How are Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) principles being implemented in Canada’s cultural sector? While many organizations recognize the importance of IDEA, there is still a need for practical tools, shared learning, and sector-wide strategies to ensure meaningful and lasting change.

This project will research current IDEA practices in Canada’s cultural sector, develop a national framework to guide cultural organizations, and provide training materials and online courses to support real change. Through a cohort-based learning model, organizations will gain the tools to embed IDEA into their policies and practices in ways that are both actionable and sustainable.

Why IDEA Matters

Cultural organizations play a vital role in shaping public narratives, preserving diverse histories, and fostering inclusive spaces. Yet, achieving true equity in leadership, programming, and representation requires more than good intentions—it demands ongoing learning, structural change, and shared commitment across the sector.

This project aims to bridge the gap between IDEA commitments and real-world implementation by providing organizations with the guidance, peer support, and training they need to embed equity into their operations in a way that is authentic, accountable, and measurable.

What This Project Offers

• A Cohort-Based Model – Organizations will engage in peer learning and shared dialogue to explore challenges and solutions together.
• Sector-Wide Research – A national study to assess current IDEA implementation, identify gaps, and highlight best practices.
• A National Framework – Practical guidelines to help organizations embed IDEA into governance, programming, and community engagement.
• Training & Resources – Online courses, toolkits, and case studies to help cultural organizations apply IDEA principles in a sustainable way.

Who Should Participate?

This initiative is open to cultural organizations of all sizes looking to deepen their commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Whether you are at the beginning of your IDEA journey or seeking ways to strengthen existing efforts, this project will provide the tools, knowledge, and community support needed to drive meaningful change.

Join Us

At its core, this project will explore how cultural programming can become a catalyst for connection, helping individuals feel seen, valued, and supported. By creating opportunities for dialogue, creative expression, and collective experiences, the project aims to nurture a more cohesive community fabric and address the isolation many people experience today.At its core, this project will explore how cultural programming can become a catalyst for connection, helping individuals feel seen, valued, and supported. By creating opportunities for dialogue, creative expression, and collective experiences, the project aims to nurture a more cohesive community fabric and address the isolation many people experience today.