Indigenous Arts & Community Program Specialist
Position Type: Contract/Consultant
Location: Toronto, ON (with virtual connections to Indigenous communities across Canada)
Duration: Initial 8-month contract with possibility of extension
Posted: October 23, 2025
About the Opportunity
Luminato Festival is seeking an Indigenous Arts and Community Program Specialist to lead the development of innovative, culturally informed arts programming as part of the groundbreaking Tanenbaum Indigenous Art Play Program. This first-of-its-kind initiative represents a transformative collaboration between Luminato Festival, Right To Play, and the Larry and Judy Tanenbaum Family Foundation.
This is a unique opportunity to shape a pioneering program that will empower Indigenous youth across Canada through the combined power of art and play, creating meaningful connections to cultural identity while building confidence, resilience, and potential career pathways in the arts.
About the Program
The Tanenbaum Indigenous Art Play Program launches in 2025 as a three-year initiative that will:
- Begin with programs in 5-10 Indigenous communities in early 2026
- Expand nationwide by 2027
- Combine Luminato Festival's world-class artistic programming with Right To Play's 15 years of trusted community partnerships
- Create opportunities for Indigenous youth to connect with professional artists
- Explore both traditional and contemporary art forms
- Strengthen cultural identity and community connections
Key Responsibilities
Community Engagement
- Lead community consultation processes to inform program development
- Build meaningful relationships with Indigenous artists, cultural producers and arts educators
- Facilitate workshops and focus groups to gather community input on locally specific contemporary arts practices across music, performing arts, visual art, with interdisciplinary practice being advantageous
- Ensure ongoing evaluation and feedback mechanisms are culturally appropriate
- The successful candidate will work directly with a new team member; Curriculum and Communication Officer Consultant at Right to Play
Artist Connections
- Identify and connect with professional Indigenous artists from across Canada.
- Learn about mentorship opportunities and role model activities that are arts based
- Based on consultation with professional artists, Elders and communities, create a comprehensive packet of arts-based activities that would be appropriate for youth across a wide age range, that could be integrated into after-school programs
- Create pathways for youth participation in Luminato Festival programming
- Build networks between emerging and established Indigenous artists
Program Implementation
- Support programs launch in early 2026
- Provide training and guidance to community facilitators
- Monitor program delivery and effectiveness
- Contribute to program expansion planning for nationwide rollout
Arts Insight for Curriculum Development
- Co-design culturally informed, play-based arts activities that honors Indigenous traditions and customs
- Co-develop age-appropriate activities that facilitate creative expression and cultural connection, which can be adapted into an after-school program environment
- Co-create resources and materials that can be adapted for diverse Indigenous communities
- Ensure all programming reflects authentic Indigenous voices, priorities, and traditions
Required Qualifications
Essential
- Indigenous with demonstrated connection to and within community
- Demonstrated experience in curriculum development or arts education particularly for Indigenous youth
- Strong knowledge of Indigenous cultural traditions, customs, and protocols
- Professional experience working in contemporary art, music, theatre within an Indigenous context
- Experience working with Indigenous communities across Canada
- Background in arts education, cultural programming, or creative facilitation
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Ability to travel to Indigenous communities across Canada
Preferred
- Post-secondary education in Indigenous Studies, Education, Arts, or related field
- Experience with play-based learning methodologies
- Knowledge of Right To Play programming approaches
- Previous work with arts organizations or festivals
- Bilingual capabilities (Indigenous languages an asset)
- Experience with program evaluation and community consultation processes
What We Offer
- Competitive consultant compensation commensurate with experience
- Travel and accommodation expenses for community visits
- Opportunity to shape a groundbreaking national program
- Collaboration with leading arts and youth development organizations
- Professional development and networking opportunities
- Meaningful work that directly impacts Indigenous youth across Canada
Application Process
We encourage applications from Indigenous candidates who are passionate about empowering youth through culturally grounded arts programming.
Please submit to resume@luminato.com
- Cover letter describing your connection to Indigenous communities and relevant experience
- Resume/CV highlighting relevant qualifications and experience
- Portfolio or examples of previous curriculum development or community engagement work
- References from Indigenous community members or organizations you have worked with
Application Deadline: November 7, 2025
Interviews: Week of November 10th
Starting: Week of November 24th
Salary: $60,000 PA (prorated for part-time, eight-month contract)
Commitment to Indigenous Leadership
This position is specifically designated for Indigenous candidates as part of our commitment to Indigenous leadership and authentic community engagement. Luminato Festival is committed to creating an inclusive, respectful workplace that honors Indigenous knowledge systems and ways of being.
Contact Information
For questions about this position, please contact:
Lucy Eveleigh
Executive Producer
Luminato Festival
Email: LEveleigh@luminato.com
Luminato Festival acknowledges that we are located on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands.
