The Building Youth Arts Careers project was born out of a simple but urgent question: what does it actually take for racialized and equity-deserving young people (ages 18–35) to build a career in the arts in the GTA and what's getting in the way? As an organization committed to providing employment, mentorship, and leadership opportunities for youth in the arts, Next Generation Arts collaborated with evaluation consultants Blueprint and partner organizations ArtReach Toronto and the Blackstone Foundation Library to find out.

Through surveys and focus groups, we gathered insights and stories from over 200 racialized and equity-deserving young artists and arts workers living and working across the GTA and asked what's working, where the barriers are, and what opportunities could make arts careers more accessible and fair.

BUILDING YOUTH ARTS CAREERS

YOU’RE INVITED TO THe RESEARCH LAUNCH EVENT

Join us on March 28 as we launch the findings of the Building Youth Arts Careers research! This public event centres the presentation of key research findings and a panel discussion featuring youth artists and arts workers. Hear firsthand what young people are experiencing in the sector: where the barriers lie, and what needs to shift to build more equitable, sustainable pathways in the arts.

The afternoon will feature:

A presentation of research findings
A panel discussion featuring youth artists and arts workers Jasmine Vanstone, Anjalee Nadarajan, As wani Siwakoti, and M aria Patricia Abuel
Spoken word performance by Samantha Lu
Time to connect and network with fellow youth artists and creatives
Light bites from Bao Mama, plus desserts and refreshments!

For arts employers, funders, and sector leaders, this event offers grounded insight to help inform future policy, hiring practices, and youth employment initiatives.

For youth artists and arts workers, it is an opportunity to hear from peers, see your experiences reflected in the research, and connect with others navigating the arts ecosystem in the GTA.

Whether you are shaping the sector or building your place within it, we hope you'll join us for an afternoon of learning, reflection, and community.

Space is limited. Registration is required.

RSVP

Access to the report