Echoes of Inclusion
Echoes of Inclusion
An initiative led by Sayaspora aims to transform inclusion and governance practices within Canada’s creative industries. While Canada's diversity is a recognized asset, creators from racialized communities continue to face significant obstacles: systemic discrimination, underrepresentation in decision-making positions, closed professional networks, and governance policies that are not inclusive.
In response to these challenges, Echoes of Inclusion offers a participatory, collaborative, and intersectional approach focused on empowering women within the African diaspora. The project is based on six complementary components designed to inform, equip, support, and mobilize stakeholders in the cultural sector around a shared vision: building a truly inclusive, equitable, and sustainable creative ecosystem.
Project duration: September 2025 – May 2026
Project amount: $177,740
Funding agency: Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program (MARCP) – Canadian Heritage
Echoes of Inclusion is...
A Guide to Systemic Discrimination
Creation of a bilingual practical guide developed with experts in human resources and inclusive governance. This guide will propose concrete strategies to foster inclusion within Canada’s creative industries.
A National Awareness Campaign
A national awareness campaign will highlight the journeys and stories of women from the African diaspora working in the creative sector.
A Two-Day Forum
The Echoes of Inclusion Forum will bring together young creatives and seasoned professionals for two days of exchanges and learning. The first day will be dedicated to professional skill-building workshops, while the second day will focus on leadership and inclusive governance workshops.
A Mentorship Program
A personalized mentorship program will pair mentors from the artistic and cultural community with young participants interested in developing their careers. This component will allow participants to acquire skills, strengthen their confidence and expand their professional network, while promoting a culture of solidarity and intergenerational transmission.
An Inclusion Innovation Lab
The Echoes of Inclusion Innovation Lab will bring together cultural organizations, experts and participants to co-create and test action plans that promote inclusion in their workplaces. Through collaborative sessions and concrete experiments, this component will encourage the implementation of the principles of the guide in daily practice, contributing to lasting systemic change.
A Collaborative Digital Network
An online networking space, hosted on a participatory platform will extend the exchanges and learning of the project. This network will allow creators, mentors and organizations to share resources, exchange opportunities and maintain a community of mutual aid beyond the duration of the project.
