staff and Board of Directors training

Our staff and Board of Directors are undertaking a comprehensive, multi-step training to better understand diversity, equity and inclusion.

Increase cultural diversity of artist instructors

We strive to work with a diverse group of artist instructors and are working towards removing or reducing barriers to accessing teaching and career opportunities.

Phase 3 – 2023

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Audit

We are currently undertaking a DEI Audit with outside consultants to help us assess all aspects of our community centre, from communications to programs to staff training, and to consider how to evolve our organization to best serve the diverse community of the Bow Valley.

Volunteer Training

We are undergoing volunteer training to help better support neurodivergent participants in our classes and workshops.

Diverse Training Opportunities

Continued Staff, Board and Artist training to develop more awareness of the needs of neurodivergent community members.

Did you know?

Discover Art Access Program

Anyone who identifies as Indigenous can access our Discover Art Access Program and receive a 65% discount off regular prices for multi-week courses and a 50% discount off workshops, movies, special screenings and live performances.

Learn More

Neurodivergent Community

Caregivers who are accompanying a neurodivergent community member to offer them support may attend workshops and concerts at artsPlace for free. Please call artsPlace in advance to secure your registration.

Call 403-609-2623

artsPlace is located on the land of the Treaty 7 people.

In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge the Canmore area, known as “Chuwapchipchiyan Kudi Bi”, and the traditional Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Îyârhe Nakoda (Stoney Nakoda) – comprised of the Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Goodstoney First Nations – as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation and the Blackfoot Confederacy comprised of the Siksika, Piikani, Kainai, and the Métis Nation (Region 3).

artsPlace is located on the land of the Treaty 7 people.

In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge the Canmore area, known as “Chuwapchipchiyan Kudi Bi”, and the traditional Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Îyârhe Nakoda (Stoney Nakoda) – comprised of the Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Goodstoney First Nations – as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation and the Blackfoot Confederacy comprised of the Siksika, Piikani, Kainai, and the Métis Nation (Region 3).

artsPlace is located on the land of the Treaty 7 people.

In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge the Canmore area, known as “Chuwapchipchiyan Kudi Bi”, and the traditional Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Îyârhe Nakoda (Stoney Nakoda) – comprised of the Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Goodstoney First Nations – as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation and the Blackfoot Confederacy comprised of the Siksika, Piikani, Kainai, and the Métis Nation (Region 3).

artsPlace Indigenous Connections programs are generously supported by

Priscilla and Robert Janes, Banff Centre for the Arts and Creativity, Kristy Wolfe Photography, and many other generous community members.

artsPlace DEI Audit is generously supported by