Rising Tides is a paid, multi-faceted skill development and mentorship platform designed for IBPOC (Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour) performing arts administrators and managers. The initiative intends to fill a gap in the Canadian performing arts sector around the training and mentorship of developing and mid-career IBPOC administrators and managers by providing a program specific to the needs of this underserved community.

Rising Tides was initially launched as a pilot program in 2023, led by PACT, Native Earth Performing Arts, Obsidian Theatre Company, Urban Ink, Green Thumb Theatre, Pacific Theatre, and Nightwood Theatre.

Through one-on-one pairings, seven pairs of mentees and mentors will engage with each other, focusing on skill development in theatre administration and tailored to meet each participant’s expressed learning goals in areas such as human resources, budgeting, governance, contracting, strategic planning, and production support. These pairings will meet online regularly from September 2024 to May 2025, supported by four full-cohort virtual meetings, culminating in an in-person event at PACTcon in May 2025.