Professional Development Guidelines
The performing arts are collaborative and labour intensive. It takes a myriad of highly trained people – artists, producers, administrators, craftspeople, technicians, and facility staff – to make a professional performance possible. The people in performing arts organizations, whether onstage or off, are its most crucial resource. They are creative, committed individuals striving to create and produce in a complex, challenging environment.
Years of cuts to operating budgets have been hard on arts organizations. Many have cut back drastically on assistant and apprentice jobs, which severely limits access to mentoring, training and meaningful work experience. Historically, these have been important and effective ways for the sector to nurture and develop its human resources.
The Foundation wants to strengthen the performing arts by supporting training and professional development for artists, administrators, and production staff. Our program encourages organizations to reaffirm their commitment to the future, by providing formal opportunities for mentoring and training individuals who have recently entered the field. We want to encourage the sharing of the rich experience and specialized knowledge that exists throughout the sector. We also believe in the importance of sustaining senior practitioners who can benefit from periods of professional development, reflection, and renewal.
Two parallel streams provide opportunities for practitioners, at all stages of their careers, to enhance their skills and experience in the field.
Internships >
Senior Artists and Administrators >
Performing Arts Program >
Strategic Initiatives Guidelines >
Application Deadlines >
Advisory Committees >
Grants Awarded >
FAQs >
Downloads >