Fresh Start

Strengthening Community Presenters in Underserved Communities

Administered by Ontario Presents, Fresh Start is a development component of the Department of Canadian Heritage’s Canadian Arts Presentation Fund (CAPF). The program supports the continued vitality and growth of community presenters in underserved communities by funding activities and services that help them evolve professionally in their field. 

For more information on the Fresh Start Program contact us.

Fresh Start and Northern Dance pilot project workshop- Kirkland Lake Arts Council.
Fresh Start and Northern Dance pilot project workshop - Kirkland Lake Arts Council.

 

Currently, the following projects, resources and special activities are currently being supported by the Fresh Start Program:

 


Northern Theatre for Young Audiences Network

With facilitation from OP staff, this network has grown to trust each other, share logistical advice and artistic recommendations, as well as participating in curatorial development opportunities and a block booking program that generates 6+ tours each year specifically for children and their families. In 2025, OP is supporting this group to attend the Vancouver International Children’s Festival.

 


New Young Audience Presenter Project

Supporting the development of new/emerging young audience presenters in rural, remote and underserved communities by offering personalized consultations, access to specialized resources, and mentoring opportunities that will help them develop sustainable and thriving performing arts opportunities for young audiences and their families. OP always welcomes new project participants to the project. If you are a group of volunteers, a collective or a dedicated individual who aspires to build performing arts opportunities for children and families in your community contact the Special Projects Coordinator  for more information.

"Mistatim performed in local schools" Newspaper clipping
Showtime Iroquois Falls, an inaugural participant of the New Young Audience Presenter Project, presents Mistatim by Red Sky Performance to local schools. Congratulations to their leadership and their many volunteers who were able to offer this show to 5 local schools as their first foray into presenting.

 

From Seed to Season E-Doc Graphic


From Seed to Season

How to Grow as a New Young Audience Presenter is a key e-document that has been developed to support the participants of the New Young Audience Presenter Project and any other new/emerging YA presenters in Ontario. At the core of this document are strategies, exercises, worksheets and additional digital links that help budding presenters navigate the various tasks necessary for developing a presenting series. Download the e-document From Seed to Season here or see the resources page for additional information and access to the supporting webinar series.

 


Volunteerism and Succession Planning Workshop

An opportunity for adult and young audience volunteer presenters in northern Ontario to gather together as a supportive network, build collaborative skills, and learn more about volunteerism and succession planning. During this 2-day gathering, the group will explore the challenges facing volunteer presenters in northern communities and come up with solutions, particularly in the areas of volunteer recruitment, changing leadership and how to develop a succession plan for your organization.