Peer group for industry members from racialized backgrounds
March 12, 6-7 pm ET | 3-4 pm PT
Balancing work and life in the performing arts and entertainment industry can feel like a constant juggling act, and racialized folks may experience unique challenges in the industry.
Presented in partnership with the Artists’ Health Centre and The AFC, Exploring the Juggling Act is a peer group where racialized community members can openly reflect on their relationship with the industry in a space that acknowledges and welcomes their lived experiences.
We want to support industry workers in sustaining their passion while navigating career uncertainty, financial challenges, concurrent careers, family life, health and mental well-being, and more. Systemic barriers, industry expectations and pressures, and cultural dynamics can make this journey even more complex – but you don’t have to go through it alone. Facilitated by industry peers, this group is designed to foster healing, growth, and confidence in each participant’s individual path.
At Exploring the Juggling Act, you can:
- Meet new people who are also navigating their careers in the entertainment industry;
- Explore what you are feeling in a non-judgmental, welcoming environment;
- Share ideas, experiences, and information to help yourself and others cut through the noise and find clarity.
Exploring the Juggling Act is not:
- One-on-one counselling or therapy;
- A crisis support group (if you are in crisis and need help right away, please call 911 or go to your local hospital. For crisis support, call or text 988.)
Participants are not obligated to join every session.
Accessibility: If you require accommodations to make this event accessible for you, please get in touch, and we will do our best to meet your needs.
Recording: These sessions will not be recorded.
Before registering, please read the Code of Conduct for our peer groups.
Register for March 12, 6-7 pm ET | 3-4 pm PT
Exploring the Juggling Act Dates:
- March 12 – General Information
- April 9
- May 14
- June 11
Each session will focus on different topics, which will be determined after the first meeting and announced ahead of time.
Facilitators
Akash Bansal (they/them)
Akash Bansal is an artist from Toronto. Rooted in cinema, sound and poetics, they practice in multi-dimensional forms. They work as a curator, DJ, sound artist, dramaturge, filmmaker, (story) editor, writer, production coordinator, sound technician and facilitator. Their work examines borders — both real and imagined, between people and places, and especially those within ourselves. Over the years, they have worked with countless organizations, including The Music Gallery, Kensington Market Community Land Trust, Standard Time, Toronto Biennial of Art, Toronto Public Library, Seance Centre, Art Spin, Swimmers Group, Summerworks, Toronto Dance Theatre, TO Love In, MOCA, Nuit Blanche, The Ace Hotel, and more. In 2017, they completed a BFA Double Major in Screenwriting and Poetry.
Shelly-Anne Li (she/her)
Dr. Shelly-Anne Li is the Director and Scientist of Research & Community Engagement at the Artists’ Health Centre, University Health Network, and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family & Community Medicine at the University of Toronto. At the Centre, Dr. Li develops and evaluates interventions and programs aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of artists, improving access to healthcare, and translating research into practice through health professions education and community engagement. She is passionate about sharing research and knowledge to arts communities, empowering them to advocate for and champion their own health needs.
Cindy Rivers (she/her)
Cindy Rivers is the Training and Education Coordinator at The AFC as well as a professional standup comedian, actor, and much more. She has an extensive background in 2SLGBTQIA+ activism and a professional background in business operations. As a transgender woman, Cindy uses her unique perspectives and experience to help, educate, and listen… and she’s pretty funny too.
About the Artists’ Health Centre
University Health Network’s Artists’ Health Centre offers healthcare to artists of all disciplines, and to arts students and educators. The Centre is the only clinic of its kind in Canada that specializes in serving artists. With a mandate that also includes research, education and engagement in the arts community, the Centre strives to understand the health needs of artists to provide evidence-based, artist-centered care.
