Diversity Dance initiative (DDI)

This innovative collaboration between culturally-diverse dance artists was created to address the structural challenges within the dance sector that prevent growth, visibility and sustainability of their respective companies. 

Led by Pratibha Arts from 2018 to 2024, this project brought together small-scale culturally-diverse dance companies to make visible styles that reflect the diverse demographics of Canada and Canadian dance-making. Pratibha Arts raised funding through the Toronto Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts and Metcalf Foundation to provide administrative support and consultation by Jane Marsland and Judy Harquail. Artists and companies that were supported included KasheDance, Compania Carmen Romero, Jaberi Dance Theatre, EmirJ Dance Projects and Esie Mensah Creations.

Pratibha Arts organized outreach workshops from 2018-19 at the Aga Khan Museum and the School of Toronto Dance Theatre.  When the pandemic hit, Pratibha Arts pivoted to engage dance and music artists in an online 'Festival of Colours,' featuring performances by Indiana Mehta, Vineet Vyas, Christine Friday, Esie Mensah, Joy Anandasivam and Kristian Gusho. In 2021, Pratibha Arts presented music and dance performances as part of the Toronto Arts Council's Artists in the Library Residency program, which pivoted online during the pandemic. It also presented dance artists Christine Friday, Carmen Romero, Sujit Vaidya, Ahalya Satkunaratnam and Brannavy Jeyasundaram in a 'Presenter Education/Outreach project' in association with the CanDance Network and Made in BC Dance on Tour in 2020-21. 

While Pratibha Arts has wrapped up its leadership, the spirit of DDI is ever more relevant with calls for Truth and Reconciliation and racial reckoning. Pratibha Arts continues to advocate for greater visibility and presence of culturally-diverse dance and music, and the vibrant engagement of BIPOC artists in the Canadian arts ecology.