Platform A is an exciting initiative that will test new models for collaboration and resource sharing in the learning and mentorship activities of Toronto-based organizations working in the youth and community-engaged arts sectors. The project was launched with funding from the Toronto Arts Council, and continues to be supported thanks to an Ontario Trillium Foundation Grow grant.

Platform A is a collaboration between four of Toronto’s leading organizations in community-engaged arts: Art Starts, Jumblies Theatre, SKETCH, and VIBE Arts.  These organizations have all emerged from grassroots initiatives and have grown to become key community builders in Toronto’s arts sector, engaging thousands of children, young people and adults annually through their diverse, innovative and accessible programming.

Learn about our 2016 and 2017 Platform A Grant Recipients!

Photos from the 1st Annual A Show – 2014

The aim of the Platform A initiative is to fuse the strengths and experiences of the four organizations to support a shared vision of seeding sustainable, high-quality community arts practice, and providing increased opportunities and access to the arts for youth and communities.  The project will create new opportunities through shared platforms, mentorships, organizational bridge building, and micro-grants.

Through this initiative, each organization will solidify their roles as entry points for youth and communities to arts practice, funding, and administration.  They will increase local arts capacity and the potential for ongoing arts activities and employment in neighbourhoods throughout Toronto.  Platform A will also create opportunities for their youth and community-based constituents by connecting them to each collaborating organization and their larger networks.

Photos from A Show 2015

 

Read more: Platform A: strengthening communities one microgrant at a time