Change Agency

Our Mission was born out of a profound realization: the current arts system often fails to value and support Black and Indigenous artists, despite benefiting from their talents.

Arts organizations, as they stand today, often lack diversity and fail to grasp the essential role of the arts in anti-racism, liberation, and decolonization. Our mission is to dismantle these barriers and reimagine the governance, relationships, and power structures within the arts sector to truly support Black and Indigenous artists.

During COVID-19 we had to find innovative & collaborative ways to support ourselves. We brought together a select group of Black & Indigenous creatives (DREAMERS) with arts workers, established artists and funders (BELIEVERS).

Drawing from past work and collaborations across Ontario with various creatives and arts organizations, we decided to come together as a thinktank for systems change

When you engage Change Agency, you gain more than just a consultancy. You become part of a movement dedicated to dismantling systemic racism within the arts. Our network of consultants, intimately familiar with the challenges and lived experiences of racialized communities, offers a nuanced perspective to every project. We're here to help you build the capacity of Black Led, Black Owned, and Black Serving Arts organizations in Canada, expanding their resources and influence.

Change Agency is your partner in reshaping the arts landscape, one that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and the transformative power of art. Join us in making a lasting difference in the world of arts and culture.

Unlock the full potential of emerging and established artists within your community with Change Agency's Artist & Grassroots Development services. We understand the unique challenges faced by Black and Indigenous artists, as well as artists from marginalized backgrounds.

Our team of seasoned professionals offers personalized mentorship and support, helping artists hone their skills, navigate the complex arts ecosystem, and secure essential resources. Whether you're an individual artist seeking guidance or a grassroots group looking to amplify your impact, our Artist & Grassroots Development services provide the tools and strategies needed for artistic growth and sustainable success.

Elevate your creative projects and events to new heights with Change Agency's Event & Creative Project Production services. Our team specializes in curating and managing events that celebrate diverse voices, cultures, and perspectives. From concept to execution, we bring your artistic vision to life, ensuring that every detail aligns with your goals and values.

Whether you're planning an exhibition, performance, or cultural event, our expertise in event production guarantees a seamless and impactful experience. Let us help you create unforgettable moments that resonate with your audience, foster community engagement, and drive positive change.

Transform your arts organization into a dynamic force for change with Change Agency's Organizational Strategy Consulting & Facilitation services. We partner with arts organizations and institutions serving marginalized communities to craft visionary strategies, drive organizational growth, and enhance your impact.

Our consultants are experts in reshaping governance, relationships, and power structures within the arts sector to better support Black and Indigenous artists. With a deep understanding of the funding landscape and a commitment to equitable representation, we guide you towards a more inclusive and resilient future. Together, we'll build the capacity of your organization, amplify your resources, and navigate the path to meaningful change.

HIP HOP HEALING - Hip Hop Healing aims to use hip hop as a culturally appropriate method of healing, while teaching artists skills and practices that allow for authentic careers that change not only their lives, but their communities as well. In today’s climate there is a very real and urgent need for healing and healthy forms of expression, with the pandemic and many other battles going on. We help individuals and communities with self-expression and emotional regulation by promoting freedom, love and equity through the healing arts and cross-cultural solidarity. We are an example of the change the world needs.

Ayrah Taerb, Ase - Executive Producer, Recording Artist - Coronation is a reflection on rented success. You’re the well from which the cultural content is being created. They won’t fund you…but they will support the 13 white people behind you. This is not just arts sectoral injustice; this is a global issue. Those in power flash gold in front of the eyes of people experiencing poverty and say, if you work hard enough, you’ll get it. Then they take photos of your eyes lighting up when they hand you the gold for the photo. After the photo op, they take that gold away and say, get back to work. You can crown someone all you want; if that crown doesn’t come with intergenerational wealth, an army, and a coat of armour- it’s pointless. That’s Coronation.

CONiKA, a 28-year-old gender non-conforming artist, hails from Sault Ste. Marie and Garden River First Nation, a territory known as Baawaating. Surrounded by the harmonies of music from a young age, Conika discovered a natural gift for writing as a powerful outlet for expression. Their creative journey is a fusion of personal identity and cultural resonance. Conika's art speaks to the heart of their experiences, bridging worlds and fostering a sense of belonging within the rich tapestry of Baawaating.