Link Up: Building a more diverse arts industry

The Problem:
It is not a secret that many industries, including arts and cultural industries in Nova Scotia have long suffered from a lack of gender and cultural diversity. Less than 1% of workers in the film industry are Black, and just over 1% of business owners in Nova Scotia are Black. These statistics repeat themselves at alarmingly low levels for other marginalized cultural groups as well. These industries can also be very opaque and hard to learn how to navigate when you’re starting off a business or growing your career.

Furthermore, to be truly integrated and centred in cultural industries, business owners and employees of larger companies must be well networked, connected through enduring trusting relationships, and the people who have been systemically excluded must take up space through occupying key roles in the industry, whether as an owner or as an employee with engagement and decision-making power. This does not happen for communities who are systemically excluded from scenes, businesses and opportunities.

Impact:
To address these challenges, Light House Arts Centre has developed the Link UP Arts-Entrepreneurship Incubator centring Black and Indigenous people, and people of colour. The participants we are targeting for support are BIPOC individuals who are running or looking to lead projects.

The Link Up Incubator experience will provide participants essential business skill training, mentorship and coaching with key industry leaders both locally and nationally, and strategic industry networking events integrating key stakeholders in the arts and entrepreneurship communities. Program goals will include participants developing industry-specific skill sets, individualized business plans, and ongoing mentorship with the peers and the industry stakeholders, and Light House Arts Centre they will need to continue building a thriving arts-based initiative.

For more information about the Link Up program, please contact ryan@lighthouseartscentre.ca.