Project History & Timeline

OUR STORY

Balancing Act was founded in 2019 by @TheatreDirect in order to affect change and create increased access for caregivers* working in the performing arts. The need for this initiative in our sector is undeniable. In 2015, Equity in Theatre’s (EIT) research study Achieving Equality in Theatre called for the need “to create flexible work environments that accommodate different needs, such as those of parents and elder care providers.” In recent years there has been a rise in new initiatives, research studies, residencies and experiments across the country. Balancing Act is growing into a national initiative that will pave the way for Canada to enter the global conversation on caregiving in the arts and bring about our own innovations for change.

As we navigate through these challenging times, Balancing Act is developing tools for organizations that will support caregivers not only during the height of the pandemic, but also guide us as we collectively plan a re-opening that centres anti-racist, anti-oppressive working models leading towards greater equity and inclusion in the performing arts sector in the years ahead.

*Balancing Act’s definition of caregiver includes (but is not limited to) individuals who care for children, older adults, people with illness or disability, those in need of personal care and anyone who self-identifies as a caregiver.

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