Arts-Based Knowledge Mobilization for Health Equity: A Collaborative Approach

This initiative explores the vital intersection of health equity and community wellbeing with the creative industries, centering cultural and racial justice as core principles. By bringing together the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Health Equity and Community Wellbeing (CERC HECW), Diversity Arts Australia, and the Canada Council for the Arts, it aims to elevate the voices of Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour (IBPOC) while confronting structural inequities embedded in the arts sector. Through interdisciplinary methods and cross-sector collaboration, the initiative addresses the root causes of health disparities, recognizing the arts as both a site of harm and a powerful tool for healing. It translates research into meaningful action by driving policy change and fostering innovation that supports inclusive, resilient, and sustainable creative ecosystems.

This project is grounded in intersectional theories of health equity, disability justice, and cultural inclusion, examining how the creative industries can drive systemic change in both health and arts sectors. Centering the lived experiences of Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour (IBPOC), it brings together the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Health Equity and Community Wellbeing (CERC HECW), Diversity Arts Australia, and the Canada Council for the Arts to confront structural inequities and reimagine more inclusive, sustainable creative ecosystems. Using participatory, arts-based methods and accessible knowledge mobilization practices—including ASL interpretation, multilingual support, and participant compensation—the project highlights equity-driven creative initiatives as models for transformation.

Two short documentary case studies anchor the project: one featuring CPAMO (Cultural Pluralism in the Arts Movement Ontario) and its racial equity work in the arts, and the other spotlighting NITV (Nunavut Independent Television Network) and its Inuit-led media arts in Nunavut. These films will be featured on the Creative Equity Toolkit and Diversity Arts Australia platforms to amplify their reach. A hybrid industry talk will bring together arts leaders to explore how organizations are integrating health equity and community wellbeing into their practices. Ongoing knowledge mobilization through a digital hub, newsletters, social media, and a public lecture/panel with CPAMO and NITV will further support the dissemination of findings. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, the project underscores the power of arts-based strategies in addressing the root causes of inequality and advancing both cultural and public health justice.