Apply Now: RISING TIDES PROGRAM
Native Earth is proud to be a partnering organization of the Rising Tides initiative.
Rising Tides is a paid, multi-faceted skill development and mentorship platform designed for IBPOC (Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour) performing arts administrators and managers. The initiative intends to fill a gap in the Canadian performing arts sector around the training and mentorship of developing and mid-career IBPOC administrators and managers by providing a program specific to the needs of this underserved community.
About the 2026-2027 Rising Tides Program
This year the program will accept ten pairs of mentees and mentors who will engage with each other on theatre administration and management topics tailored to each participant’s expressed learning goals in areas such as human resources, budgeting, governance, contracting, strategic planning, and production support. These pairings will meet regularly, on average an hour per month, from October 2026 to May 2027.
In addition to monthly mentor meetings, the program will consist of six full-cohort virtual learning sessions as well as occasional optional casual gatherings, and access to support from the program coordinator. Each mentee will be compensated for their time with $2600.00 representing an approximate hourly rate of $100. The program will culminate in an in-person, mandatory event with travel and accommodation support provided for attendance at PACTcon 2027 in Winnipeg, MB.
This iteration of the program will prioritize applicants who are working toward a full-time career in arts administration, as opposed to applicants who want to develop their administrative skills to support their own artistic work. Applicants should already have some foundational experience in arts administration. Applications will be reviewed by a steering committee of IBPOC Arts Administrators.
2026-2027 Steering Committee
Kira Allen, Executive Director at b current Peforming Arts
Naz Afsahi, Managing Director at Nightwood Theatre
Himanshu Sitlani, Managing Director at Native Earth Performing Arts
Isaac Thomas, Executive Director at the Belfry Theatre
Melissa Tsang, Centre Manager at KCAT Arts Centre
How to Apply
The online application consists of some basic personal information, an opportunity to upload a resume or CV, and some questions to help us understand your experience and what you hope to gain as a participant in Rising Tides.
Apply by Friday, June 26, 2026.
All applicants will be notified by Friday, August 21, 2026.
For alternative, accessible ways to apply, please contact Rising Tides Program Coordinator Andrea at andread@pact.ca.
More details and application form here