How Should Canada Support Diverse Voices in Media and Arts?

Official title: Changing Narrative Fund

Closed Policy & Studies Education Justice & Rights
The government asked how to spend $5 million to help Indigenous, racialized, and religious minority creators tell their own stories. The Changing Narratives Fund aims to break down barriers in journalism, arts, and culture. Nearly 500 people responded to an online questionnaire, and 67 professionals joined roundtable discussions.

Why This Matters

Ever feel like the stories you see in Canadian media don't reflect your community? This fund is meant to change that. It's about giving Indigenous, racialized, and religious minority creators the resources to share their perspectives. If you work in media or arts, or just want to see more diverse voices, this affects you.

What Could Change

The $5 million fund launched in 2023-24 to support diverse creators. Based on feedback, the program could fund training, mentorship, or direct grants for journalists and artists from underrepresented communities. New pathways into media and cultural industries may open up.

Key Issues

  • How can the fund help diverse communities tell their own stories?
  • What tools and opportunities are needed to overcome systemic barriers?
  • How can the fund promote diverse voices in arts, culture, and media?

How to Participate

  1. This consultation is now closed. Review the Changing Narratives Fund Report on Consultations to see what participants said.

What Happened

Nearly 500 individuals responded to the online questionnaire. In roundtable discussions, 39 artists and professionals participated in arts and culture sessions, 15 in journalism and media sessions, and 13 in a combined session. The feedback will guide the design and implementation of the new program.