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Level UP! Strategy Area: Pathways to Agreement

Pilot Project: Providing financial support for childcare expenses and access to a mental health support program for artists, staff, and members.

Project Duration: 2023 – 2024

Continuing to Implement: Yes. b current has applied for additional funding to enhance mental health and caregiver support for performers, artistic directors, and all individuals involved in artistic creation.

Resources Shared: Project Field Notes, Cast Information Form

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About b current

Location: Ontario
Artistic Discipline: Theatre
Operating Budget: $100,000 to $1,000,000

Founded by award-winning poet/performer and stage director Ahdri Zhina Mandiela, b current Performing Arts was created to provide space for black artists to train, explore, challenge mainstream notions of theatre, and engage with the community. Over its 30+ year history, b current has expanded to support artists primarily from the black and brown diaspora and intersectional artists, developing scores of internationally celebrated artists and their works. As the “current” in their name suggests, the company focuses on contemporary and relevant approaches to performing arts that speak to the issues and interests of present-day racialized audiences and communities. b current engages the communities from which their stories emerge, provides educational resources and training, develops new and old works emphasizing radical content and form, and produces daring theatre creations.

b current’s Level UP! Project

b current joined the 2023–2024 Level UP! Cohort with a desire to improve mental health supports for artists and address burnout experienced by caregivers in the arts. Initially, the project aimed to develop comprehensive mental health resources for performing artists grappling with the emotional challenges of performing difficult material. However, after scoping out the project, the team realized their original vision would require significantly more funding and time. In response, they pivoted to providing direct financial support to help artists with childcare expenses and offering mental health support to staff, artists, and project members through the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Not Myself Today program.

b current’s initiative emphasized early, transparent discussions with prospective artists about available caregiver support, integrating these conversations into the hiring and onboarding processes. Collaborations with organizations like the Ontario Caregivers Association enriched the project by offering additional resources and insights into caregiving. Overall, the experience highlighted the need for ongoing support and underscored the importance of dedicating sufficient time and resources to comprehensively address mental health and care needs within the arts community.