Montreal, Friday, May 22, 2020– The National Circus School is proud to announce the receipt of a three-year grant of nearly $360,000 towards a major research project of its Center for Circus Arts Research, Innovation and Knowledge Transfer (CRITAC). Involving equality, diversity and inclusion in performing arts programs across Canada, this initiative will be undertaken in partnership with Canada’s National Ballet School and National Theatre School of Canada.
The grant was awarded by the College and Community Social Innovation Fund, which falls under the College and Community Innovation Program of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). The project also was developed in collaboration with community partners MLSE Launchpad and St. James-Assiniboia School Division.
The funds will be used to determine the current state of awareness-building programs involving people from communities seeking equity. Efforts will be directed towards working with them to understand their needs and perspectives. This data will be used to eventually develop tools and resources to support the future development and expansion of various programs, all aligned with the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion.
“Through the expression of individuality, performing arts programs have the potential to connect a diverse group of people, increase their sense of belonging to their community, and foster social change,” adds Patrice Aubertin, director of CRITAC.
International in scope, the National Circus School is an institution dedicated to preparing professional circus arts artists, educators, creators and artisans. The NCS also devotes considerable resources towards research and innovation as well as acquiring, conserving and curating circus arts archival materials.
CRITAC’s mission is to both advance and transfer knowledge in the fields of circus and performing arts, and human performance. It not only promotes the evolution and diversification of practices, teaching and aesthetics, but the enhancement of their benefits for society. Taking a partnership approach, the Center offers applied research services, technical assistance, training and information to companies, artists, organizations and institutions. CRITAC is recognized as a Centre collégial de transfert de technologie (CCTT), and its director holds an Industrial Research Chair for Colleges from the NSERC.
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