As cultural policy in Canada and internationally struggles to acknowledge the growing pressure to evolve, decision-makers must understand its foundations, current status, and future possibilities. This program invites participants to critically examine how policy shapes access, equity, and influence—and how it can be reshaped to respectfully enact diverse worldviews and lived experiences.

Participants will gain tools to dissect cultural policy across local, provincial, federal, and Indigenous governance systems, engage with government cycles, and advocate for community-rooted priorities. The course supports leaders in reimagining cultural policy as a living, responsive framework for systemic change.

In this six-day course, participants will not only critically examine Canada’s cultural policy—its colonial foundations, development, and ongoing systemic inequities—but also situate it within a broader international context by reviewing global trends and policy shifts. This program offers a space for bold thinking, critical reflection, and practical action—where participants can connect, challenge assumptions, and co-create a more inclusive and responsive policy landscape. Through dialogue, case studies, and international comparisons, the course creates a third space for Indigenous and non-Indigenous decision-makers to exchange worldviews, forecast funding futures, and develop advocacy strategies to influence policy and institutional transformation.

Program highlights

Unpacking the colonial foundations and lived realities of cultural policy
Navigating multi-level governance structures
Understanding funding cycles and identifying systemic inequities
Applying human-centered and regenerative design to policy development
Growing a toolbox/bundle rooted in responsibility, equity, and right relations
Collaborating across organizations and sectors to drive systemic change
Reimagining accountable cultural policy as a living, responsive framework for the future

This program is designed for arts, heritage, and creative industries professionals working in organizations of any size and across all art forms, including visual arts, galleries, museums, theatre, dance, opera, film, music, and literature.

Limited funding available.

Application Deadline September 08, 2026
Program Dates Dec 06, 2026 - Dec 11, 2026