tdsbCREATES is a board-wide Arts initiative connecting local artists with classrooms through Mentorship and Residency Programs to help foster creativity while exploring visual arts, dance, drama, spoken word, film, music and multidisciplinary arts. This Program focuses on process and engagement through the Arts, while celebrating student voice, powerful ideas and creativity for all.

This program is offered by the TDSB Arts Department in partnership with the Toronto Arts Council and in collaboration with Prologue Performing Arts at no cost to schools.

2024/2025 Program Overview

tdsbCREATES Residency for Grade 1-8 Core Classes (October-January)

This artist in the classroom program engages students in the creative process through a series of half day sessions in core Gr. 1-8 classrooms. Two teachers from your school in the same grade range are invited to partner together and collaborate with a professional artists through this initiative.

*NEW*Gr. 1-8 teachers will now be able to apply for the program in September 2024.

tdsbCREATES Mentorship for Grade 7-12 Classes/Extra-curricular groups (February-May)

Culminating in a Performing Arts Festival and an Art and Film Exhibition Celebration in Spring 2025, this program provides artist mentorship to help students realize their creative goals both in the classroom and in extra-curricular groups or clubs.

Applications Due: November 2024

Performing Arts Festival: Date TBA April 2025

Art & Film Exhibition: May 15 - June 4 @ Daniels Spectrum

Art & Film Exhibition Opening Night Celebration: May 22 @ Daniels Spectrum

Professional Learning for Elementary Educators in September

Gr. 1-8 educators are invited to attend one of four exciting full day professional learning sessions with tdsbCREATES Artists to help you build Dance, Drama, Visual Arts and Music strategies at Art Reach @ Downsview Secondary School in September.

Gr. 1-8 teachers are invited to sign up for one of the following full day sessions on myPath in September:

Sept. 17: Dance & Music

Sept. 19: Visual Arts & Music

Sept. 24: Dance & Drama

Sept. 26: Visual Arts & Drama