CANVAS Arts Action Programs

CANVAS Arts Action Programs is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting consent education and 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion. The organization is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, and operates under the business registration number 763826690RR0001.

Mission and Purpose

The mission of CANVAS Arts Action Programs is to prevent gender-based and sexual violence, homophobia, and transphobia by providing life-saving arts-based workshops and educational programs. These programs focus on 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion, consent, healthy relationships, and gender equity.

Programs and Services

• Community and School Programs: CANVAS offers multi-week community programs for youth affected by homophobia, transphobia, and sexual violence. These programs utilize an arts-based approach to empower self-expression and resilience. They also provide school programs, including workshops like Speak OUT and Consent Kit, which aim to create safer and more empathetic learning environments.

• Summer Camp Programs: CANVAS provides customized workshops for summer camps, focusing on consent education and 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion. These workshops can be tailored for staff or camper-in-training (CIT) and leader-in-training (LIT) groups. They also offer Camp Leadership Consulting and Pride Day Programming to support inclusive and celebratory environments.

• Adult Programs: The organization supports youth-serving workplaces by offering training, coaching, and consulting services. These programs help adults foster inclusive spaces for youth and enhance their skills in diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.

Educational Materials and Initiatives

CANVAS operates an online shop selling educational materials such as posters, pins, and poetry chapbooks created by in-house artists and program participants. The revenue from these sales is reinvested in expanding 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion and consent education initiatives for youth.

Funding and Impact

In recent years, CANVAS Arts Action Programs has received grant funding to support its mission. For example, the organization received a grant of $74,607 for its initiatives. This funding helps expand the reach of their educational programs and reinforce their commitment to creating a more inclusive society.

CANVAS Arts Action Programs is recognized for its impactful work in empowering youth to be their authentic selves through comprehensive education and community engagement.