Program Overview | 2026
Building, renewing, or reimagining a creative space?
The Creative Spaces Mentoring Network (CSMN) is here to support your goals.
CSMN is a province-wide mentoring program that connects arts and cultural leaders with experienced professionals for individualized, one-to-one learning, helping participants develop the knowledge, confidence, and strategic thinking needed to successfully manage and advance creative space projects.
Whether you’re planning a new space, navigating a renovation, strengthening operational systems, or envisioning long-term sustainability, CSMN provides practical guidance, sector insights, and a supportive learning community.
What the Program Offers
One-to-One Mentorship
Mentees are matched with a mentor who brings relevant experience in creative spaces, capital projects, asset management, organizational strategy, or community development. Mentors and mentees meet up to three hours per month over two program segments (April–June and September–November) to work on the mentee’s priority areas.
Areas of focus may include:
- Accessible and inclusive space design
- Property management, leasing, and sub-leasing
- Strategic partnerships and community engagement
- Marketing, promotion, and digital communications
- Human resources and governance
- Asset management and capital planning
- Fundraising, financial strategy, and capital campaigns
- Municipal and government relations
All mentoring conversations remain confidential and tailored to the mentee’s goals.
New for 2026: Capstone Project
Each mentee will complete one practical deliverable, developed with their mentor. Options include:
- Space Sustainability Blueprint – A roadmap to strengthen long-term viability
- Micro Feasibility Study – A focused, actionable snapshot for emerging space plans
- Fundraising Readiness Package – Key materials to prepare for capital or operating funding
- Space Activation Pilot – A test activation or community engagement moment
- Partnerships & Space Opportunities Map – A regional scan of collaborators and underused spaces
The capstone helps mentees leave the program with a tangible tool that advances their project.
Skill Building & Support
Participants gain:
- Stronger business and strategic planning skills
- Expanded management and leadership capacity
- Increased confidence and decision-making ability
- New tools and approaches to facility-related challenges
- A broader network of sector peers and mentors
ABO supports participants through:
- A Kick-Off Webinar, Mid-Program Check-In, and Wrap-Up Webinar
- Program resources, materials, and optional learning sessions
- Ongoing check-ins and troubleshooting
- Connections with peers across Ontario
Program Timeline | 2026
| Call for Applications Opens | December 15, 2025 |
| Deadline for Mentee Applications | January 16th, 2026 |
| Selection & Matching | January 19-March 31 |
| Program Kick-Off | April 1 |
| Phase One | April 1-June 30 |
| Mid-Program Check-In | June 24 |
| Professional Development Workshop | July 15 |
| Phase Two | September 1-November 30 |
| Program Wrap-Up | December 1 |
Who Can Apply
CSMN is open to:
- Staff from Ontario arts organizations and non-profit cultural organizations
- Individual artists responsible for, or planning to manage, creative space
- Leaders engaged in capital projects, facility planning, space activation, or operational renewal
Applicants may own, lease, or be seeking space—ownership is not required.
How to Apply
To apply to the Creative Spaces Mentoring Network, please complete the online Mentee Application Form 2026. We will be accepting 25 applicants for this year’s cohort.
Fees
If selected, mentees pay a $175 + HST program fee.
ABO will coordinate the mentor matching process and arrange introductory meetings between mentees and prospective mentors (January–March 2026).
Interested in Mentoring?
Professionals with experience in creative space development, capital projects, operations, governance, finance, or community partnerships are encouraged to apply.
Mentors volunteer their time and play an important role in strengthening Ontario’s arts ecosystem. Apply using the Mentor Application Form.
Contact
For questions about the Creative Spaces Mentoring Network, contact:
Tatiana Doucette, Director of Programs and Partnerships programs@artsbuildontario.ca | 519-880-3670 ext. 102
