Mapping Existing Philanthropic Support for the Theatre Sector on the Canadian Prairies

Justification of research project

This exploratory research project aims to map existing philanthropic support for the theatre sector across the Canadian Prairie provinces (Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan), through the lens of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Led by Professor Taiwo Afolabi, Canada Research Chair in Socially Engaged Theatre, the study will analyze funding models and philanthropic practices in the arts, assessing their ability to foster social justice and reconciliation—particularly for Indigenous and racialized artists. The project will identify existing practices, gaps, and perceptions from grant recipients, while offering strategies for more equitable support. The findings will be shared via academic publications, conferences, and non-traditional formats such as podcasts. The ultimate goal is to develop an EDI-based framework that can later be applied to other Canadian regions and arts sectors.

Research question

How does philanthropic support for the theatre sector in the Canadian Prairies promote or reproduce social inequality, and how can it be reimagined through an equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) framework?

Research purpose

Our goal is to identify wise practices for philanthropic support in the theatre sector and existing gaps. This knowledge will shine a positive light on those funding agencies who are making good progress in addressing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and combatting inequities.

Overall, we want to reach a conclusion concerning the number of supports available in the prairies and their roles of philanthropy in permeating social justice in the theatre sector.

Research approach

• Phase 1 – Preparation

  • Literature review on Canadian philanthropic support for the arts.

  • Engagement of community and philanthropic partners.

  • Development of research methodology and submission of SSHRC grant application.

  • Informal meetings with theatre companies to better understand their context.

  • Submission of an ethics application to the University of Regina Research Ethics Board.

• Phase 2 – Data Collection

  • Case study focused on Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.

  • 10–15 semi-structured interviews and/or focus groups with administrators from theatre organizations and funders.

  • Thematic data analysis using NVivo qualitative software.

  • Development of an EDI analytical framework.

  • Use of an inductive-deductive approach for deeper interpretation of results.