Canadian Heritage announced Monday the launch of a fund that is intended to “support incentives and initiatives to encourage greater participation by diverse communities in the media and cultural industries.”
The Changing Narratives Fund was spawned via the 2024 budget, in which the federal government pledged $10 million over three years to assist “diverse communities and organizations, including Indigenous, Black, racialized, ethno-religious minorities, 2SLGBTQI+ and persons with disabilities, have their stories, experiences and perspectives better represented in the media and cultural industries, which will allow Canadians to appreciate and understand Canada’s diversity,” according to a Heritage release.
The fund will go to support mentorship, training and professional development opportunities for these communities, including securing internships and work placements for on-the-job experience, to encourage better participation in the media and cultural industries.
The fund will be administered by three programs: the Canada Media Fund for television, digital media, screen industry and cinematic production; and the Canada Periodical Fund’s Collective Initiative and the Local Journalism Initiative for magazines and community newspapers, written press, community radio, community television and online news services.
The CMF said in a same-day release that it will release the guidelines and frequently asked questions about its portion of the fund on November 1 and will open the application portal on November 21 until December 20.
“Our country’s audiovisual industry has thrived because of the power of Indigenous and Canadian storytellers,” Valerie Creighton, president and CEO of the CMF, said in the release. “They are the heart of our industry, offering unique perspectives that resonate deeply with audiences at home and abroad,” “Through initiatives like the Changing Narratives Fund, the Canada Media Fund will be able to do even more to foster opportunities for creators from diverse communities to raise their voices and add to the rich tapestry of stories that define us as a nation—our diversity, our history, and our collective experiences.”
Heritage Minister Pascale St. Onge
