Alter-Places ↗
Creative Europe, Sorbonne Nouvelle, La Station-Gare des Mines - Europe (2023-2024)
Natalia Bobadilla, Olivier LeGal, Gaspard Bourgeois, et al.
European Union
A collaborative initiative by a network of cultural spaces, researchers, and networks across Europe and Canada, and funded by a grant from the European Union, Alter-Places is a cooperative project about sustainable practices, exploring the value and contribution of sustainable practices implemented by Alternative Cultural Places in the development of green, fair, diverse urban ecosystems through collaborative work. The project extends over 2024-2025 and brings together 5 European alternative cultural places, the Canadian expert DIY Space Project (a project I founded in 2021), the European network Trans Europe Halles and the interdisciplinary research laboratory LabEx ICCA. Over the last 20 years, Alternative Cultural Places (ACPs) have emerged across Europe through the actions of creative workers. The covid-19 crisis highlighted the role of ACPs in our local ecosystems as laboratories of sustainable practices. However, the unique value of these places remains unclear. ALTER-PLACES explores the value and contribution of sustainable practices implemented by ACPs in the development of green, fair, diverse urban ecosystems. Taking as starting point a holistic view of sustainability (social, economic and environmental) this cooperative project has 4 objectives: 1) Explore the innovative sustainable practices developed by ACPs and evaluate their role in urban resilience 2) Identify & assess obstacles and tensions that ACPs face in developing sustainable strategies 3) Build the capacity of ACPs to implement and monitor durable projects through exchange of best practices 4) Raise public authorities’ awareness regarding the role and value of ACPs in fair urban renewal. ALTER-PLACES has been conceived with a pluri-disciplinary, participatory and mixed methods approach. The project design is composed of 4 phases: project set up, surveying & mapping, co-constructing, prototyping & testing, disseminating & evaluating. Our target groups include creative workers in ACPs, ACPs’ stakeholders, and local, national and European networks. These groups will benefit from a mapping…
Ongoing business development for fast-growing avant music label and creative collective.
DIY Space Project ↗
Trans Europe Halles et al. - (2022-2023)
Trans Europe Halles, City of Toronto, The Toronto Metropolitan School, Vibe Lab, et al.
TORONTO DIY SPACE PROJECT - INTERVENTIONS FOR ALTERNATIVE CULTURAL SPACES Peer-driven, locally focused, internationally informed, the Space Project is a direct intervention in support of the preservation and stimulation of self-organized, alternative culture. We are working for urgent results and long-term shifts. THE PROCESS From a city-wide open call and juried process, three collectives seeking access to space were selected for participation. Collectives are paired with a neighbourhood-focused cross-sector advisory group to support them in their journey to find, secure, or sustain new spaces. Advisory groups are curated in coordination with the applicant, based on individual context. Members are drawn from spheres ranging from research, urban planning, real estate, building ownership and operation, and government. The experience is documented to inform policy and opportunities for alternative cultural and social spaces, in Toronto and elsewhere. Participation includes: compensation construction of a work plan focused on immediate needs (e.g. finding or securing space, building a governance or business model, pursuing partnerships, forming networks, fundraising, conducting advocacy) facilitated group meetings and one-on-one coaching with advisors local connections and introductions to open longer-term opportunities research to support policy recommendations INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE The DIY Space Project is an associate member of project partner Trans Europe Halles, an international network of grassroots cultural spaces across Europe and beyond. Thanks to the generous support of Trans Europe Halles, in May of 2022 representatives from each of our collectives attended the network’s annual conference, and participated in a multi-venue, multi-city tour in Prague, Amsterdam, and Berlin. We met and exchanged with community-run spaces, advocacy networks, and government officials engaged in grassroots space policy. We experienced new models, built connections, and compared environments and challenges. In each city, government officials from Toronto and the host municipality exchanged contexts, advancements, and best practices. Instructive cases are informing project paths for…
Lead local consultant and partner to Vibelab, a global leader in purpose driven consultancy for nighttime culture. We developed and conducted a local outreach and engagement process, in order to understand the industry and community’s most pressing needs.
As Toronto’s nightlife and cultural scenes recover from the harshest impacts of Covid-19, the City of Toronto undertook initiatives to review the zoning, licensing, and planning policies that influence hospitality, entertainment, and nightlife in the city.
Community Hub in Downsview Airport Development
North York Food Bank ↗ - (2024)
Ryan Noble, Sahar Gafouri and team
Secured multi-year funding from The Metcalf Foundation towards the establishment of a community hub as a central element in the redevelopment of the Downsview Airport lands in North York, Toronto.
North York Harvest Food Bank (NYHFB), along with partners the Learning Enrichment Foundation (LEF) and BuildingUp, is pursuing the establishment of a new community hub as part of the redevelopment of the Downsview Airport Lands. This collaborative, purpose-built space would combine the community skills development, employment training, and food distribution activities of its partners in the implementation of a holistic approach to poverty reduction and local economic development
Artist coaching / consulting
Various (incl): Sarah Ruba, Jessy Lanza / Lanza Trio (documentary film project), Golha Iranian Orchestra, Sylvain Sailly (artist) Seyblu (musician), Sara Elmagel (filmmaker), Radha Chaddah (artist), Edwin Huizinga (musician), Classical / Stereo Live Revolution (independent producer), Andrea Tyniec (musician)
Independent artist consulting: practice and career development, project or grant funding, strategic support
The Stop Community Food Centre
(2017-2024)
Fundraising and development strategy, grant and proposal writing, program evaluation design and communications support for this progressive food security, urban agriculture, and community advocacy organization in Toronto’s west end.
Grant writing and strategic development for North York’s largest food bank, serving 16,000 people each month through over 60 community programs.
Projects include:
Metcalf Inclusive Economies Trillium Fidelity Foundation Social Investment funds Foundation grants
Business development and funding consulting for this fast-rising creative industries development network, building mentorship, connections, and engagement between Los Angeles and Toronto.
Grant writing and development consulting for Canada’s only non-partisan, non-profit working to build environmental leadership and government action on the environment.
We do this through 3 programming streams: 1 / PARLIAMENTARY INTERNSHIP FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Entering its 4th year, our Parliamentary Internship for the Environment places interns with MPs to support environmental leadership on Parliament Hill and helps prepare young Canadians for careers as environmental champions.
2/ EVERY DAY ADVOCATES & 100 DEBATES
We raise the capacity of Canadians across the nation to advocate for the environment and hold our elected officials accountable for their commitments.
3/ CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS
We identify environmental leaders of all major parties running for office and help connect voters and have run successful endorsement campaigns in the Federal (2015, 2019), Manitoba (2016), B.C. (2017) and Ontario (2018) elections.
Strategic counsel through an ambitious period of growth, including launch of a cross-Canada tour and the development of an original music video and documentary project, via Canada Council’s New Chapter grant.
Funded by an OAC Compass Grant, guided non-profit through first pivotal period of organizational development, delivering a comprehensive SWOT including an external scan on the newcomer artist service space in the GTA, and over 15 interviews with staff, participants, board members, and others in the sector. Provided high-quality documentary video recordings for research and communication purposes. Offered organizational audit and strategic analysis for staff and board, in preparation for strategic planning.
Development consulting for this land planning consultancy focused on Indigenous rights and engagement.
Shared Path Consultation Initiative (Shared Path) is a charitable organization that is addressing the challenges and opportunities that emerge where land use change and Aboriginal and Treaty Rights intersect. Planning, as a political and sometimes contentious process, has the potential to impact Indigenous political and territorial claims. We seek to provide opportunities and resources that enhance, inform, and facilitate Indigenous-non-Indigenous bridge building, particularly within the realm of land planning practice.
In response to the TRC Calls to Action 47, 57, and 92, Shared Path provides resources for First Nation, Métis, municipal, and provincial government, as well as professionals in land use change to better engage in consultation and relationship-building. Shared Path connects and supports a network of people urging legislative reform to provide clarity in these processes. Shared Path develops opportunities and resources to advance a broader public understanding of the historical, political, cultural, and environmental factors that inform planning. Shared Path creates opportunities for education and information sharing through workshops, seminars, and projects designed to facilitate relationship-building.
Consultation and writing: COVID advocacy toolkit
Organizational development consulting for this national social justice education and professional training non-profit, empowering communities to understand, shape, and use the law then they can become active participants in breaking down barriers to justice.
Level is a Canadian justice education charity.bWe level barriers to justice by building empathy, increasing equity, and advancing social justice. We deliver programs nationwide, in support of a justice system that treats everyone with dignity and an informed society where everyone can exercise their rights and has the opportunity to thrive.
We deliver programs - to youth, law students, and lawyers - focused on innovative justice education, social justice awareness, legal mentorship, and access to justice training.
Organizational development consulting, grant writing, during a critical transition period for this space-based non profit.
The Laneway Project:
We know that laneways have the potential to be vibrant, living spaces - and that thriving public spaces help to create strong neighbourhoods, communities and cities.
We work in partnership with the development and design community to upgrade and activate laneways. We work with municipalities and other stakeholders to create laneway-friendly policies and procedures. We develop resources and host events to inspire and support residents, community groups, businesses and other stakeholders in improving and making better use of their local laneways.
Grant writing: federal multi-year operational funding for this regional institution, during a pivotal shift in funding models.
Ukai Projects
Co-founded and helped launch this cultural research and incubator non-profit; served on inaugural Board of Directors.
UKAI Projects helps people outside of traditional and institutional cultural production do their work and contribute to our collective well-being. We do this through research and prototyping with emerging technologies and tools, new ways of organizing to get things done, and new operating and business models. We employ counterfoil research, the role of culture in addressing social and environmental issues, and provide atypical, long-form residency opportunities for creative entrepreneurs.
Tapestry Opera ↗
Tapestry New Opera - Toronto (2014-2016)
Michael Mori, Katie Pounder, et al.
Led fundraising strategy for foundations (public and private), corporate giving and sponsorship, marketing and communications for Canada’s largest contemporary opera company
Paradigm Productions
Consultation and coaching for this independent new theatre company: production budgeting and planning for an epic trilogy supported by a Canada Council New Chapter Grant.
Helped build strategy and secure essential national and regional funding (public and private foundations, government grants) for an ambitious national expansion.
Strategic counsel and support for DIY music promoter and ad-hoc network of local dance scenes, electronic artists and collectives.
Phoenix Chamber Choir
Provided strategic counsel and grant support during critical period of leadership transition for this high-performing 30-voice chamber ensemble.