Call for COMMUNITY+Connects Satellite Program Instructors
The Workman Arts Satellite Program invites artists to submit course proposals for this upcoming Spring and Summer 2026 Terms!
Who can apply?
Anyone who has an exciting idea for an arts course, who has lived experience with mental illness and/or addiction and ideally resides in the catchment area of the LASO (in this case, Scarborough!). We encourage applications that are culturally or community-specific, unique in medium and delivery.
What is the Workman Arts Satellite Program?
Thanks to a $1 million investment over four years from the Slaight Family Foundation, Workman Arts is expanding its art training programs throughout the GTA by partnering with Scarborough Arts, UrbanArts, North York Arts, East End Arts, Arts Etobicoke and Lakeshore Arts. The expanded program tackles the prevalence of social isolation in individuals with mental health issues and the lack of opportunities to build lasting social connections through meaningful engagement outside of the mainstream mental health system. Workman Arts’ art training programs are unique in the mental health sector because they do not treat the art class as secondary to the mental health benefits. High-quality art classes across all disciplines are facilitated by instructors with lived experience of mental health and/or addiction. Instructors and participants will ideally live in one of the 6 LASO neighbourhoods.
Instructor Expectations
Selected instructors will:
Plan and facilitate an engaging arts course in alignment with Workman Arts values and Code of Conduct
Clearly communicate all course content, updates, and expectations with participants (sending a welcome email in advance; BCC required for privacy)
Collaborate with the affiliated LASO partner on registration details and material coordination (budgets confirmed in advance)
Foster a safe, inclusive space by creating a Community Agreement in the first class and working alongside the Workman Arts Active Listener
Maintain attendance records, participate in evaluations, and support outreach/documentation as needed
Attend Satellite Instructor Training, run by Workman Arts (paid training)
This role requires strong facilitation, communication, and organizational skills, as well as a commitment to community-centered arts practice.
Compensation
Instructors will be paid $335 per 2 hour class and will be given a one-time admin/course preparation fee of $250.
Accessibility
If you require any access support, accommodations, or have any questions regarding the application, please contact Workman Arts Program Coordinator Aysia Tse at aysia_tse@workmanarts.com
Deadline: Sunday, March 15th, 2026 (11:59 PM EDT)
