Continuing to build on the potential of arts in community recreation, Part 3 examines how the arts can be a powerful force for inclusion and innovation within the recreation and parks sector. The Framework for Recreation in Canada (2024 Update) champions inclusivity as a core principle, advocating for accessible recreation that meets the diverse needs of all Canadians. In practice, however, systemic barriers often limit access and participation, particularly for equity-denied groups. Arts-based recreation programs offer innovative strategies to dismantle these barriers and create more equitable and welcoming community spaces.
In Far North Ontario, systemic barriers are particularly pronounced, impacting artists and community members alike. Jamie Bell, of Art Borups Corners, notes, “The data clearly shows underrepresentation, particularly for women and Indigenous artists in the Far North. This isn’t just about numbers; it reflects deeper systemic barriers that need innovative solutions.” Census Canada (2021) data reveals that women comprise only 36% of artists in the Far North, and Indigenous artists also face significant underrepresentation and lack of equity in access to resources and opportunities.
Arts in recreation programs offer innovative approaches to address these systemic barriers and foster inclusion:
- Culturally Relevant Programming: Arts-based programs can be specifically designed to reflect the cultural heritage and diverse identities of the community. This is particularly crucial for engaging Indigenous communitiesand newcomers, ensuring recreation is culturally relevant and welcoming. Integrating Indigenous art forms, storytelling, and cultural practices into recreation programs can honour and celebrate Indigenous heritage, promoting cultural preservation and inclusivity, as highlighted in the Far North Ontario statistics document.
- Accessible Program Formats: Arts programs can be adapted to various formats and skill levels, making them accessible to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Low-barrier entry points, flexible participation options, and trauma-informed approaches can ensure recreation truly is accessible to everyone, including equity-denied individuals who may face multiple barriers to participation.
- Youth-Led Innovation: Empowering youth to design and lead arts-based recreation programs is a powerful strategy for innovation. Youth often bring fresh perspectives, digital fluency, and a deep understanding of their peers’ interests. Youth leadership pipelines through the arts, therefore, not only develop young leaders but also drive innovation in recreation programming, making it more relevant and engaging for younger generations.
- Breaking Down Traditional Barriers: Arts programs can intentionally challenge traditional notions of “recreation,” which may be спорт-centric or exclude certain forms of creative expression. By embracing a wider definition of recreation that includes arts, culture, and creative activities, recreation departments can become more inclusive and attract a more diverse range of participants.
- Creating Welcoming Spaces: Arts-based recreation programs can transform underutilized spaces into vibrant, welcoming community hubs. Public art projects, community murals, and pop-up art spaces can revitalize public areas and create a sense of belonging, making recreation spaces more inclusive and inviting for all.
The Framework for Recreation in Canada emphasizes the need for innovative practices to ensure recreation remains relevant and impactful in a changing society. Arts in recreation, with its inherent capacity for creativity and adaptation, offers a prime example of such innovation. By intentionally designing arts-based programs to address systemic barriers and promote inclusion, recreation departments can not only expand participation but also foster a more equitable and vibrant community fabric.
“To truly foster equity in the arts and recreation sectors, we need to be deliberate about dismantling systemic barriers,” says Jamie Bell. “Arts-based recreation isn’t just about offering more programs; it’s about offering different programs – programs designed with inclusivity at their core, programs that actively reach out to underrepresented groups, and programs that empower everyone to participate and lead. That’s where the real innovation lies.”
Part 4 will delve into the critical role of youth leadership pipelines within arts in recreation, exploring how these programs can cultivate the next generation of community leaders and recreation professionals.
