ABOUT:
Arts for Equity is a bold new initiative rooted in the belief that the arts (and arts communities) must be a space of justice, representation, and belonging.
Running from September 2025 through March 2026, the project brings together artists, community partners, and equity-deserving groups, including Indigenous, Black, racialized, language minority, and other historically excluded communities, to dismantle barriers in the arts sector and build new pathways rooted in anti-racism and decolonizing practices. By centering the voices of these artists, this initiative challenges colonial ideas of who is recognized as an artist, whose work is valued, and whose stories are placed at the centre of our cultural spaces.
In Phase One, the focus is on listening. Through surveys, conversations, and outreach with Indigenous, Black and racialized artists, makers, and community groups, we will gather feedback on their knowledge of- and engagement with professional arts organizations. This stage will uncover the barriers that limit full participation and highlight the inequities that persist within arts spaces in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Phase Two moves from listening to data-informed action. Drawing on the knowledge gained, Eastern Edge will host panels, workshops, and creative initiatives centering honest dialogue, practical skill-building, and cultural celebration. We will provide platforms for artists to share their work and help bridge the gap to opportunity.
At its core, Arts for Equity is about community. It is about making sure that artists who have been historically excluded are given the space, resources, recognition and respect they deserve.
Let’s build an arts sector that is both inclusive and just!
CONTACT:
Khadeja Raven Anderson, Aditya Sikka
Project Coordinators
easternedgeequityproject@gmail.com
Instagram: @easternedge.arc, #ArtsForEquity
Facebook:@easternedge.arc
We invite you to share your personal stories of the challenges you’ve faced in accessing opportunities within the arts sector. Your perspectives are vital in helping us understand the barriers that exist, and will guide us in creating more inclusive, anti-racist and equitable opportunities for artists from all communities.
PROJECT STAFF:
Khadeja Raven Anderson
Project Coordinator
Khadeja Raven Anderson is a Black and Indigenous (Taíno) Trinidadian and is the founder of Ravensong Consulting NL, co-founder of Black Lives Matter NL, member of Anti Racism Coalition NL and Girls RockNL and an award-winning, nationally recognized advocate for anti-racism, equity, and inclusion and published author. She has been awarded with the Human Rights Champion Award, the YWCA Circle of Distinction Social Justice and Advocacy Award, and the CBC Atlantic Black Changemaker Award for her leadership and dedication to community impact.
Aditya Raj Sikka
Project Coordinator
Aditya Raj Sikka is a media and content producer, an active member of the Film and TV industry in Newfoundland and Labrador and a business marketer. He has worked alongside multiple studios with his most prominent work in St. John’s Fashion Week as an Associate Producer and Production Coordinator for three documentaries for BellFibe TV, Here To Stay, Unsung Heroes and Runway On The Rock; that captured stories of Indigenous artists and veterans.
This project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada. Ce projet a été rendu possible en partie grâce au gouvernement du Canada.
Progress– Click on the following links to blog posts about the successful outreach and educational initiatives so far.
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