Calling arts leaders, managers, arts workers and artists!

Now more than ever, we need to lean into community and care. In collaboration with the Black Pledge Collective, Buddies In Bad Times Theatre is exploring how we can deepen our care practices to centre equity and social justice in the workplace. What supports and tools do we need to be more care-full?

Join us for a 2 day conference on care in the workspace. Grounded in ritual, questions, discussion and knowledge sharing, we will create a generative and expansive space to connect, reflect and grow.

The care/shift

We begin with a survey and conference as a starting point to exchange ideas and generate action. There is a lot to do and while we have some ideas, some strategies that work, we know there is a ways to go. We do this work together. Let’s continue the care/shift.

This survey and conference are inspired by the work of Shaista Latif, Claire Burns and Sedina Fiati of the Third Party Review from 2020 – 2023. More information can be found on here.

The Survey
Buddies In Bad Times received a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts to explore human resource practises in theatre organizations. They contracted the Black Pledge Collective to coordinate and administer a conference which will happen on June 3 and 4, 2026. We have created a survey which will collect responses that will directly inform the conference content and future actions.

The Conference
Taking place on June 3 and 4, 2026, this will be a FREE gathering for artists, arts workers and arts leaders to share knowledge and actionable principles on care in work spaces. Expect a spacious 2 days, centreing social justice, art and connection. More to come!

This survey and conference is also supported by Balancing Act – a national initiative that aims to increase equality, accessibility, and employment and leadership opportunities in Canada for mothers, parents, and caregivers in the arts sector.