SAULT STE MARIE/ALGOMA, ON- January 13, 2026
In Service of our Stories: Co-Designing a Community-Engaged Arts Service Organization
Phase One: Identifying the Model
Community-engaged artists and organizations are one step closer to having a provincial
organization dedicated to supporting their professional development and capacity. Such an
organization would strengthen their ability to assist communities to build social capital, nurture
resiliency, share stories, revitalize cultural traditions, promote active citizenship and tackle big
ideas or challenges. Community-Engaged Arts (CEA) is an inclusive practice and unique creative
form whereby professional artists collaborate with community members to co-create new
artistic works.
The research, which aims to identify an organizational structure that would best support CEAs,
considered emerging governance models and the feasibility and sustainability of launching a
new organization. In an effort to meet the province’s various geographical and cultural realities,
particularly those of Northern Ontario, research participants recommend a flexible structure
with opportunities to work from physical and/or hybrid locations.
Dates: 2023-25
Partners: NORDIK Institute and Thinking Rock Community Arts
Funders: Ontario Arts Council’s Strategic Collaborations Fund and the City of Sault Ste. Marie’s
Arts and Culture Assistance Program
